1995 Distinguished Alumna - Ann Jobe Wynia

Ann Jobe Wynia served seven terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives and twice was elected the body's majority leader. She left the legislature to take a post as commissioner of Minnesota's Department of Human Services.

In 1994 she was the Democratic Party's nominee for the U.S. Senate. Wynia, who earned a bachelor's degree from Arlington State College (now UTA) in 1965, currently is President of North Hennepin Community College in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

She has received numerous honors throughout her public service career including Children's Champion Award from the Children's Defense Fund and the Dr. Nathan Davis Award from the American Medical Association.

A former regent of the University of Minnesota, Wynia was the founder and first board president of the Block Nurse Program which provides home care for seniors.

She and her husband Gary reside in St. Paul.