WINONA, Minn. — Winona State University selected author Jean Sharon Abbott, a 1998 grad, for its annual alumni achievement award. Abbott is a motivational speaker who finds positive attitude to address life’s obstacles. She draws on lessons in her 2014 book “Misdiagnosed: My Thirty-Year Struggle with a Debilitating Disorder I Never Had.” She is from the Minneapolis suburb of Plymouth. Other alums to be recognized at a Homecoming weekend banquet:

> Barbara Oertel Petersen, 1982 and 1985 grad, retired Winona State retention director.

> Annelie Schmittel, 2009 and 2012, director of player engagement for the Oakland Raiders football team.

> Carl Stange, 1992 and 2002, retired Winona State admissions director.

Earlier: WSU honors grads from 50 years ago

Now she walks. A childhood diagnosis of cerebral palsy said she never would.

Abbott. Author and resiliency speaker.