President Charles J. Graham with is wife, Bonnie, and sons, John, James and David. Photo circa 1972.
Charles J. Graham, St. Cloud State’s 15th president, died Dec. 23 in Minneapolis after a brief illness.
A native of Illinois, Graham worked parts of four decades in higher education, notably leading St. Cloud State from 1971-1981.
The memorial service is noon Jan. 11 at Centennial United Methodist Church in St. Paul. He is survived by his wife, Florence “Bonnie,” sons John (Martha), James (Jenny) and David (Therese), 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
- Read the obituary
St. Cloud State prospered during the Graham decade. Milestones include:
- Founding of our partnership with Akita University in Japan
- Construction of Atwood Mall, Administrative Services Building, Halenbeck Hall south addition and Wick Science Building
- Transition from St. Cloud State College to St. Cloud State University
- The first collective bargaining agreements with faculty and staff
- Founding of University Archives
Of note, Atwood Mall was dedicated in 1974 with Dr. Graham and other dignitaries throwing Frisbees from the steps of Stewart Hall.
In 1981, Graham recorded an entry in the University Archives Oral History Collection with the late Calvin Gower, history professor. Graham discussed his matrilineal descent from the Scottish immigrant, William Henning, who served with Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. He also argued the transition to collective bargaining went well at St. Cloud State because the school’s Faculty Senate already “had a good bit of input, had a good bit of clout.”
- Listen to Graham’s oral history interview
- View the interview transcript (PDF)
- View nearly 40 images of Graham in University Archives
St. Cloud State is indebted to the Graham family for endowing the Charles and Bonnie Graham Scholarship for International Study.
Worked with Chuck on several fundraising projects and served on Foundation Bd
during his tenure. He was a kind, gentle man, always available to students,
faculty & U. supporters
President Graham and I both started at SCSU the same year – 1971. During my sophomore year, it was arranged to have Dr. Graham pledge for our Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity – a professional music service fraternity. I was his pledge master. He was a great sport about it and added wonderful support and recognition to our organization. After that, he invited me to stop by Whitney House (the President’s office at that time) anytime. I occasionally did just that.
I also made great points with my future wife, Cindy Mazurkiewicz, when I introduced her to Dr. Graham and his wife at the Sadie Hawkins dance in Garvey Commons and he asked her to dance!
He was a great leader and a great friend. He was a great inspiration and will be remembered fondly.