John and Sharon Haugo Video Bio

Six miles west of Waubon, Minnesota, John Haugo, a shy farm boy, attended a one-room schoolhouse before going to town school in fifth grade. The second oldest child out of nine, Haugo had many responsibilities on the farm and in his family. In high school, he was already becoming a well-rounded individual. The captain of the football team, a district champion in track, and a football player, Haugo was heavily involved in sports, but he somehow found time to participate in class plays, band and serve as the president of student council.

Throughout his time at MSUM, Haugo demonstrated grit and worked diligently to pay for college. During the school year, he washed dishes in the cafeteria and was a dorm resident assistant. A double major in math and physical science, he was successful academically, in his fraternity, football and track, and was the editor of The Dragon and the president of the dorm council.

After graduating from MSUM in 1957, Haugo went on to earn his master of arts and his Ph. D. in educational administration and quantitative methods from the University of Minnesota. Haugo taught math and coached football at Parkers Prairie and Park Rapids High Schools, both in Minnesota. Following his time teaching, he was CEO of the Minnesota Educational Computing Corporation [MECC], the statewide educational computing services organization. For 25 years before his retirement in 2008, he served as CEO of several successful Minneapolis-based healthcare software companies.

Haugo has also been active in community and church activities, serving on several councils and boards over the years. He also served as a director for the MSUM Alumni Foundation Board. He is currently on the board of directors for Luther Seminary in St. Paul and Norway House, a Norwegian Heritage Center, in Minneapolis.

Haugo is one of two alumni who have been inducted into the Dragon Athletics Hall of Fame and received the MSUM Distinguished Alumni award.

Haugo and his wife Sharon have donated to multiple areas at MSUM over the years and are Legacy Society members, believing that those who have been blessed should contribute and help the less fortunate.