An Evening with Patty Wetterling '71: A Conversation on Hope and Resilience
Join us for a fireside chat with Minnesota State Mankato alumna Patty Wetterling '71 on campus. October 1, 2026.
On Oct. 22, 1989, Patty Wetterling's 11-year-old son, Jacob, was abducted near their home in St. Joseph, Minnesota. For nearly three decades, Patty and her family lived with uncertainty while continuing to search for answers.
Through unimaginable hardship, Patty chose hope. A nationally recognized advocate for missing and exploited children, she helped shape policy and awareness efforts across the country. Her work contributed to the passage of the Jacob Wetterling Act in 1994, which established a national sex offender registry.
In her memoir, Dear Jacob: A Mother's Journey of Hope, Patty reflects on the investigation, her family's experience and the lessons she learned about resilience, purpose and healing.
Join Patty and Alumni Association Director Brian Zins at Ostrander Auditorium for a thoughtful conversation about her time at Minnesota State Mankato, the experiences that shaped her leadership and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
Patty will be available to sign pre-purchased books following the event. Following conversation, there will be an opportunity for book signing. Purchase your books whereever available.
This event is free to students, alumni and the Greater Mankato community but registration is required to attend.
On Oct. 22, 1989, Patty Wetterling's 11-year-old son, Jacob, was abducted near their home in St. Joseph, Minnesota. For nearly three decades, Patty and her family lived with uncertainty while continuing to search for answers.
Through unimaginable hardship, Patty chose hope. A nationally recognized advocate for missing and exploited children, she helped shape policy and awareness efforts across the country. Her work contributed to the passage of the Jacob Wetterling Act in 1994, which established a national sex offender registry.
In her memoir, Dear Jacob: A Mother's Journey of Hope, Patty reflects on the investigation, her family's experience and the lessons she learned about resilience, purpose and healing.
Join Patty and Alumni Association Director Brian Zins at Ostrander Auditorium for a thoughtful conversation about her time at Minnesota State Mankato, the experiences that shaped her leadership and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
Patty will be available to sign pre-purchased books following the event. Following conversation, there will be an opportunity for book signing. Purchase your books whereever available.
This event is free to students, alumni and the Greater Mankato community but registration is required to attend.
Where is it happening?
Ostrander Auditorium, 173 Centennial Student Un,Mankato, Minnesota, United States
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherMinnesota State University, Mankato Alumni Association
