Ramsey County History – Spring 2022: “Growing Up in Ramsey County: With a Dash of Foreign Spice”

Growing Up in Ramsey County: With a Dash of Foreign Spice
Author: Kitty Gogins

2020 Co-Winner of the Ramsey County Historical Society Virginia B. Kunz Award

Kitty Gogins wrote the companion piece to Krista Finstad Hanson’s International Institute of Minnesota history. Gogin’s family, beginning with her refugee parents, Olga and Tibor Zoltai, learned first-hand how the Institute helps make the transition to a new land and community easier. Gogins brings the story of her family to life with personal stories of hardship, hard work, and humor. The institute didn’t just help the Zoltai family. In fact, the Zoltais returned the favor over the years. Gogin’s mother worked on staff at the Institute and created new and innovative programs for the organization’s international clients. She also mentored refugees, sometimes hosting them at her own home. The rest of the family participated in the Institute’s Festival of Nations, a tradition many Zoltai/Gogins family members continue. Today, Gogins is president of the Institute’s Board of Directors. She plays an active role there and throughout the Roseville and Ramsey County area, welcoming newcomers and helping make their transition easier. Afterall, she understands. Her family has been there.
PDF of K. Gogins article