The Katherine Maryann Rasmussen Scholarship
A Caring Heart
Katherine Maryann Rasmussen—known as Kathy or Katie to her family and friends—was remembered for her warmth, optimism, and enduring pride in her hometown of Grand Forks. Born in 1935 to Carl and Ebba Rasmussen, longtime residents of the community, Kathy was raised in Grand Forks and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1953.
She enrolled at the University of North Dakota to pursue a degree in nursing and was an active member of Alpha Phi, an organization that remained meaningful to her throughout her life. After two years at UND, she relocated to the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and began working in a medical facility. There, she met Alfred Lorentzen, whom she married in 1956. Kathy later chose to dedicate herself fully to her family as a stay-at-home mother.
Friendship was central to Kathy’s life. From childhood through adulthood, she formed lasting relationships rooted in loyalty, kindness, and joy. Lifelong friends and relatives consistently described her as gracious, positive, and incapable of speaking ill of others. Her ready smile, laughter, and genuine interest in people left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Although she moved away from North Dakota in her early twenties, Kathy’s connection to Grand Forks and UND never diminished. She remained deeply proud of her roots and always identified Grand Forks as her home. Her affection for the university and her sorority endured across the decades.
Kathy was active in her church community, singing in the choir, and participating in outreach through the Friends program. She and her family enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and spending time with close friends. A competitive angler, Kathy took particular delight in out-fishing those around her—an accomplishment that never failed to make her smile.
In the fall of 2004, Kathy was diagnosed with cancer. During her final months, she stayed at her aunt’s home on White Bear Lake in Minnesota—a place she cherished deeply. Even while facing the end of her life, she maintained her characteristic humor and positivity, spending meaningful time with loved ones while enjoying sunsets and the natural beauty around her. On March 14, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away at the lake home she loved.
Kathy’s legacy of compassion, moral integrity, and joyful spirit continues to inspire her family and friends.
The Katherinne Maryann Rasmussen Scholarship Endowment
In honor and remembrance of Katherine Maryann Rasmussen, her cousins established the Katherine Maryann Rasmussen Memorial Scholarship Endowment through the UND Alumni Association & Foundation.
This academic scholarship supports one or more high-achieving, qualified students enrolled in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Recipients must demonstrate strong moral character and the potential to lead successful, service-oriented lives and careers.
Three scholarships are awarded annually.
Students who believe they meet the criteria are encouraged to apply through Scholarship Central. Applicants must submit a narrative describing how they fulfill the scholarship requirements and outlining their future plans to continue advancing the mission of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.