UND Medical Laboratory Science students receive scholarships for 2026-27 academic year
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The Department of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences has awarded scholarships to several MLS students for the upcoming academic year. Funds for the scholarships, which are managed by the UND Alumni Association & Foundation, are given from various private sources, endowments, and scholarship funds.
“We sincerely appreciate the generosity of donors who make scholarships like this available to our students,” said Brooke Solberg, chair of UND’s Department of Medical Laboratory Science. “Their support helps reduce the financial challenges of higher education and recognizes the growing importance of medical laboratory science in healthcare.”
MLS scholarship awardees for the 2026-27 academic year include:
Marcia and Gary Anderson MLS Scholarship Award – Francisco Figueroa, Fargo, N.D.; Sadie Haben, Delano, Minn.; Grace Matter, East Grand Forks, Minn.; and Trevor Peterson, Fayetteville, N.C.
Marcia Anderson, the daughter of scholarship donors Ralph and Hazel Rohde, was a graduate of the UND Medical Technology program, now called the MLS program. Her husband Gary established the scholarship to give to a deserving student pursuing a career in MLS.
Janice and Clifford d’Autremont Scholarship Award – Paige Bakke, Oakes, N.D.
Janice and Clifford d’Autremont of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., have established the scholarship in their name for an academically eligible student pursuing a degree in MLS at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, with preference given to students from the Oakes, N.D., area.
Dr. Cyril J. Dillenburg Memorial Medical Scholarship – Haley Heisler, Velva, N.D.
Cyril Dillenburg, M.D., was medical director of the University of North Dakota Medical Technology program until his death in 1984. The scholarship is given annually to a full-time senior MLS student completing clinical rotations at Altru Health System in Grand Forks, N.D.
Jean Holland Saumur Award – Randi Herndon, Grand Forks, N.D.
Jean Holland Saumur was the program director of the UND Medical Technology program for over thirty years, retiring in 1985. The Jean Holland Saumur Hematology Award is given to the student for achieving the highest grade in hematology in the fall semester.
Janice Schuh-Horysh MLS Scholarship Award – Paris Hoverson, Larimore, N.D., and Aysan Salmani, Grand Forks, N.D.
The Janice Schuh-Horysh award goes to a senior MLS student, with preference given to students from Nelson County, N.D. Janice Schuh grew up in Lakota, N.D., and earned her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree from UND in 1968. She worked at Altru Health System in Grand Forks for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2011.
Duane and Judy Lee Scholarship Award – Minhyeok Yang, Grand Forks, N.D.
Judy Lee graduated from the MLS program when it was known as the Medical Technology program. She worked in a clinic and hospital in Wahpeton, N.D., before moving to West Fargo, N.D., where she has been active in state politics. The Duane and Judy Lee Scholarship award is given to a student earning a degree in MLS at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
Miltza (Mitzi) Luper Biochemistry Award – Charlee Schenfisch, Makoti, N.D.
Luper was an assistant professor in the Biochemistry Department in charge of Medical Technology (MLS) student training from 1955-1981. The award is given each year to a UND medical laboratory science student who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the subject of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Eileen Simonson Nelson Scholarship Award – Elsie Flanagan, West Fargo, N.D.
Eileen Simonson Nelson received her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology, cum laude, from the University of North Dakota in 1955. Eileen began her career in UND’s Department of Pathology in 1956. Eileen retired in 1994. The award goes to the MLS student who receives the highest grade in the MLS 110 course.
Mary Noble Award – Ashley Hebner, Cokato, Minn.; Leia Lauer, Bismarck, N.D.; Irenosen Itua, West Fargo, N.D.; Sofia Robinson, West Fargo, N.D.; Charlee Schenfisch, Manoti, N.D.; and Tori Wetterlind, Inner Groves Heights, Minn.
Mary Beth Noble was a graduate of the UND medical technologist program, today known as medical laboratory science program. Mary Beth worked everywhere: from California and Cape Cod, to Alabama and Kentucky, finishing her career at the Cavalier Clinic in Cavalier, N.D. Mary Noble passed away Sept. 2021 in Fargo, N.D. This award is given to students in undergraduate and graduate MLS routes of study.
Eleanor Ratcliffe Award – Sabrina Velarde, Marana, Ariz.
This award is given each year to a Medical laboratory Science student who has shown academic excellence.
The Ralph and Hazel Rohde Award – Alyssa Smith, West Fargo, N.D.
Ralph and Hazel Rohde’s children had a strong interest in medical science. Two of their sons graduated in medicine, and their daughter and granddaughter graduated from UND in Medical Technology. The Rohdes established a Medical Scholarship Endowment in appreciation for the opportunities that were provided to their children and grandchildren. Ralph died in the 1980s and Hazel died in 1999.
Mary Stanghelle Coleman MLS Scholarship Award – Chloeigh Larson, Grand Forks, N.D.
Mary Stanghelle Coleman, a faculty member in the UND MLS program and active member of ASCLS, established the scholarship award to give to a deserving senior student pursuing a career in medical laboratory science and active in the UND MLS Club.
Linnea J Veeder MLS Scholarship – Bailey Jongeward, Grand Forks, N.D.; Madison Ness, Fargo, N.D.; Amelia Ruse, Grand Forks, N.D.; Ella Speidel, Grand Forks, N.D.; Allison Thorstad, West Fargo, N.D.; and Adaya Kajune, Minot, N.D.
Linnea Veeder and her husband David established the scholarship for a deserving student entering UND as a freshman who is interested in a career in medical laboratory science. Preference is given to students from McIntosh County, N.D., with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Founded in 1949, UND's Department of Medical Laboratory Science is the largest program of its kind in North Dakota. The fully accredited program maintains a commitment to providing students with a high quality, interprofessional education that prepares them for professional success in laboratories large or small. The program has graduated more than 3,000 lab scientists for practice across North Dakota and the U.S.
# # #
Brian James Schill
Director, Office of Communications & Engagement
UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
701.777.6048 direct | 701.777.4305 office
brian.schill@UND.edu | www.UND.edu