UND Physical Therapy students receive scholarships for 2025-26
GRAND FORKS, N.D.—The Department of Physical Therapy (PT) at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences has awarded scholarships to several students for the upcoming academic year. Funds for the scholarships are given from various private sources, endowments, and scholarship funds.
“We are proud to congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors whose support makes these opportunities possible,” said Cindy Flom-Meland, chair of UND’s Department of Physical Therapy. “Their contributions are not only changing lives but inspiring the next generation of physical therapists. These scholarships recognize the hard work, dedication, and potential of our students, and we celebrate both the recipients’ achievements and the donors’ lasting impact on their futures.”
Scholarship winners for the 2025-26 academic year include:
Arnold “Arnie” Keck Memorial Scholarship – Noah Gaffy, Bemidji, Minn.
Arnie Keck was a long-time anatomy instructor at UND and was an Assistant Professor
at the Department of Physical Therapy from 1968-1973 and 1981-1996.
Henry “C.” Bud Wessman Scholarship – Haley Hase, Linton, N.D., and Mara VanNyhuis, Osakis, Minn.
To be given to a student with strong leadership qualities, a strong commitment to
the profession of physical therapy, and a strong commitment to community service.
Clarence Blecha Physical Therapy Scholarship – Dana Zarn, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Established by Clarence’s wife, Esther, to honor her husband. Clarence, although not
an alumnus or faculty member at UND-PT, was a long-time friend of the program and
one of the first physical therapists to practice in North Dakota. The scholarship
is for a student in good academic standing who has successfully completed the first
full-time clinical experiences. The recipient shall exhibit the skills Clarence used
in his career, including effective communication, motivation, and a dedication to
the service of people. Most importantly, the recipient should exhibit caring skills
in working with patients and personnel.
David and Donna Severson Physical Therapy Scholarship Endowment – Breana Tretter,
Grand Forks, N.D., and Hannah SnoBeck, Emerado, N.D.
To be given to a second- or third-year student in good academic standing. Preference
for a motivated and caring student who shows an interest in practicing in a geriatric
setting and with an interest in geriatric rehabilitation and fitness.
Jodi and Scott Boettner Physical Therapy Scholarship – Quincie Floden, Euclid, Minn., and Hannah Ust, Portland, N.D.
To provide one or more academic scholarships to a second- or third-year PT student(s)
in good academic standing at UND-PT. Preference will be given to a motivated and caring
student who shows interest in practicing PT in a geriatric setting.
Karl Stadem Memorial Scholarship – Erica Peters, Fargo, N.D.
Karl Stadem graduated from the UND-PT program in 1980. To be given to a student interested
in practicing in the rural Great Plains with high motivation for the profession of
physical therapy. The student must demonstrate perseverance and strong character and
be independent of family support.
Marilyn Horner Rose Memorial Scholarship – Tyler Grensteiner, Fargo, N.D.
Marilyn Horner Rose graduated from UND-PT program in 1981. To be given to a physical
therapy student who has earned a high GPA and who shows great promise as a clinician.
Virginia “Ginger” Cole Scholarship – Madison Bowers, Detroit Lakes, Minn., Parker Carroll, Grand Forks, N.D., Reese Richards, Underwood, Minn., and Samantha Krogfoss, Williston, N.D.
Ginger was a member of the PT Class of 1976. No stated criteria other than recipient
must be a physical therapy student.
PT 50th Anniversary Scholarship – Eliana Parks, Gig Harbor, Wash., and Lucas Simon, Horace, N.D.
No stated criteria other than recipient must be a physical therapy student.
PT Scholarship for Future Neuro Providers – Olivia Manuel, West Fargo, N.D., and Logan Redding, Donnybrook, N.D.
Awarded to a second- or third-year physical therapy student in good academic standing.
Preference given to a student who emulates the American Physical Therapy Association
(APTA) core values and has an interest in working with people with neurological health
conditions.
Richard Ekstrom Physical Therapy Scholarship Endowment – Isaiah Kludt, Hettinger, N.D., and Tyler Schmit, Bismarck, N.D.
No stated criteria other than recipient must be a physical therapy student.
Stoney Gessner Scholarship – Abby Bertsch, Rolla, N.D., and Jeremiah Talley, Minot, N.D.
Established to provide scholarships to students enrolled in Physical Therapy at the
UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Preference shall be given to North Dakota
residents who are in their second or third year of the program and who are actively
involved with APTA North Dakota.
Wesley Hoffman Physical Therapy Scholarship – Carlan Haugrud, Pelican Rapids, Minn., and Ellie Tillma, Grand Rapids, Minn.
To be given to a student enrolled in the professional physical therapy program at
UND.
Faculty for Students Scholarship – Audrey Whitman, Dayton, Minn., and Joshua Batesole, Fargo, N.D.
A scholarship that rotates across programs at the UND School of Medicine & Health
Sciences.
Founded in 1967, UND’s physical therapy program was the first accredited PT program in the state of North Dakota. Since 2006, the program has offered students a clinical doctorate: the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) credential. To date, the program has produced more than 2,200 alumni specializing in everything from neurological and orthopedic PT to sports medicine, geriatric, and pediatric therapy.
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Brian James Schill
Director, Office of Alumni & Community Relations
UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
701.777.6048 direct | 701.777.4305 office
[email protected] | www.und.edu