Retired physician Dean Strinden explained why and how he and his wife Cathleen have chosen to invest in Williston State College students through the Catheleen L. and Dean R. Strinden Scholarship Endowment.

“I give through the Williston State Foundation because young people are the future of our community. They can get a very good start at WSC at a much lesser cost. They gain the same value of education here, with all their credits transferable to another four-year school. In the meantime, those two years have given them the opportunity to grow in maturity and responsibility.”

As a donor, Dr. Strinden has chosen to be actively involved in targeting areas of need among students. “The scholarship I set up is designated for a C student who receives good recommendations from a teacher to attend college. I believe C students should be given the same consideration as an A student, and here’s why.

“I’ve observed a lot of students over the years. Many don’t mature by the end of high school and don’t necessarily have the A’s. Some are lost and still trying to find themselves. But as they get past that stage and mature, they become ready to dig in and can do wonderfully.”

The Strinden’s scholarship funds are designated for students who are often overlooked in another way, when they move from Williston State, after two years, to a four-year college. “We’ve set up a fund for three students each year who graduate from here and transfer to UND-Grand Forks.”

Thanks, Dr. and Mrs. Strinden, for your thoughtful investment in youth who may otherwise fall through the cracks!