Many people involved with rural water in North Dakota at one time or another came into contact with Patrick Denne. For 20 years, he served as the water Circuit Rider for the North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association, and his travels amounted to about 750,000 miles to every corner of the state.
His mission was to provide technical assistance to drinking water systems in North Dakota. His dedicated service was evident in his willingness to provide that assistance anywhere or anytime it was needed. Oftentimes, this took him away from home on weekends and for many days at a time if necessary, but it also allowed him to witness the incredible growth of rural water systems as few others in North Dakota did.
Denne died peacefully, at his home in West Fargo surrounded by family, on April 4, 2004 following a short, but courageous battle with cancer. He was 53 years old. The NDRWSA strives to keep his memory alive through the Patrick Denne Memorial Scholarship.
Children or grandchildren of current city or rural water system employees or elected officials. The water system must be a current member of the North Dakota Rural Water Supply Association (NDRWSA).
Students enrolled or planning to enroll in Bismarck State College's Water and Wastewater Technology program. They must have:
Apprentices currently enrolled in the NDRWSA Apprenticeship Program.
The applicant must submit the following:
Up to $1,500 per recipient will be awarded. The award is to be used to defray the costs of tuition, books, room and board.
Completed applications for the Patrick Denne Memorial Scholarship must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm CST, April 1, 2025.
The full amount of the scholarship will be paid upon verification of admittance to an accredited institution of higher learning or transcript indicating Water & Wastewater Technology program requirements.
A selection committee will evaluate the applicants and select the scholarship recipients based on career goals, leadership activities, financial need, and an essay. Applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, gender, race, creed or country of origin. Preference will be given to North Dakota residents.