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Muriel R. Hyden Memorial Scholarship

Fund Background: The Fund was established in April, 1997 by Tom Hyden and Robyn Harrison in loving memory of Tom's mother, Muriel R. Hyden. Muriel never wanted to do anything but teach. She was born in Mohall, ND on October 8, 1919, the daughter of Ludwig & Alma (Jordahl) Rockne. She graduated from Mohall High School in 1937 and North Dakota State University in 1941. She earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Home Economics with teacher certification. She was the third generation of her family to teach.

Muriel taught Home Economics in Cavalier, Washburn and at the State Industrial School in Mandan. She spent several years teaching in eastern Oregon where she met and married Thomas Kit Hyden in 1948. They had a son, Thomas in 1951. When she lost her husband in a car accident in 1953, Muriel moved to Bismarck to raise her son. When Thomas started school, Muriel took a teaching job in Minnesota where she taught home economics for 12 years. She returned to North Dakota in 1969 and taught for the next 17 years in Jamestown. In 1977 Muriel was named "North Dakota State Vocational Teacher of the Year."

Muriel retired in 1986 and moved back to Bismarck. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the American Association of University Women, the American Vocational Association, and Sons of Norway.

Muriel had a life-long love of learning. She was an avid reader. She traveled widely throughout the United States, as well as visiting Norway and West Africa. Her hobbies included sewing and knitting. She continued to share her talents with others as an active volunteer at Good Shepherd, MedCenter One and the North Dakota State Heritage Center.

Eligibility Requirements: Preference will be given to students who are majoring in education, are at least sophomores in college and have a GPA of between 3.0 and 3.5 on a 4.0 = A Scale. The scholarship must be used for tuition at any institution of higher learning.

Applications accepted January 1 - April 1 only. Applications received outside of this window will NOT be accepted.

Return completed application to

The Education Committee of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Bismarck, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501

Download application form (PDF)