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Lars and Hilda Svendsgaard Scholarship

Fund Background: The Lars and Hilda Svendsgaard Scholarship Fund was established in 1984 by Lars and Hilda to assist students who graduate from Bowdon High School.

Lars Svendsgaard was born on December 16, 1900 to John and Zora Svendsgaard. He was one of the first two babies to be born in the then new community of Bowdon, North Dakota. Lars attended Bowdon school until the eighth grade. He left school to start his career which started with the railroad, but eventually ended in California where he owned several successful diners and two hotels. Hilda was an able partner in his endeavors, often decorating the restaurants and hotels in her warm professional style.

Lars and Hilda had one child, Lew, who had two children of his own. The scholarship was established with a gift of stocks in utility companies and has been managed by the North Dakota Community Foundation since 1997.

Eligibility Requirements: A local committee consisting of Jan Jones, Bob Martin, Gary Widicker, and Erica Jones monitor the application process. The Fund will financially assist students graduating from Bowdon Public High School or its successor school district and residing in the Bowdon School District as drawn in 1997. The scholarships will be awarded in one payment and sent to the school chosen by the student.

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

Return completed application to:

North Dakota Community Foundation
Attn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 387
Bismarck ND 58502-0387

Download application form (PDF)