Christina Rasanen Memorial Scholarship
Christina was a dedicated provider whose time on this earth was far too short. With a generous spirit and deep love for her family, friends, and patients, she touched many lives in ways that will not be forgotten. Her central gift—her superpower—was healing. She healed everyone around her. Little did we know, she didn’t save enough of that healing for herself. Sadly, Christina ended her journey by suicide, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and passion.
Christina’s adventurous and compassionate spirit carried her from the East Coast to South Dakota and eventually across the world. She was a lover of animals, nature, and travel, and her free-spirited joy and warmth touched everyone she met. Her path in life reflected her gift of healing—first through environmental science, then as a paramedic, EMT, firefighter, and later as a Physician Assistant, where she saved countless lives with courage and compassion.
Christina’s life was filled with adventure, whether traveling across the globe, snowboarding in Montana, or rock hunting in her own backyard. She built a loving home with her fiancé in Rapid City. Though her journey ended too soon, and in a way that leaves loved ones heartbroken, Christina’s light remains in the memories she created and the lives she touched. Though her journey ended too soon, and in a way that leaves loved ones heartbroken, Christina’s light remains in the memories she created and the lives she touched. She will be remembered as a healer, an explorer, a caregiver, and a source of laughter and love. Her legacy lives on in her family, her friends, her community, and in the beauty of the world she so passionately embraced.
This scholarship seeks to honor Christina Rasanen by supporting students who share her passion for caregiving.
Any graduate student who is pursuing a career as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner in South Dakota may apply for this scholarship opportunity, but non-traditional students and applicants interested in emergency medicine are preferred.
To apply, tell us about yourself, how you plan to make a difference, why you’re pursuing your chosen degree, and how your experience with mental health has impacted your life.
Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you plan to make a positive impact on the world through your medical career?
What made you want to go to PA/CNP school?
How has your experience with mental health influenced your beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations?
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FAQ
The application deadline is Apr 5, 2026. Winners will be announced on May 5, 2026.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on May 5, 2026. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.
