John J. Karsten Memorial Scholarship

John Joseph Karsten attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville from 2001-2005, earning an Associate of Arts degree. He used a power wheelchair for mobility while attending the university due to muscular dystrophy, which left him unable to walk at age eight. The progressive nature of John’s diagnosis, which affected all voluntary muscles, made taking notes in class impossible. Nevertheless, he continued his education with assistance from Services for Students with Disabilities and an aide, first pursuing a Music degree and then changing his major to Communication Technologies with a Graphic Communication/Imaging Emphasis. A long hospitalization in 2005 when his swallowing muscle failed requiring the use of a feeding tube, and his need for a laptop ventilator ended John’s college career. Still, his courage, love of life, upbeat personality, and persistence despite extreme physical disability made him a model for others. “Never give up!” was a motto John Karsten lived by as he experienced more challenges each day than some do in a lifetime. In his memory and in recognition of the tremendous daily challenges students with disabilities face, his family created this scholarship.

The following criteria shall be used in the annual selection of the recipient(s):
1. Applicants must be continuing students
2. Applicants must have a physical disability
3. Preference will be given to applicants majoring in the College of Liberal Arts and Education or Business, Industry, Life Science, and Agriculture

If no applicants meet the criteria listed above, students who can demonstrate that they have made an impact on students or other individuals with physical disabilities will be considered. These students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and must submit an essay explaining ways in which they have made an impact on people with physical disabilities.