Introducing the Dr. Kathleen Ryan Huyen Scholarship Fund
A teacher at heart, Dr. Kathleen Ryan Huyen (1938-2018) spent her entire life in the field of education teaching at all levels—elementary, secondary and college—and holding various administrative positions, including a school superintendent.
For her extensive contributions to the field of education, Kathleen received numerous recognitions during her distinguished career. She made the list of “Who’s Who in American Education” of the National Reference Institute (1990), was a recipient of the College of Saint Scholastica Sr. Alice Lamb Award given to a distinguished alumna for outstanding service to her profession (1990), and was named Administrator of Excellence by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (1998) for her contributions to education in the state of Minnesota.
Always a teacher, Kathleen cherished time spent in the classroom with students. Upon her retirement, she volunteered as a substitute teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic School, where she endeared herself with students and colleagues. She also served as a member of the interim principal team and served on the principal search committee.
In addition to volunteering on parish committees, Kathleen served as a trustee and was involved in the planning and construction of the Holy Spirit Parish Ministry Center and school addition. The structure (built in 2001), has been the pride of the Holy Spirit community with the addition of a full-size gymnasium, Commons space, and library. For her tireless efforts on the project—and with deep gratitude, humility and genuine embarrassment—Kathleen is memorialized on the large mural that graces the Commons south wall. Until her illness made it impossible for her to continue, Kathleen was an active member of the Women of Holy Spirit, participating in nearly all of their activities.
Kathleen was keenly aware of the importance of Catholic education to young people in their formative years and the desire for parents to provide this education to their children. She wished to help those needing financial assistance by establishing a scholarship for the students of her beloved Holy Spirit Catholic School.
To fulfill Kathleen’s wishes, Johannes (her husband of 57 years) has endowed a scholarship fund named the “Dr. Kathleen Ryan Huyen Scholarship Fund” to the Church of the Holy Spirit with a gift of $300,000. Scholarships will be awarded annually to students of Holy Spirit Catholic School (Preschool thru 8th grade) whose families are active parishioners and demonstrate financial need. We anticipate the first awards to be made in 2022.