The Kristy LeMond Endowed Distinguished Memorial Scholarship
Celebrating the First Community-Based Distinguished Scholarship in UW ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ History
Kristy’s Story
Kristy LeMond was a bright light — compassionate, joyful and deeply connected to the people around her. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications, she also minored in Education, Learning and Society in the ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ’s ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ, reflecting her deep commitment to education and social impact.
After her passing, her loved ones came together to honor her spirit in lasting and meaningful ways.
What began as a casual golf outing among friends, from Santa Monica, CA, the Rat Pack Invitational (RPI), has grown into a powerful force for good. Over the past 12 years, this community-driven event has raised more than $250,000 — remarkably, 80% of that total has come directly from the RPI group. Their extraordinary generosity led to the creation of the first-ever community-based Distinguished Scholarship in the ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ’s ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ.
This scholarship reflects Kristy’s passion for education, service and her belief in the transformative power of community. It continues to support aspiring educators who share her values, creating ripple effects in classrooms and communities far beyond the UW campus.
She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. — From Kristy’s post “Laughing Without Fear”
The Kristy LeMond Endowed Distinguished Memorial Scholarship: Impact by the Numbers
- $250,000+ raised to date
- 8 scholarship recipients supported and counting
- Annual funding with sustained growth through the endowment
- First-ever community-funded Distinguished Scholarship in UW’s ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ
- Driven by two major annual events + countless individual donors
Annual Events Supporting the Scholarship
These beloved events do more than honor Kristy’s memory — they inspire community, connection and support for the scholarship created in her name.
Rat Pack Invitational (RPI) | Every year in San Diego, CA
A beloved golf event and dinner reception hosted by Barry’s childhood friends. In recognition of this support, the ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ will unveil a commemorative plaque honoring the Rat Pack’s extraordinary legacy.
Kristy LeMond Memorial Volleyball Tournament | Every summer in Issaquah, WA
What began as a small neighborhood tournament that Kristy once played in has grown into a full-day event of sun, sand and celebration. While not a fundraiser, the tournament brings people together to honor Kristy's spirit and encourages ongoing support for the scholarship.
Student Impact
Kristy’s belief in education lives on through the students empowered by her scholarship.
“With this scholarship, I am able to dedicate more time to pursue educational passions of mine, like working with community groups to impact student groups. I hope to pursue additional volunteering opportunities in educational settings throughout the rest of this school year, and this scholarship gives me the privilege to explore those options, and I thank you all deeply for this.”
– Alec Benson, Scholarship Recipient, 2024-2025
“This scholarship holds a special place in my heart because it embodies Kristy's passion for education and her remarkable dedication to making a difference in the world. It is particularly special to me as it marks the first and only scholarship I've received on my educational journey. With your support, I'm able to pursue my studies with renewed purpose, self-assuredness, and passion.”
– Brenda Daniela Ochoa Ramirez, Scholarship Recipient 2023-2024
“This award funding will help me to pay my tuition and be able to commute to and from school. It will also help me to support my family in the future by aiding me in getting through college and working in a role that will help me to give back to the community that gave me so much.”
– Fadumo Jaama, Scholarship Recipient 2022-2023
Voices of the Community
Reflections from those who helped build and sustain the scholarship — family, friends, volunteers and champions of Kristy’s vision.
Kathy LeMond, Kristy's mother
Can you share a moment or story that really captures Kristy’s heart or spirit?
There are so many that I could share. One that captures her heart and spirit is when she was in San Clemente, Chile and found out that she had to go home because of a probable tumor in her leg. I am quoting her own words about the experience as she expressed it best.
“Everyone talks about that moment when they hear those words 'cancer' and it feels like their world has turned upside down. I will admit that was what I felt but it was more from the words 'you need to go back home, now'. I had just started to develop a life in San Clemente and I was completely swept up in the charm of this humble and loving city that I had decided to extend my stay in San Clemente until December. To go from this high of feeling like I am exactly where I should be to finding out I need to abandon my new home was devastating… I felt as though the love I had for the people there was reciprocated and although that made it so much harder to leave, it also gave me clarity that this really was a special place for me, that it is somewhere I can hopefully visit again and will be welcomed back with warm hugs and a lot of kisses… It’s never fun to leave part of your heart somewhere.”
She loved people, she loved making a difference in the lives of kids, she loved to travel, and she loved volunteering. Her heart was pulling her to far away places to make a difference.
How have you seen Kristy’s values live on through the people involved in this fund?
I see them supporting her vision of education for those who need it the most. The scholarship at UW for future educators, is one of 3 (and by far the largest) scholarships/grants created in her honor to further her impact and passion for education and volunteerism. The passion of those involved in supporting this scholarship is nothing short of amazing. The RPI, especially, consists of Barry’s lifelong friends from Santa Monica, California, many of whom never met Kristy. In 2014, they adopted the scholarship as a fundraiser and took the $12,000 fund and turned it into a legacy for our daughter. Each year they thought of new ways to motivate people to give, including creating and giving away Kristy wine to those who donated a certain amount to the scholarship. They connected with our general donors and brought them into the fold each year.
What has it meant to you to see the community grow around the scholarship, and around Kristy?
It has been overwhelming in a beautiful way. The loss of a child is something beyond comprehension. It is not the way life is supposed to go yet it happens to so many people. Not everyone, however, gets to experience the blessing of their child continuing to live and impact others as a result of the love, generosity, and support of friends, family, and strangers who connect with who she was.
What gives you the most joy or hope when you think about Kristy’s legacy today?
When Kristy was in hospice, she shared that she felt confident she had figured out what God wanted her to do with her life and it made her sad that she wouldn’t be able to do it. Someone looked at her and said, “Oh, Kristy, your work will be done. You just won’t be the one doing it.” How true that has turned out to be.The scholarship at UW for future educators, the Kristy LeMond Scholarship Fund for Young Women in Tanzania, and the Kristy LeMond Impact Grant for volunteerism and service projects, ensure that Kristy’s impact will continue long after we are gone.
If you could speak directly to a future scholarship recipient, what would you want them to know?
One person CAN make a difference. Use this opportunity to be that one person and find a way to make an impact and change lives. It was Kristy’s minor in Education that first motivated her to reach out to marginalized youth. She wanted to empower young people and knew that love, compassion, and education were vital to their success. Once she went to Tanzania, she recognized just how important education was, especially for young girls. We hope you embrace Kristy’s passion to teach those less fortunate.
Barry LeMond, Kristy's father, co-founder of the Rat Pack Invitational
What are some memories or qualities that come to mind when you think of Kristy?
There are so many wonderful qualities she had and I will try to narrow them down. She was kind, compassionate, considerate of others, loved working with and teaching children, and loved volunteering. It made me very happy that she and our son Kevin were best friends and that she always had Kevin’s back and best interests at heart. She simply adored him.
How did the idea for the Rat Pack Invitational come about, and what has it meant to you over the years?
The Rat Pack itself started almost 65 years ago with a group of 8 of us who grew up in Santa Monica CA. We all lived on the same street and have remained friends to this day. We have reunited for golf, surfing, weddings, reunions, and other gatherings. Over the years, we continued to get together with other classmates from elementary, jr. high, and high school for an annual golf tournament. When Kristy passed away, this group wanted to honor her by starting a scholarship in her name. The original thought was to create something around her love for volleyball but as it turns out, we focused on the Education Department at the UW where a small support fund had already been established. The first goal was to reach $25,000. When that amount was achieved in the first year, they did not want to stop. Each year the target increased with amazing success, until the very lofty goal of $250K, to become a Distinguished Scholarship, was attained in 2024 - a short 12-year timeframe.
What has it been like to see Kristy’s memory honored through this growing community of friends, family, and supporters?
This support shown for Kristy and our family has meant the world to us and knowing her legacy will continue helping students grow and learn through the ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ is humbling. Our family has grown, through the kindness and support of so many people, to include our immediate family, dear friends, and supporters. It has taken this village of support and friendship to make our journey a little easier.
Reaching Distinguished Scholarship status is such a milestone—how does that feel to you, personally?
Reaching the Distinguished Scholarship level makes me so thankful for all of my lifelong friends and how they have rallied behind our daughter to make this dream goal a reality. Kristy’s legacy will always continue because of this accomplishment.
What do you hope students who receive the scholarship come to understand about Kristy and the legacy that surrounds them?
I hope that students will look at this scholarship and know that you can achieve amazing things in life even when it is turned upside down at times. I hope they will use this opportunity to make positive impacts in whatever career they choose and help people along the way. I hope they see the future in a positive light and are kind and considerate to all they meet.
Kevin LeMond, Kristy's brother
Can you share a bit about Kristy?
Kristy was an incredible sister. Growing up, she was always looking out for me—cheering me on through new experiences, celebrating my wins, and helping me navigate the tougher moments. But it was during our early adulthood that our bond truly deepened. She became my sounding board, my role model, and someone I turned to for honest, thoughtful advice. What made Kristy so special was her unwavering kindness and the way she lived without judgment. People were naturally drawn to her because she made everyone feel seen and valued. She treated her friends like family and would drop everything to help someone in need. Her values—compassion, service, authenticity—guided everything she did. It’s hard to put into words what set her apart, because there was truly no one like her. She was one of a kind, and we won’t ever meet another Kristy. I’m just grateful that in her time here, she was able to live those values fully and leave such a powerful impact on the lives of others.
What has it meant to you to see Kristy’s legacy continue to grow and impact so many students through this scholarship? What have you learned through that experience?
Seeing Kristy’s legacy grow through this scholarship and impact so many students has been profoundly meaningful. I still remember the moment when we heard that an anonymous donor created the scholarship with $5,000—at the time, we had no idea just how far this effort would go. Since then, it’s been both humbling and inspiring to watch the scholarship open doors for deserving students and create opportunities that truly change lives. I feel incredibly fortunate to stay connected to something that reflects Kristy’s values so clearly. Through this experience, I’ve learned how powerful a legacy can be when it’s built on love, purpose, and service. Kristy would be so proud—not just of the scholarship itself, but of the impact it continues to have on others, just as she did in her lifetime.
What do you hope both recipients and supporters come to understand about what this scholarship truly represents?
This scholarship is a reflection of the values Kristy lived by—service, compassion, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. While it provides critical financial support, its impact goes far beyond tuition. It opens doors, creates opportunities, and helps shape each recipient’s path as future educators, leaders, and changemakers. For both recipients and supporters, I hope they see this scholarship as a living tribute to Kristy's spirit—something that builds community, fosters growth, and encourages each person it touches to carry forward the same values she embodied.
Is there a moment or memory, from an event, a conversation, or a letter from a scholarship recipient, that’s stayed with you and reminded you why this effort matters?
One moment that has stayed with me was when we reached the $250,000 fundraising milestone. We were in California at the annual Rat Pack Invitational with longtime friends from my dad’s childhood. Being there, surrounded by people who wholeheartedly supported the scholarship—even many who had never met Kristy—was incredibly moving. It showed me how powerful the vision behind this effort truly is. The values Kristy lived by are so clearly reflected in the mission of the scholarship that people feel connected to it regardless of whether they knew her personally. Experiencing that level of support in person reminded me just how present Kristy’s legacy still is in our lives. A community coming together around a shared purpose—one rooted in love, service, and impact—is exactly the kind of thing she would have been so proud of.
Michael Graber, family friend and RPI fundraiser coordinator
Can you tell us about yourself and connection to Kristy and her family?
I grew up on the same street in Santa Monica with a dozen boys roughly the same age. This was in the mid-1950’s through the early 70’s. As teenagers we were incessantly inventing new forms of mischief. Hence the moniker, “The Rat Pack” given to us by our parents. One of the core families were the LeMonds. Myself and my 3 brothers were all friends with the 3 LeMond boys of which obviously, Barry LeMond was one.
What is the Rat Pack Invitational (RPI)?
My involvement with the RPI (Rat Pack Invitational) was through over a half century of friendship. It’s a unique tribe bound by years but also through a shared passion for sports. Our group which varies in size but is between 35 and 50 people, all grew up together and amazingly remained in contact. The RPI is an annual golf event but not limited to only those who golf. We get together, share meals, memories, drinks, more memories, more drinks. It’s like a family reunion but without the weirdness of the crazy uncle and accompanying drama.
What inspired you to get involved in honoring Kristy's legacy?
A friend (fellow Rat Packer) called me and suggested I start following the blog that Barry LeMond’s daughter, Kristy, was writing about her struggle against cancer. What I discovered through Kristy's writing was extraordinary. Her writing was honest, courageous, hopeful and never a hint of self-pity. I was riveted and followed the posts eagerly and with deep hope that somehow this brave young woman would survive. When the final post appeared and I knew she would write no more, I had the visceral urge to do something. I could not be her message but I could be her messenger. There had already been a generous donation made in her behalf and I felt committed to motivating the tribe to build on the initial donation and create a meaningful and lasting memorial to Kristy. This would also be a statement how a group of friends, through enduring love and friendship, can achieve miraculous goals. It’s been a long haul.
What do you hope the scholarship means to its recipients?
I hope the recipients of the Kristy LeMond Scholarship know that our group, bound by love and friendship, is excited for all the interesting possibilities that wait in their future.
Jay Rippel, family friend and organizer of the Kristy LeMond Memorial Volleyball Tournament
Could you tell us your name and how you’re connected to Kristy or the scholarship fund?
My name is Jay Rippel, and I’ve been the organizer of the Kristy LeMond Memorial Volleyball Tournament since its inception in 1999. I was a close friend of the LeMond family and have been deeply involved in turning this event into a tribute for Kristy.
Please tell us about your connection to the tournament.
It started as a small neighborhood tournament among friends who loved volleyball, led by the LeMond family. After Kristy’s passing, we reimagined it as a memorial event to honor her legacy. I took on the role of organizing it, and over the years, it grew into a much larger community gathering.
What makes the event special?
Kristy's spirit is at the heart of it. The tournament isn’t just about volleyball — it’s a celebration of her life, her love for the game and her impact on others. We’ve added scholarships, guest speakers and family activities, making it a day where the community comes together to remember her and support meaningful causes.
What's energy of the Tournament Day like?
It’s electric! The day starts with emotional opening ceremonies, includes competitive and recreational volleyball, and ends with dinner and music. There’s laughter, tears, and a strong sense of community. People of all ages participate, and the beach is packed with families, friends, and even visitors from other neighborhoods.
In what ways has Kristy influenced your community?
Her story transformed this event into something bigger than sports. The bench dedication, the scholarships, and the global reach of her sunflower stickers show how one person’s kindness can inspire lasting change. The tournament reminds us to live with joy and generosity, just like Kristy did. Even years later, her legacy brings hundreds of people together to celebrate and give back.
Karissa Bodnar, friend of Kristy
Can you tell us who you are and what your relationship to Kristy and/or the scholarship?
My name is Karissa Bodnar and like Kristy LeMond, I graduated from ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ where Kristy and I both were Communications majors. Kristy was a dear friend of mine who’s passion for purpose in her work inspired me to start Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare after her passing. Supporting the Kristy LeMond Memorial Distinguished Scholarship means so much to me because Kristy’s dedication to support education in all she did left an indelible mark on the world. Kristy will forever be my inspiration for leaving the world better than how we found it.
What inspired you to support or get involved in Kristy’s scholarship or one of the events honoring her?
When someone tragically passes away, as Kristy did, being able to put our pain into purpose to honor her becomes a part of the healing process. Kristy was the inspiration for me to start Thrive Causemetics and every time someone purchases, we donate to causes like cancer, domestic abuse and in Kristy’s honor, education. Being able to donate in Kristy’s honor keeps our connection alive and seeing the continued impact that education has on anyone fortunate enough to go to school, as well as their community, is a major part of Kristy’s legacy.
How has being part of this community — whether as a donor, volunteer, organizer, family/friend, or participant — impacted you personally?
Being Kristy’s friend is one of the greatest gifts of my life. The community she built in her lifetime has continued to grow even bigger and more impactful, even though she’s not here in person to experience it. I see Kristy’s spirit in all of our work, but knowing how important education was to her makes being a part of her scholarship really special. This community has allowed me to get to know Kristy better over the past decade, and her spirit is all around me. It’s given me strength and inspiration when I need it most, and I’m eternally grateful for it.
What do you hope future recipients or supporters understand about Kristy’s legacy and the meaning behind this scholarship?
I hope that future recipients and supporters know that just like Kristy, they too can make a major difference in the lives of others by simply starting. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to giving back, and Kristy’s legacy will always inspire those who learn about her.
Andrea Brassington Madril, friend of Kristy
Could you tell us your name and how you’re connected to Kristy or the scholarship fund?
I’m Andrea Brassington Madril and Kristy was my bestie in college. We were both Kappas at UW.
How did you first learn about Kristy or the scholarship in her name?
When Kris was sick, I’d go after work to be with her - and often the appts, chemo, etc. were at the UW Med Center which was down the road from my Montlake office at the time. Although they didn’t know her, my coworkers and bosses were very invested in Kristy’s story and our friendship. They’d ask for updates daily, follow along with her blog, donate to the funds we started, and were incredibly supportive and loving toward me when she eventually passed away. I found out years later it was one of my bosses (who is famously a diehard COUG) that anonymously donated $5,000 to the UW in Kristy’s name. He had never met her but was very touched by her story and the way she gracefully battled cancer. I believe he was hoping for it to become some sort of scholarship, but none of us could have dreamed it would get to where it is now. Thankfully Kathy and Barry became involved and took it to new heights. I’ve been so touched at their commitment to the scholarship and Kristy’s legacy in general. Obviously a huge thank you and immense gratitude to all their family and friends who have jumped in to take it to this new lasting level!
What drew you to this cause?
I would and do support anything connected to Kristy! She remains a guiding light in my life and anything that celebrates and perpetuates her spirit is a worthwhile cause. Truly every single person that knew her would agree that she had a sparkly, special essence. And she was very committed to service and education, as evidenced by her travels to Africa, Chile and more.
How has Kristy herself or Kristy’s story impacted the way you think about giving, service, or education?
She definitely left a mark on me (in many ways) but specifically regarding service and helping others. She inspired a lot of the work I do and have done in the past and I’m thankful for the lasting lesson she modeled. That girl would give the shirt off her back to anyone who needs it, and certainly a scholarship to every student that needs it if she could have. She was beyond generous and willing to help others all the time. Perhaps her most magnetic quality aside from her gorgeous smile and big blue eyes was her kindness. Many of us have witnessed her inherent generosity ignite a chain reaction of kindness and love... That is basically what happened when she passed away too. Everyone in her orbit was so touched by her and paid forward her light to others in some way. The origin of this scholarship is one of these examples. In something I wrote after she passed I called this “The Kristy Effect” and it really has been a chain reaction I’d like to think will never end.
What does being part of this community or mission mean to you?
Oh I’m so touched to be involved with anything regarding our girl. As a former teacher myself the fact that this scholarship helps future teachers deeply resonates. Kristy made meaning out of connecting with all kinds of people but especially children. I’d like to think she would’ve been a teacher or counselor someday, something where she would be impacting young people daily.
Bruce and Kelly Wotherspoon, family friends
Could you tell us your name and how you're connected to Kristy or the scholarship fund?
We’re Bruce and Kelly Wotherspoon. We’ve known Kristy since she was just three weeks old, when her family moved in across the street. We babysat her, supported her through childhood, and remained close as she grew up.
How did you first learn about Kristy or the scholarship in her name and what drew you to support or participate in this cause?
After graduating from the School of Education at the ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ, Kristy devoted herself to teaching impoverished children and orphans in Tanzania and Chile. She had a deep love for children and a calling to serve through education. We were moved to support the cause out of love for Kristy and deep respect for her family. Honoring her through this scholarship felt like a meaningful way to continue her legacy.
How has Kristy's story impacted the way you think about giving, service, or education?
Kristy lived a life centered on education, service, and compassion. Supporting this scholarship reminds us that giving back can be a powerful way to remember someone and carry their values forward.
What does being part of this community or mission mean to you?
Being part of this mission allows us to actively remember Kristy while helping students who embody her spirit. It's a small but lasting way to keep her memory alive.
If someone were considering getting involved, what would you say to them?
The scholarship has grown into a lasting endowment that supports future educators—students who reflect Kristy's dedication and heart. Supporting it is a beautiful way to invest in character, effort, and lasting impact.
Kristy’s Broader Legacy
While the UW scholarship is the central focus of this page, Kristy's spirit continues to inspire other meaningful efforts.
- Kristy LeMond Impact Fund (SIVBC) — At Sudden Impact Volleyball Club, where Kristy played and coached, this fund encourages young athletes to lead lives of purpose and service, values she lived by.
- Kristy LeMond Scholarship Fund for Young Women (Tanzania) — In Tanzania’s rural Oldeani region, where Kristy volunteered, this fund supports girls’ education and classroom renovation in partnership with the Tanzanian Children’s Fund, extending her passion for service globally.
Note: This webpage focuses on the UW Distinguished Scholarship. Donations made here will support education students at the ±¬×ßşÚÁĎ in Kristy’s name.
Do small things with great love. — From Kristy’s post "Small Things With Great Love" A reflection of Kristy’s compassionate and purposeful approach to life, inspired by Mother Teresa.
A photo tribute to Kristy LeMond
From classrooms in Seattle to communities in Tanzania, Kristy LeMond lived a life rooted in compassion, connection and service. Her commitment to education and equity wasn’t just something she studied — it was something she lived, every day, through her volunteer work and deep care for others. This photo collection honors Kristy’s legacy of giving — capturing the moments where her kindness, joy and purpose shine through.
View the gallery of Kristy’s life of service
Join Us in Continuing Kristy’s Legacy
Kristy believed in giving generously, living passionately, and lifting others through service. Help us continue her legacy by making a gift to the scholarship: