2025 Alumni Honors: The Grays
Dr. John Gray, ’84, ’87, and Karen Schmidt-Gray, ’82, to be honored with the Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement & Leadership.
Hometown: Stanley, N.D. (John) & Minot, N.D. (Karen)
Areas of Study: Medicine (John); Journalism, Public Advertising, & Speech Communications (Karen)
Two different paths, one goal in sight
As underclassmen at Minot State University, Dr. John Gray, ’84, ’87, a football player, met Karen Schmidt-Gray, ’82, a freshman who wanted to see the world. The two quickly formed a strong bond after their first date on a chilly February evening.
Karen transferred to UND her sophomore year; John continued at Minot to play football. He experienced a season-ending injury early on, forcing him to consider his future and his dream of becoming a doctor. It was then that John decided, “I am going to UND, and I am going to medical school.”
The following year, John joined Karen at UND, where Karen became Vice President of Delta Gamma and John spent long hours studying, working toward his medical degree. The couple became interested in philanthropy, which continues today.
UND was literally everything to me, it shaped my life.Dr. John Gray, '84, '87
John and Karen continued their relationship throughout their college years. The two made lifelong friends and memories during their time on campus.
John and Karen were married one week after John graduated medical school in 1987. The couple has two adult children and reside in Minnesota.
After graduation, Karen took an out-of-state sales position while John finished school at UND. Karen continued her career in the travel industry until she and John started their family, at which point Karen opted to stay home to raise their children. She actively supports her community by volunteering in educational and literacy groups. John is deeply grateful to Karen, whom he sees as the heart and strength of their family.
John fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, specializing in nephrology. He completed his residency at Hennepin County Medical Center and has practiced medicine at Kidney Specialists of Minnesota (KSM) since 1992. He has also held various leadership positions, serving as a board member of North Memorial Medical Center and President of KSM. John credits his success to his education. “UND was literally everything to me – it shaped my life.”
They are still deeply connected with UND. John served on the UND Alumni Association & Foundation Board, and both served on the North Dakota Spirit Campaign and Forever UND Campaign committees.
We believe UND gives you an education. You go out, make something, and give back, then UND gives us more back in return.Karen Schmidt-Gray, ’82
While attending a campaign event in Scottsdale, Arizona, UND Alumni Association & Foundation CEO DeAnna Carlson Zink informed John and Karen that they would be receiving the 2025 Sioux Award Distinguished Achievement & Leadership.
DeAnna Carlson Zink congratulations Karen Schmidt-Gray on the honor. John and Karen have been attending Alumni Honors together for decades. They are grateful to be among the 2025 honorees.
A Dream Realized
After their wedding in 1987, John and Karen's dream was to honeymoon in Hawaii. As a young newlywed couple with a tight budget they settled for a rainy weekend at Lake Metigoshe. Although, it was not their "dream vacation" the two made the most of it.
Eleven years later, they finally took that trip to Hawaii with their children and have been there seven times since.
