Through Grant’s Eyes

Family creates scholarship that honors their son and shapes creative futures.

Like most artists, Grant Dosser of Minneapolis saw the world differently. “He definitely had an eye. He was a great photographer and painter,” his mother, Stephanie, said. Shadows of cars on a brick wall, the geometric patterns of electrical wires overhead — he noticed beauty in the mundane. Grant’s eye for unique perspectives extended to people as well.

“He had a way of walking into a room and gravitating toward the most interesting people. It was like he had a gift for seeing the people who were invisible to others,” described his father, Greg.

An aspiring graphic designer, Grant planned to transfer to the University of North Dakota in the fall of 2018. After an emergency appendectomy that March, he was prescribed pain medication, which led to a struggle unknown to his family and friends. A few months before he would’ve arrived on campus, he tragically passed away from an accidental overdose.

“We got the acceptance letter from UND the day after he died. That was really hard,” Greg said.

It was like he had a gift for seeing the people who were invisible to others.Greg Dosser

In the wake of heartbreak, Grant’s family established the Grant Dosser Memorial Scholarship to honor his passion and potential. “We specifically asked for it to be for an art student,” said Stephanie. “I’m sure Grant would be really proud.” Now in its sixth year, the scholarship has been awarded to several students, including Alyson Bosch, ’25.

Alyson says she carried Grant’s story with her during her time at UND. “I also lost a close family friend, and his family started a similar scholarship, so I’ve seen firsthand how grief can be turned into something good.” 

The scholarship eased financial pressures and gave Alyson time to expand her portfolio. As a graphic design intern at the Chester Fritz Library, she created signature materials for the Music Department, UND’s Writers Conference, and the Faculty Showcase, to name a few. 

She now works for a regional company designing brand materials and applying skills she honed at UND. “I’m literally working my dream job right now … and this scholarship truly helped drive that path for me,” she said.

Like Alyson, the Dossers hope every recipient of the scholarship feels seen the way Grant would’ve seen them: “Our hope is that they know they’ve been noticed, that they have skills and are being rewarded because they have potential,” Stephanie said.

Our hope is that they know they’ve been noticed, that they have skills and are being rewarded because they have potential.Stephanie Dosser

Consider supporting the Grant Dosser Memorial Scholarship or creating your own to honor a loved one. For help with addiction or mental health, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text/call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. UND students can also reach out to the University Counseling Center for in-person or telehealth support.