One year after Patricia Rothermich was killed in a hit-and-run while walking near her Holladay home, her friends are doing their best to keep her memory alive.  The newly established Patricia Rothermich Memorial Scholarship at the University of Utah College of Social Work will honor Rothermich’s lifelong dedication to serving children and families.

After graduating from the U with a master’s degree in social work, Rothermich spent the next 40 years of her distinguished career as a social worker, a supervisor, an administrator, and a teacher.  While walking through her Holladay neighborhood on the afternoon of October 3, 2007, Rothermich was struck by a vehicle.  She died while being transported to the hospital.  Rothermich’s husband of eight years, Sherman Lynch, was charged with the murder only a few days after the incident.   His jury trial is currently scheduled for November 10.  Rothermich’s friends hope that by supporting students interested in child welfare, social work graduates will be able to pick up Rothermich’s work where she left off.    

The campaign to raise funds for the scholarship will officially begin with a memorial and reception on Friday, November 7, 2008, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the St. Mark’s Cathedral Center (231 East 100 South in Salt Lake City).  The public is welcome to attend.  All donations will go directly toward the scholarship fund. 

For more information about the Patricia Rothermich Memorial Scholarship, please call the College of Social Work’s development office at (801) 587-8387.