NARS announces the Patrick J. Ottensmeyer Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Board of Directors of the North American Rail Shippers Association (NARS) announces that effective immediately the NARS Scholarship Fund will be renamed in honor of Patrick J. Ottensmeyer. The inaugural class of Patrick J Ottensmeyer Memorial Scholarships will be awarded in the spring of 2025 and the application will open in December 2024.

Pat Ottensmeyer was a loyal friend and champion of the North American Rail Shippers Association (NARS) and its regional rail shipping associations throughout his railroad career. Pat’s commitment to open dialogue between rail shippers and railroads was well-documented throughout his career and he truly felt that NARS and the regional rail shipping associations were the best place for these important conversations to happen. Pat was a frequent speaker at all of the rail shipping conferences and his warmth, professionalism, mentorship and leadership were appreciated by all.

The scholarship fund was previously named in honor of Ivan A. Olson, an prominent transportation professional, a past president of NARS and former Vice President Transportation, Longview Fibre Company, Longview, Washington.