During her lifetime, Katharine Densford was presented with dozens of awards from diverse organizations such as Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Lambda Theta, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Theta Tau, Miami University (an honorary Doctor of Law degree), Baylor University (an honorary Doctor of Science degree), Sigma Theta Tau, ANA. Certificates of recognition came from the city of Minneapolis, the state of Minnesota, the U.S. Public Health Service, the American National Red Cross, University of Minnesota Alumnae Association and countless colleagues, peers, and friends.
She was given honorary membership in:
- The International Mark Twain Society, conferred in public recognition of her contribution to literature (other members were Truman, Roosevelt and Churchill);
- The National Association of Parliamentarians, for her superb skill in parliamentary procedure and large group discourse. The latter skill was well-used as she led meetings of the ANA House of Delegates during her term as president of the organization. Two topics that the House discussed and was successfully able to advance, under her leadership, were the racial integration of the ANA and the decision to pursue collective bargaining.
Katharine attained many more achievements, and received many awards. But it was her proactive attitude, grace, style, personal social skills, and sense of community that made her the leader she was. "No one lives unto himself alone, success doesn't come to individuals but is a group effort. Sometimes we are leaders, but often our greatest achievements may occur when we are followers."
What does a leader bring to a situation? In her words, "The ability to think straight, some knowledge of the past, some vision of the future, some skill to do useful service, and some urge to fit that service into the well-being of the community."
