Gunnison Memorial Scholarship

Time creates traditions, and after 55 years, the Gunnison Memorial Scholarship certainly qualifies locally as a fine one. The scholarship was established in 1967 to provide financial assistance with higher education costs to Gunnison Watershed students with financial need. Throughout those years, 180 graduating seniors have received both a financial and a morale boost from the scholarship.

The Fund was established to honor the memories of Tom Williams and Sandy Zeigler, members of the GHS Class of ’67, as well as others who have been memorialized with gifts to the Fund throughout the years.

In addition to founders of the Scholarship Fund, Robert and Laura Mae Williams and Sanford and Annabel Zeigler (Tom and Sandy’s parents), other founding members represent a microcosm of community leaders at the time. Those with long roots in the Gunnison area will recognize many of the names: Harlan Bryant (WSC President); LeRoy Hipkins (RE1J Superintendent); John Towles (Gunnison Middle School Principal); Donald Peterson (Physician); Harrison F. Russell (Attorney); J. Arthur Martin (Forest Supervisor); Lee Spann (Rancher); and Charles Page (Chamber of Commerce Director).

After being administered by a Board of selected community representatives for 45 years, the Fund was transferred to the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley in 2012 for stewardship and management of its assets and the scholarship application and awards process.  Following the intent of the founders, the review committee continues with representatives of the organizations named in the original Articles of Incorporation. Scholarship guidelines reflect original intent which is to serve students in the Gunnison Watershed School District who show a need for help with the tuition costs of higher education.

Scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria:

1. Any graduate from a high school in the Gunnison Watershed School District who demonstrates financial need and scholastic excellence
2. A commitment to extending a helping hand to someone else in need during their lifetime
3. Involvement in community service and/or extracurricular activities

A wide variety of scholastic goals of the student applying is acceptable, including vocational or technical education, community college or 4-year college or university.

To apply for this scholarship, go to https://cfgv.smapply.org/.