SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Awarded in memory of Bill Roberts

Award Amount: $1,500, RENEWABLE, for four years, to the student’s choice of school, inclusive of 4-year bachelor's programs, and 2-year associate programs leading to a 4-year degree, specifically in majors related to Journalism and Communications. 

Bill Roberts was the former editorial page editor for The Durango Herald. He was 73 years old when he passed away and colleagues and family remembered him as a man with an extraordinary, dry and nuanced sense of humor.  Bill had strong personal beliefs, but his views transcended partisan lines and he didn’t adhere to any strict ideology. He had a burning desire to understand other people’s thoughts on issues, even when he fiercely disagreed with someone’s take on one thing or another.  Although he might have opposed someone else’s take on one subject, he was well aware they’d likely be aligned on the next one.  In the days when editorial submissions were still delivered in print by hand, Bill took time to sit with, talk to and understand the people who submitted their opinions. No matter what his own thoughts were, those opinions would always be well represented in his work.  

This scholarship will be awarded to a student who shares Bill's same strong values and passion for journalism/communication. 

Selection: Recipients will be selected by the DEF Scholarship Committee.

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible, the student must:

• Be a well-rounded graduating senior from Durango High School or Big Picture High School

• Be planning to pursue a degree in journalism, communications, or related major

• Be planning to pursue a 4-year college or a 2-year college with intent to transfer to a 4-year college
   

EVALUATION CRITERIA

• Individual determination to succeed

• Future goals and career path, and plans to achieve them

• The activity or activities in which the student has been involved 

• Student financial need strongly considered

INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. A COMPLETE APPLICATION

2. Academic Transcript

   • ​A complete senior transcript showing sustained GPA may be required before the award is remitted to the student’s choice of college.

3. Statement of Financial Need

   • Please share anything about your family financial situation and/or your financial situation that will help us understand your need for college scholarship assistance. (approximately 250 words)

4. ONE Letter of Recommendation

5. #1 College and Career Essay:

   • What are your education and career goals? What makes you passionate about this future path? What have you done so far to pursue these future goals? What will you be doing 1 and 5 years after college graduation? (600 words maximum)

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REQUIREMENTS FOR RENEWAL--DUE BY EMAIL ON MAY 1ST

1. Transcript at the end of each year that shows that the student remains in good academic standing in college.

2. Email update for donors that includes answers to the following: 1) What was you biggest challenge in college over the past year and why was it a challenge? 2) What achievement, big or small, were you proudest of over the past year in college and why? 3) What are your plans for next year?

3. Attach a meaningful photo that you'd like to share pertaining to your last year in college.

Have questions? Contact Kelli Ford at 970-903-1570 or defscholarships@gmail.com.