Austin Vaughan Memorial Scholarship

Austin Fred Vaughan….there were so many qualities about this young man and the way he decided his future.  Austin started in his junior year at Antelope Union High School researching careers and calling the schools he was interested in attending.  When he narrowed down his choice, nothing held him back.  Austin spoke to the instructor at Chandler-Gilbert Electrical Utility Technology (EUT) Program and was given the outline of what he needed to do to get a spot in the course.  Austin did not waste time, he met with Josie Uriarte, Center Assistant of the Wellton Learning Center, and with her help he completed the requirements needed.  Because of his determination, Austin landed a spot at the Chandler-Gilbert EUT Program for August of 2013.

At the same time Austin was completing the courses for the EUT Program, he had become interested in the Volunteer Fire Department in Tacna, Arizona.  There was an instant love and desire born in him to help his community, he took this very seriously and did not miss his meetings or training sessions.  On the night of Austin’s high school graduation in May of 2012, Joe Rivera, Chief of the Tacna Fire Department and Gary Shaw, Assistant Chief,  presented him with his fireman badge.  Austin was so proud and a part of him matured that night.  He had worked hard and his reward now was taking care of his community and being able to stand with  his “band of brothers”.

We miss him so much.

Robert, Marjorie, Shepard, Prestin and Aja Vaughan

Bridget's Gift

Established in honor of Yuma native, inspiration, and massage therapist Bridget Martinez, the Bridget's Gift Massage Therapy Scholarship is awarded to an AWC student who has been accepted in the AWC Licensed Massage Therapy Program.  In honor of her determination, positive attitude, and humor, this scholarship seeks to encourage and promote wellness and resource awareness in our community.

Charles C. Lackey Memorial Scholarship

Charles C. Lackey was a much beloved friend and colleague who passed away at the age of 28 in September 2011.  Charlie was a very well-respected computer and events technician at Arizona Western College.  Always kind-hearted, professional, and efficeint, Charlie was hard-working and dedicated to serving the faculty, staff, and students of AWC.  His quick, dry whit and infection laugh is greatly missed.  Education was important to Charlie so this fund was established in his memory for AWC employees who are pursuing their two or four year degrees. 

Daughters of American Revolution Yuma Chapter

The Daughters of the American Revolution Yuma Chapter Scholarship was established in 1995, with a bequest in the will of Elsie N. White, a Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR) member. Since then it has grown and become an endowment due to additional donations from the Daughters of the American Revolution Yuma Chapter. This scholarship is awarded every year to assist students majoring in history or nursing.

Dr. Anita L. Smith Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Smith graduated from Oklahoma State University, earning her Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. in Entomology.  She taught entomology and biology at AWC until the time of her passing.  She served as a role model for women in her classroom, setting an example through her actions, dress, and demeanor.  She strongly believed in the power of education and strove to support women as they furthered their education within the sciences. 

Dr. Michael Miller Memorial

This scholarship was created in honor of AWC Professor of English Dr. Michael Miller who also served as Editor of Western Voice, the AWC student newspaper, coordinator of Yuma’s Thursdays at the Theater Film Series, and was a long-time contributor to the Yuma Sun.  Dr. Miller was well-respected by students and colleagues and his contributions to AWC and the Yuma communities are vast. This memorial scholarship supports continuing AWC students majoring in Creative Writing or Journalism.

Garcia-Trujillo Scholarship

The Garcia-Trujillo Scholarship Fund has been set up as a way to say "Thank You" to the people who helped a young girl in financial struggle to pursue a college degree at AWC.  AWC became the stepping stone to my career as it was the first institution tha tembraced me as a student and gave me the tools needed to succeed as a Registered Nurse and eventually a Nurse Practitioner.  I am grateful to AWC and to the previous scholarship donors for their assistance in completing my education.  Being able to assist others, now, is my way of paying it forward.

Gertrud J. Moody

Arizona Western College was named as a beneficiary of the Gertrud J. Moody Scholarship which is an endowment held by the Arizona Community Foundation. In 1948, Gertrud moved from Cleveland to Phoenix hoping the warmer weather would help her rheumatoid arthritis. It didn't help, but she considered the move a success when she met her future husband, Robert. The young couple moved to Yuma in 1949 where they became pillars of the community. They were both active in many organizations but were especially interested in programs for young people. The care they had for Yuma and strong belief in education prompted the Moody's to leave a lasting legacy to benefit AWC students.

Jacob Louis Daily Memorial Scholarship

Together, with the Daily Family and our local Agriculture Industry, the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association honors Jacob Louis Daily by giving back to deserving students to fulfill their higher education goals.
Jacob Daily loved life and had a smile that lit up the room. Jake worked for Pasquinelli Produce as an entomologist and although he was the youngest in his job, he earned the respect and friendship of his colleagues and was often teased about being the bosses’ favorite employee. In order to communicate with many of his coworkers, Jake taught himself how to speak Spanish. He often covered work assignments for coworkers so they could get home to their families. He was an extremely hard worker and through his dedication he worked his way up into a great job position for such a young age.
Jacob passed away in March 2009 from injuries sustained from a work-related truck accident. He had just turned 24 and his family made the decision to donate his organs. He died a hero as he was able to give the gift of life and save many people. This Jacob Daily Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the special person that he was and the impact that he made on the Ag community.