Beardsley Family Scholarship

In the Spring of 2014, the Center of the American West awarded its first two Beardsley Family Scholarships to CU Boulder undergraduates enrolled in the Western American Studies Certificate Program. Since then, awards ranged from $1,000 – $4,000 per scholarship depending on funding availability.

For the 2024-25 academic year we are offering

six merit-based scholarships of $2,000 each

Requirements:

  1. Eligible students must be full time, degree-seeking undergraduate students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  2. Applicants MUST also be enrolled in the Center’s Western American Studies certificate program.

The 2024-25 application period has now closed. Check back in the fall for 2025-26 opportunities.

  1. To apply, log into the Buff Portal, on or after November 1st, 2024 click on the drop down magnifying glass icon / hamburger menu option to the left of the screen and select "Finances."
  2. From there, click on the "Scholarship" system link (graduation cap icon) and, when available, search the word “Beardsley.”
  3. Follow the instructions from there.

The Story Behind the Scholarship

The Beardsley Family Scholarship was established in 2013 to honor the memory of George Beardsley, a Center of the American West board member and community leader dedicated to the American West. During his time on the board, George advocated for reaching out to motivated students who could benefit from engagement with the Center. His widow, Pam Beardsley, created this scholarship to provide financial support to students with a passion for learning about and working on Western American topics and issues.

Beardsley Family Scholarship Quotes

 

 

“When he met someone new he’d ask them about 100 questions. He was a no-nonsense guy in the office, but had a subtle, dry sense of humor.”

- George Beardsley’s longtime friend, Clay Boelz

 

 

 

 

Andrea Kloehn

 

Andrea Kloehn is a sophomore flute performance major pursuing certificates in Western American studies and music entrepreneurship. She is honored to receive the Beardsley Family Scholarship this semester! Andrea loves studying the West because it is such an evocative place. Being from Minnesota, the West has always intrigued her – particularly its natural beauty and complicated history. The Beardsley Family Scholarship has given her the opportunity to pursue Western American studies without the burden of worrying about finances.

Andrea Kloehn - 2020 Beardlsey Scholarship Winner