Donald Eastman Business Scholarship

Scholarship Eligibility:
Be a full-time student at WCU
Declared business, accounting, or economics major

Don Eastman established the Donald S. Eastman Business Scholarship for students majoring in Business and Accounting.

Don Eastman graduated from Western in 1951 with a B.A. in Business Administration and a day later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 1953, his father made a trip out to California to see him and convince him to become a part of the family business, the First National Bank. Eastman did heed his father’s advice and came back to Gunnison to begin his banking career of 31 years. He also remained a proud Marine serving in the Marine Corps Reserve until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Eastman, president of the First National Bank in Gunnison for 15 years, became an active community supporter. In 1995, he endowed the University with one of the largest alumni gifts in its history. This gift went to both the Business and Recreation programs. When Eastman made this gift to the University he was quoted as saying, “Having grown-up 100 feet from campus, the College has always been like a second father to me. I have seen it go through the good times and bad. It means a lot to me and I am pleased to be able to help Western.” Don passed away in 2001.

In addition to the Business scholarship, Don also established the Eastman Recreation Scholarship.