Donald Eastman Recreation Scholarship

The Donald S. Eastman Recreation Scholarship was established by Don Eastman to provide assistance to freshmen and seniors who show outstanding achievement not only in the recreation field, but also in diversified areas of their lives.

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’sadvice 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 recreation scholarship, Don also established the Eastman Business Scholarship.
ELIGIBILITY:
ROE majors who show diversity and outstanding achievement.

There are four Eastman Awards available:
1.) New Student Award
Open to both new freshmen and new transfer students. Students must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and freshmen must also have a 21 ACT or 990 SAT. Students must also show a documented commitment to recreation as their major field of study at Western. Must show outstanding achievement in at least three of the following five areas:

Special Recreational Talents
Unique Recreational Endeavors
Obstacles Overcome
Community Service
Leadership
2.) Achievement Award
Available to junior and senior ROE majors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must act as an outstanding role model in and out of the classroom and uphold the values of the recreation and leisure profession. Must show outstanding achievement in at least three of the following five areas:

Special Recreational Talents
Unique Recreational Endeavors
Obstacles Overcome
Community Service
Leadership
3.) Service to Humanity Award
Available to junior and senior ROE majors. Must provide documentation of their outstanding service project(s).

4.) Eastman Academic Award
Available to junior and senior ROE majors with a minimum GPA of 3.6 in the ROE program. Students must act as an outstanding academic role model.