Dr. Herbert J. and Marie H. Kaczmarek Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Herbert J. and Marie H. Kaczmarek Scholarship has been established by the family of Herbert J. and Marie H. Kaczmarek to maintain their memory by assisting other promising students at Western Colorado University.

Herb received a football scholarship to Western in 1939, but left campus at the beginning of World War II to become a Naval Aviator, serving in the Pacific and later in the Korean War, eventually retiring from the Navy in 1962 with the rank of Commander. He returned to Western to complete his Bachelor’s degree, also serving on the staff of Gunnison High School as teacher, guidance counselor, and vice principal. After completing his Master’s degree from the University of Texas and Doctorate from Arizona State University, he joined the faculty at Western as a professor of educational psychology, where we worked for twenty years. Throughout Herb’s tenure at Western he also served as a flight instructor with the Civil Air Patrol, and was eventually inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.

Marie came to Western in 1939, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She met, and later married, Herb at Western. After returning to Gunnison with Herb in the 1960’, she taught kindergarten for many years while raising their five children, all of whom attended WCU. She later taught elementary grades in Vernal, Utah and on retirement from teaching, she opened and successfully ran “Bitter Creek Boots” in Vernal for many years before returning to Colorado to retire.

Both Herb and Marie’s association with WCU as students, educators and friends spanned more than 50 years. They always remembered the opportunity Western provided them and treasured their time there as students. Most importantly, they went on to contribute in many ways as educators and mentors, wonderfully impacting the lives of many over the course of decades. It is most appropriate that they be remembered in a way that allows others to receive the same opportunity at Western.

ELIGIBILITY
Must meet TWO of the following requirements:
-An active member of a WESTERN intercollegiate sports team
-Exhibits outstanding character and leadership qualities
-Has both academic promise and financial need
-Is from a small town in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain area or elsewhere