Roberta Rouse Scholarship

Scholarship Eligibility:

Must be a Colorado resident
Must be a full-time student
Must be in good academic standing
Must be pursuing a career in elementary education
Preference to applicants who demonstrate academic performance
Preference to applicants that demonstrated financial need
Preference to applicants who are returning to college to continue their education

Roberta Rouse’s children established this scholarship in honor of their mother for students planning a career in Elementary Education, with preference for non-traditional students returning to school.

Roberta M. Rouse attended high school in Gunnison and enrolled in Western Colorado University after graduation from high school. She met her future husband, Fred C. Rouse, who was also a student at Western, during her freshman year in college. Following World War II, Fred and Roberta Rouse returned to Gunnison and Roberta supported her husband as he completed his education at Western Colorado University and began his career as an educator. Fred and Roberta had nine children, seven boys and two girls. After the birth of their youngest daughter, Roberta returned to WCU and completed her education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1964 and a Master’s degree in 1966. Roberta taught elementary school in Canon City for 21 years and retired in 1985. Seven of Roberta Rouse’s children also attended Western and five of her children became schoolteachers.

In addition to her teaching career and raising her family, Roberta Rouse was active in community organizations. She was a lifelong Christian Scientist and active member of the Christian Science Church. She was a talented singer and loved to write and tell children’s stories, some of which have been published. Roberta was strongly committed to providing her students with a quality education. She was an excellent teacher and was a strong supporter of the teaching profession. She also felt a deep affection for Western. She passed away July 7th, 1988.

The Roberta M. Rouse scholarship was established at Western Colorado University to support and encourage the scholarship recipients and to assist them in achieving their goal to become successful schoolteachers.