Ernest Degutis Scholarship

The Ernst Degutis Scholarship endowment has been established by friends, colleagues, and family of Dr. Degutis to provide scholarship assistance to junior and senior Western Colorado University students majoring in kinesiology or recreation.

Dr. Degutis began his teaching career at Western in 1966. He was years ahead of his time in bringing health and wellness programs to Gunnison during his nearly 30-year career at Western. He was the first to establish a health promotion program and health maintenance lab at WCU. His progressive thinking contributed to both the current health promotion and wellness major and the renovation of The Wellness Center in the Wright Gym.

The late Ernest Degutis was famous for his relentless pursuit of grants to benefit the school and further his knowledge. In 1979, he was responsible for the award of a $26,000 grant from the Gates Foundation to the college for equipment purchases.

He received a prestigious commendation from the President’sCouncil on Physical Fitness and Sports in 1979 for his outstanding contributions to the health and physical fitness of the American people and to the quality of life and vigor in our society.

Dr. Degutis was an extremely dedicated faculty member who was known to be a visionary with respect to issues related to health and fitness.

Eligibility
Full-time juniors and seniors
Must be a declared major in Exercise & Sport Science
3.0 GPA or greater
Show outstanding achievement in four of the following five areas (special talents, leadership, obstacles overcome, community service and unique endeavors)