Dick and Donna Bratton Scholarship

The Dick and Donna Bratton Scholarship has been established by the Western Colorado University Foundation (Foundation) to provide scholarship assistance to Western Colorado University students in honor of Dick and Donna Bratton. This fund will provide need-based support for students who are one step removed from traditional scholarships and need a fund like this to be able to attend Western and who also demonstrate grit, perseverance and integrity—qualities that are essential for becoming citizens like Donna and Dick Bratton.

The 4th annual Mountaineer Gala on April 13th, 2024, will honor and celebrate Dick Bratton’s remarkable contributions to Western Colorado University (WCU) and the Gunnison community, recognizing his outstanding achievements both personally and professionally. Dick and his family, recognize the many barriers students are faced with when pursuing higher education. The Mountaineer Gala raises critical funds for student scholarship of Dick’s preference, leading to the Dick and Donna Bratton Scholarship Fund.

Dick Bratton, a 1954 WCU graduate served as Student Body President and excelled as a three-sport athlete. Upon graduation in 1957, he received CU Law School’s prestigious Lee Knous Award. Returning to Gunnison in 1958, Dick began his legal practice and played a pivotal role on the Board of Trustees of State Colleges from 1963 to 1975, serving as Chairman during 1974 to 1975. Dick was instrumental in establishing the WCU Foundation in 1975, significantly sustaining the University and supporting its scholarship programs and spearheaded the creation of the Outdoor Recreation program and secured the land where the Rady building sits today.
Dick served as attorney for the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District for over four decades. He secured a critical contract ensuring Taylor Park Reservoir releases, resulting in a 90% increase in the Brown trout population, creating a Gold Medal fishery, and providing predictable flows for boating.

Dick played a significant role in successfully opposing the Union Park Project which would have diverted a substantial portion of the annual flows of both Taylor and East Rivers to the Colorado Front Range, adversely affecting Gunnison water interests.

Applicants for the Scholarship:
A. Must be a full-time student with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.49
B. Demonstrate grit, perseverance, and integrity
C. Must have financial need