Anne Flick Steinbeck Scholarship

The Anne Flick Steinbeck Scholarship has been established to honor Anne’s service to others and to share her value of higher education. The Anne Flick Steinbeck Scholarship will provide financial assistance to Western Colorado University students who may have or are currently experiencing difficult circumstances that impact their ability to pursue a higher education degree, especially students who have dependents. While this scholarship remains open to all, the intent of the Anne Flick Steinbeck Scholarship is to support the advancement of women.

ELIGIBILITY:
- Must have and maintain above a 2.0 GPA
-Have previously or are currently experiencing difficult circumstances that financially impact their ability to pursue a degree (specifically if applicant has dependents)
- Must demonstrate financial need
- May re-apply annually
Preference is given to applicants pursuing a degree to support the advancement of women.

Anne Flick Steinbeck (’51) has serviced Western as a trustee, alumna, donor, and advocate. The scholarship is a recognition of the triumph of personal perseverance over obstacles faced by non-traditional students and is intended to assist each recipient in pursuing higher education to attain self-sufficiency and a quality life.

Anne spent the first 91 years of her life in Gunnison, CO. In high school, she was the state Latin co-champion and was awarded a scholarship to attend any state college in Colorado. She remained in Gunnison, worked as a waitress to supplement her scholarship, and graduated from Western State College. Anne was voted Miss Western State and was designated Miss Scholarship for her academic achievement. Anne would often say that her education at Western was foundational to her success in life.
After College graduation, Anne married Archie Steinbeck. They had one child and celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage before Archie’s death in 2004.

Anne worked in various professional capacities in Gunnison and its surrounding area. She was one of two teachers for several grades of the children of miners working at Whitepine, Colorado, and later she worked at the local Gunnison newspaper- the News Champion. In 1962, she was hired to be the Gunnison County Welfare Director and later became Hinsdale Country Welfare Director as well. She retired after working as Director for over 39 years.

Anne inspired and assisted many single mothers who came to the “welfare” office, encouraging and supporting them in furthering their education. She found homes for numerous foster children and adoptees. She kept a photo album filled with pictures of the children she placed, and it was stuffed with thankful letters from adoring parents. She was so effective in facilitating successful adoptions that the Colorado Department of Human Services asked her to teach others in her field how to prepare for, conduct, evaluate, and write adoption studies.

Anne was a mover and shaker. She played a key role in founding many organizations and services that made life better for those who were disadvantaged or unable to advocate for themselves. In Gunnison, she helped establish the first mental health clinic, a long-term healthcare facility, the Jubilee House for victims of domestic violence, the first food bank, the Tenderfoot Childcare Center, the Ladies Night Out fundraiser and the Gunnison Community Foundation. She was an active member of Eastern Star, Daughter of the American Revolution, P.O.E, the Salvation Army, and local bridge clubs.

Although Anne achieved much in her life, she is best remembered by those who knew her for her kindness and generosity to others as well as her extraordinary wit, which was both razor keen and never mean or cruel. Anyone who spent time with her received a heartfelt compliment and she always brightened or eased their day. Anne’s laugher and smile were infectious, her poise was pristine, her sense of fashion and decor striking, elegant, and stately. She was an incredibly talented cook, a gracious and welcoming host, and a true and abiding friend. She was humble, intelligent, incredibly wise, and always seemed to have the right words for any occasion.

She left her mark on this world, and it was on etched in kindness, generosity, laughter, sincerity,, and service for others, especially those who needed help.