Widdows Family Scholarship

The Widdows Family Scholarship has been established by Jim and Debbie Widdows to provide scholarship assistance to Western Colorado University students.

Jim and Debbie established the Widdows Family Scholarship to reflect their deep belief in the transformative power of education and their enduring commitment to give back to the Western Slope of Colorado. Both Jim and Debbie worked their way through college—Jim, mopping floors at a grocery store in the early mornings and Debbie, working as a waitress—experiences that shaped their appreciation for perseverance, opportunity, and the determination required of students who pursue higher education with limited means. As a result, they are especially passionate in supporting students who aspire to attend college but may face financial barriers in doing so.

Jim and Debbie are Colorado natives, Jim, growing up in Grand Junction and Debbie, in Fort Collins, both attending and graduating from Colorado State University. After graduation, they moved to Grand Junction where they raised their family and started a telecom business called UNITEL.

Gunnison and Crested Butte have always been part of the Widdows family’s legacy; Jim grew up visiting the Valley and Debbie and Jim have had a second home in Crested Butte for several decades. In addition, UNITEL had employees both in Gunnison, Crested Butte, and throughout the Western Slope of Colorado, serving local business communities. “Our business was successful because of the people in Western Colorado, and we would like to pay that forward through this scholarship,” said Jim.

Jim served on the Board of Directors for St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction and was part of the coalition with Colorado Mesa University (CMU) to start a nursing program. Through this work, Jim and Debbie came to deeply value nursing as a noble profession rooted in service to others in their time of need. Jim and Debbie’s hope was by providing a local source for nursing education/degrees, there would be a positive effect on healthcare in the community from graduating students choosing to stay and work in the area. “It is our hope that a similar program at WCU will have a positive impact on healthcare in the Gunnison valley,” said Jim. “Educating students who will serve rural communities, especially in Western Colorado is our hope and desire.”

Over the years, the Widdows’ family has needed the services of Gunnison Valley Hospital and recognize the importance of healthcare to the greater Gunnison area. “We are hopeful that some nursing graduates from WCU will choose to live in the Gunnison area and help support the healthcare needs of local residents,” said Jim.

Jim and Debbie hope this scholarship will empower students pursuing a nursing degree to access higher education at Western Colorado University whose education will contribute to the long-term health and vitality of Western Colorado communities.

ELIGIBILITY:
A. Must be enrolled full-time at Western Colorado University
B. Must be enrolled in the Nursing Education Program (including CNA and BSN)
C. Must have financial need
D. Must be a Colorado resident, preference given to applicants from the Western Slope or a rural community
E. Must demonstrate dedication to their educational journey and preparedness for future professional or community contribution.