Scholarships

Established by Alumni Dick & Carol Jonasen.

Awarded to student majoring in elementary education with great potential, financial need and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Bio of Richard Jonasen

Dick attended Montana Western from the fall of 1959 to the spring of 1963, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education before receiving a master's degree in education from the University of Montana in 1968. Jonasen taught in the Montana Children's Center in Twin Bridges, Mont. before teaching as a high school and elementary teacher in Superior, Mont. He also served as a principal in both the high school and elementary levels in Superior. After seven years in Superior, Jonasen and his wife Carol returned to Dillon, Mont. as he began a 27-year career as the principal of Parkview Elementary School. He also had responsibilities as principal of the Mary Innes School during those 27 years. In addition to meeting his wife of 49 years, Carol, at Montana Western, Jonasen said the university offered him other lasting relationships and a solid career.  Jonasen also said looking back at 35 years spent in education also gives him a grateful perspective on his career. "I spent 35 years in education and 30 years as principal, and as I look back, if I had to do it all again, I would've chosen the same path," Jonasen explained. "I feel it was a very rewarding career." With over three decades of teaching and education administration to his name, University of Montana Western alumnus Richard Jonasen will be honored with the 2013 Distinguished Alumni award. "I loved school at Western," Jonasen said. "I had outstanding professors that taught me a lot, and I also made some amazing friendships. The impact Western left was outstanding and life-changing for my career. It launched my career in education. It's a tremendous honor to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, and I'm very humbled to receive it knowing it's where I started my career. It brings me full circle."

Bio of Carol Jonasen

Carol attended Montana Western from 1959 - 1963.