Griffin Foundation Scholarships Awarded to Three Colorado State University Students

Colorado State University recently welcomed three students who have received support through scholarships from the Griffin Foundation. The scholarships are designated for applicants who have an associate degree or at least 60 academic hours from a junior or community college and are seeking to complete a baccalaureate degree. The Griffin Foundation awarded a total of seven scholarships for 2006-2007.

The Colorado State students who received scholarships from the Griffin Foundation are Leslie Chase of Fort Collins, Jessica Cecava of Lakewood and Jackie Doddridge of Kirk.

"The commitment these students have shown to their education is exemplary," said Colorado State Senior Vice President and Provost Anthony Frank. "Their hard work and dedication, along with a quality education and degree from Colorado State, will give them the tools they need to compete in a global economy. I would like to thank the Griffin Foundation for their continued support of Colorado State and its students."

After taking time to care for her two sons, Chase returned to school and received an associate of arts degree from Aims Community College in May. While previously enrolled at Colorado State, she earned a minor in theater. Chase has a small business as an acting coach and has used her love of theater as an alternate therapy for troubled teens. She hopes to continue working with adolescents after she receives her bachelor’s in social work.

Cecava received her associate of science degree in biology from Northeastern Junior College in May. While at NJC, she worked as a tutor in math and science courses.  Cecava’s mother is of Peruvian descent, which has given Cecava the opportunity to travel to Peru to tour the country and visit relatives. She said Peru is a very impoverished country and her trips there have been a constant reminder of how lucky she is to have her family and to live in a place of endless opportunities. She is continuing her study of biology at Colorado State and hopes to someday return to Peru to help the people.

Doddridge received an associate of science degree from Laramie County Community College in May and is studying agri-business at Colorado State. She was a member of the Idalia Future Farmers of America chapter for six years, serving as chapter reporter, temporary secretary and president. She took a year off from college to serve as state secretary for the Colorado FFA Association. During this time, she took part in the International Agriculture Experience and traveled to Brazil. Doddridge received the State FFA degree while in high school and the American FFA degree in 2004, which are the two highest degrees the FFA bestows on its members.

Griffin Foundation scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholarship, leadership and service, personal traits and financial need. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA, be eligible for in-state tuition and must have reasonable expectations of completing their degree in two years. The amount of the scholarship is $5,000 per semester and is renewable for up to two academic years (four semesters), as long as the recipient maintains a 3.0 grade-point average. Students who plan to attend Colorado State, the University of Northern Colorado or the University of Wyoming are eligible.

The Griffin Foundation was organized in 1991 by Pat Griffin, a native of Oklahoma, who earned his most prominent recognition as a pioneer in retail petroleum marketing through self-service gasoline stations under the brand name "Gasamat." Griffin lived his entire adult life in Fort Collins, which was the business center of an enterprise that stretched from Nebraska to California and from Canada to Mexico.

In addition to the annual scholarship program, the Griffin Foundation has also provided $2 million to support the construction of the Edna Rizley Griffin Concert Hall at Colorado State’s Center of the Arts and $2.5 million for an addition to Colorado State’s Morgan Library.

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