UMW FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ESTABLISHMENT OF RONALD J. WOODS CHARITABLE TRUST ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP

November 12, 2024

The University of Montana Western Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support and recognize students attending Montana Western who are pursuing a degree in education.

Ronald J. Woods, a Notre Dame graduate in chemical engineering, established a company in the 1960s that played a pivotal role in advancing modern injection molding technology. After selling the company in the 1980s, Mr. Woods dedicated his time to philanthropy and ultimately found his way to Montana, where he founded a nonprofit high school for students needing additional support. The school, which was tuition-free, made a lasting impact on the lives of many young people.

Though the school has since retired, the Woods Scholarship, established in 2015, has supported over 34 deserving students across Montana. The Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship will offer four $5,000 scholarships to first-time, full-time teacher education students who are Montana high school graduates. Applicants must meet certain financial criteria and complete three essay questions for review by the Woods Charitable Trust Committee. This scholarship proudly honors Mr. Woods's legacy, upholding his vision of empowering hardworking students who are committed to making the world a better place.

The University of Montana Western Foundation is proud to recognize this year's recipients of the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship. Each recipient embodies a commitment to positively impact their communities and contribute to the future of education.

2024 Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust Annual Scholarship Recipients:

Halia Peterson, from Conrad, Montana, is majoring in art education with the goal of being a positive influence in the lives of her future students and helping them unlock all of their artistic potential. "It means so much to me to be able to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming an art teacher without financial burdens," says Halia.

Spencer Zavala graduated from Powell County High School and aspires to be an elementary teacher. His experience working in a special education classroom during high school has motivated Spencer to pursue a master's degree in special education. He believes that every student deserves to feel loved and supported, especially in school.

Natalie Campbell, a 2024 graduate of Corvallis High School, is studying teaching and early childhood education with plans to specialize in trauma-informed care and behavioral support. "This scholarship will significantly ease my financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies," says Natalie.

Ashley Stokes, from Conrad, Montana, is pursuing a degree in elementary education and would like to teach in a rural Montana school. She shares, "Western is an amazing college, and this scholarship will be very helpful in paying for my freshman year."

The University of Montana Western Foundation would like to remind students that the Foundation scholarship application will open on November 12, 2024, with a priority submission deadline of February 1, 2025. We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to support their educational goals. To access the application, please visit umwfoundation.awardspring.com.

For more information about the Ronald J. Woods Charitable Trust scholarship, please contact Roxanne Engellant at 406-683-7305 or by email at [email protected].

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