Carolyn C. Westvelt Endowed Scholarship
Carolyn C. Westvelt was born and raised in the Lewistown, Montana, area. She graduated from Eastern Montana College Normal School (now MSU Billings) in 1937 with her teaching diploma and eventually earned her BA degree from Moorhead State College in Minnesota. This launched her long teaching career, beginning with teaching jobs in several small Central Montana communities including Grass Range. From familiar ground, the brave young Carolyn, undoubtedly armed with her pallet and paint brushes, ventured far, far away to the logging community of Libby. In 1945, Helena, the capital city, became Carolyn’s new home for over 60 years. Carolyn retired from teaching in 1977, but not from living a full life. She was a world traveler and a gifted artist who could turn photographs into beautiful water colors. In 2006, Carolyn established the Carolyn C. Westvelt Endowed Scholarship to provide financial assistance to elementary education majors at Montana State University Billings. Carolyn passed away in Lewistown on December 17, 2010, at age 96. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 2008-2009.
Impact
“I am enrolled in the education program at MSUB with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education. I returned to school for several reasons. I want to advocate for the children who have no one and help students learn their potential. My most important reason is I want to prove with hard work that a single parent can earn a degree. I want to be a better role model for my daughters; who need to know anything is possible. My plan after graduation is to work for School District 2 in Special Education. My passion is working with children with special needs because in the past I have worked with both children and adults and fell in love. I have learned so much about my future career and I cannot wait to get started. I would like to thank you for your kindness in providing me the Carolyn C. Westvelt Endowed Scholarship to help further my education.” — Annelise P., Elementary Education and Special Education major