Willard E. Fraser Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Willard Fraser was elected mayor of Billings, Montana, in April 1971 and was an outstanding public servant. His success resulted not only from his own great abilities, but perhaps most importantly from the fact that he inspired support for his goals and projects from a large number of capable and interested citizens. Mr. Fraser was a student of history and an ardent supporter of Eastern Montana College (now MSU Billings). He was also the son-in-law of the poet Robert Frost. In 1973, the Willard E. Fraser Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in memory of Mr. Fraser by his family and friends. The scholarship fund provides financial assistance to history majors at MSU Billings who share the broad interests which motivated Mr. Fraser’s life, such as public service, love of country, style, and “pizzazz”. The first scholarship was awarded in academic year 1976-1977.
Impact
“As the recipient of the Willard E. Fraser Memorial Endowed Scholarship, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your gracious contribution. I come from a family of four and our income is not high enough for two students that will both be in college next year. I take pride in the fact I have accomplished many things thus far in my life and I thank my parents for that. By giving me this opportunity, you’ve opened up doors for me throughout my education and I hope one day I can help the community as your father has in the past. I want to thank you and your family for helping me pursue my dreams and becoming a very successful person in Montana communities.” — Katlyn S., History major with a teaching option