April 20, 2024

Alumni Association provides needed funds for student groups

The College of Eastern Utah’s Alumni Association plays an avid role in awarding financial assistance to recognized organizations affiliated with CEU. Every year, two tournaments are held to help raise money for clubs and organizations at CEU. The “Wildman Scramble” is held at the Carbon Country Club golf course. The other tournament is hosted at the Millsite golf course in Ferron.

This archived article was written by: Laura Strate

The College of Eastern Utah’s Alumni Association plays an avid role in awarding financial assistance to recognized organizations affiliated with CEU. Every year, two tournaments are held to help raise money for clubs and organizations at CEU. The “Wildman Scramble” is held at the Carbon Country Club golf course. The other tournament is hosted at the Millsite golf course in Ferron.
Local businesses and individuals donate money, prizes, and/or sponsor teams at both tournaments. According to Clyde Larsen, Alumni Association President, proceeds from the “Wildman Scramble” are used for clubs and organizations affiliated with CEU. This year, the tournament raised $6,675.49. Profits from the Millsite tournament allow the college to award two scholarships to Emery County students attending CEU.
These tournaments are held in hopes of raising funds to assist students and relieve the burden placed on local businesses by the groups individually approaching the businesses for donations says Larsen.
Eleven clubs requested money in the amount of $9,104 from the Alumni fund for the 2004-2005 school year. Larsen states that during a January meeting, $6,308 was awarded to these clubs. A total of two hundred thirty-seven students benefited directly from this money.
The Breakaway Club requested $500 and was awarded the full amount. The Cosmetology’s VICA group asked for $1,204 and was given $908. The CEU dance department was given only half of their requested amount of $800. The CEU drill team was awarded their full requested amount of $600. The DEX Business Club asked for $1,000 and was awarded $600. The Eagle newspaper was given $400 and had asked for $700. The Law and Order Society was given $300, just shy of their asking amount of $400. CEU Nursing Association requested $1,000 and was given $900. The PBL Business Club was given $600, but had asked for $1,000. The Welding department’s VICA group was awarded their full asking price of $500.
“We [the Alumni Association] request a written application delineating how the funds will be used, how many students will benefit, what activities the group has been involved in to raise funds for its program and what services they have rendered to the community and to other groups,” states Larsen. “High priority is given to those that have held fundraisers on their own, offered significant service and attended our meeting indicating what they will do with the money and what they did with the money from the previous year.”
“Members of the Alumni Association volunteer their time with the express purpose of enhancing the education of students attending CEU,” continued Larsen, “We wish we could offer more money and would if we had it.” He is grateful to his wife for her example and for the support of their children, ages 10, 6, and 3.
Watkins is employed full time by the Utah Highway Patrol as a state trooper, and owes a debt of gratitude to his sergeant, crew, and the administration of the Utah Highway Patrol for their support in obtaining his associate’s degree.
His next educational goal is to obtain his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southern Utah University.
Whitear is the daughter of Craig and Valerie Whitear of Morgan, Utah. She was a stand- out athlete while at Morgan High School, participating on a four-peat state championship volleyball team, state championship basketball team and track. She was named 2003 3A-Basketball MVP, All-State Track, and All-Star in volleyball.  
She was also awarded in Detroit, Mich., the Female Freestyle 2003 Overall Jr. Olympic Gold Medal in Powertap and 2004 Female Freestyle MVP.
She graduated Morgan High School as a four-year honor roll student and as a two-year member of the National Honor Society.
Whitear attended CEU on an academic and basketball scholarship, and can be recognized as a Distinguished Academic All-American and All-Region Women’s Basketball Team.
She will graduate CEU with her associate’s degree.   Her career goal is to teach and coach at the high school level.