WSC Presents Champion Citizenship Award
Joaquin Vaughan and Martin Graham
4/22/2010 10:08:27 AM
GUNNISON, Colo. – A courageous act which saved the lives of four people is the inspiration for the newest scholarship for Western State students. An anonymous donor provided $1,000 for the Champion Citizenship Scholarship, named in honor of Joaquin Vaughan who saved the four individuals. Martin Graham, a men's basketball student-athlete, will be the first to receive the award.
“We are fortunate to have a very special donor feel compelled to recognize this selfless and brave act that Joaquin demonstrated and we are very proud of Joaquin, although all of us wish this terrible tragedy had not ever occurred,” said Athletic Director Dr. Greg Waggoner. “We also appreciate the foresight of the donor in creating a scholarship that has the ability for anyone to donate toward that may wish to honor worthy individuals.”
The donor wanted to recognize a selfless act of significant bravery after learning of Vaughan’s story on the morning of Jan. 30, 2010. Vaughan was a redshirt student-athlete with the men’s basketball program last season, and the first award was presented based on his affiliation with the team.
The scholarship would not be limited to the men’s basketball program or a member of the athletic department in future years, but may be presented to any Western State student that demonstrates an act of unusual selflessness, bravery or special merit.