SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

In loving memory of Rodney (Rod) Ems, a cherished Durango, CO community member, the Ems family is proud to sponsor the Ems Family Scholarship. Rod and his wife Joan ventured from  Southern California to establish roots in Durango in 1978. Together, they built a successful structural engineering firm and a beautiful family including their daughters, Jessica and Colleen, and five grandchildren. 

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Rod was more than a businessman; he was an active member of the community. He dedicated his time and efforts to various community endeavors, including his longstanding involvement with the Kiwanis of the Narrow Gauge Club and serving on several review boards. He was a man of great generosity and his quirky sense of humor brightened the lives of all who knew him. Education was highly valued by both Rod and Joan and they imparted that importance to their daughters.

 

In 2021, cancer claimed Rod’s life, but he left behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and compassion.  While his physical presence is deeply missed, his spirit lives on as we honor him and the importance of education through the Ems Family  Scholarship.

Award Amount: $10,000 (renewable up to 3 additional years) to the student’s choice of school, inclusive of a Trade School/Vocational School, 2-year Associate programs, 4-year Bachelor programs, or any other non-traditional training program. 
 

Objective: Filling the Gap 
The Ems Family Scholarship aims to fill a void in the realm of financial assistance for students. Recognizing that many deserving students may not qualify for traditional scholarships due to various circumstances, this scholarship is designed to bridge that gap. Whether it be financial need, unconventional academic paths, or personal challenges, the Ems Family Scholarship seeks to support those who otherwise might not be on the regular scholarship radar. 
 

Selection: Recipient will be selected by the DEF Scholarship Committee in conjunction with the Ems Family. Finalists will be interviewed before a final decision.
 

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible, the student must:

• Embody the values of community, perseverance, and kindness that Rodney Ems held dear

• Plan to pursue some kind of additional training or education

• Demonstrate need in any fashion

• The primary eligibility criterion for the Ems Family Scholarship is financial need. Beyond that, there are no specific requirements or restrictions. Whether you're a high school graduate taking a gap year, a nontraditional student starting mid-year, or someone pursuing an unconventional academic path, you are encouraged to apply. 
   

INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. A COMPLETE APPLICATION

2. Current transcript with no minimum GPA requirement.

   • ​A complete senior transcript showing sustained GPA may be required before the award is remitted to the student’s choice of college.

3. Statement of Financial Need

   • Please share anything about your family financial situation and/or your financial situation that will help us understand your need for college scholarship assistance. (approximately 250 words)

4. Two Letters of Recommendation

5. #1 College and Career Essay:

   • What are your education and career goals? What makes you passionate about this future path? What have you done so far to pursue these future goals? What will you be doing 1 and 5 years after college graduation? (600 words maximum)

6. #2 Obstacles Essay: 

   • What challenge, big or small, are you proud to have persevered through, and what challenges, as you enter college, do you still have ahead of you? (300 words maximum)