Remembering Evan Jim Dirksen wanted to do something positive during a most difficult time. He established a scholarship in honor of his son, Evan, to continue in perpetuity so Western students can attend the University in Evan’s memory. Evan was a 2012 Gunnison High School graduate and a freshman at Western. He was killed in a car accident in September, 2012 at the age of 19. Evan grew up in the Gunnison community—he loved the outdoors, played in the band and ran cross country at GHS. “Evan was excited about attending classes and being involved with all the activities at Western,” said Jim. “There was a spark and a fire in his eyes about the next chapter in his life here.” The Evan James Dirksen Memorial Scholarship will specifically benefit students graduating from high school in the Gunnison Valley. A preference will be given to applicants who are majoring in Geology and/or are participating in Western’s Mountain Sports Program. Jim established the Scholarship with the Foundation and significant support has come from family members and friends, and especially Audrey and Kristen Dirksen, Evan’s mother and sister. Additionally, in November 2012, Jim’s mother, Arzella Dirksen, set up a fund in Denver in memory of Jim’s father and Evan’s grandfather, Melvin Dirksen, that will fortify the Evan James Dirksen Memorial Scholarship in its inception, and hopefully will continue to have impact in the years ahead. “Evan was so excited to join the Mountain Sports Freeride Ski Team that he didn’t bother waiting until he was a student at Western,” said Dave Wiens, Director of Mountain Sports. “He skied with the team as a senior at Gunnison High School. That kind of enthusiasm and motivation, that was what Evan was all about and it’s what this scholarship will allow to continue live on.”
22 • Courageous Change