Genevieve Clough: One in a Million

Genevieve Clough believed in the transformative power of an education.

“Her belief was that everyone is special,” says Carol Efting, coordinator of scholarships and records for the Colorado Mountain College Foundation. “And those with the motivation and commitment to successfully achieve an education, whether or not it is for a vocational or professional career, should have the financial resource to do so.”

In cooperation with CMC, Clough started a multimillion-dollar scholarship endowment in 2008. Its mission is to help graduates of Coal Ridge, Grand Valley and Rifle high schools pursue their post-secondary vocational and college goals at CMC and other not-for-profit institutions.

But what makes the Clough Fellowship unique is that it is not solely based on academic merit, athletic ability or leadership experience. It is geared to applicants with financial need, participation in community service, and a solid career plan.

“Her gift has provided many CMC students assistance to achieve their educational goals,” explains Efting.

Sadly, Genevieve passed away two years after establishing the endowment, but her generosity lives on. The fellowship program is now in its 10th year, and more than $3 million has been awarded to 450 Clough Fellows.

“I’ve always wanted to go to college, and my dad always told me he regretted never going,” Tiffany Cose said in a Post Independent article. “But I really don’t know if I’d be able to go to CMC without the help” from the Clough Fellowship.