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CMC names Rifle auditorium for Clough scholarship benefactor

Mike McKibbin
Rifle Correspondent
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado

RIFLE, Colorado ” Genevieve Clough says she’s blessed to be able to help what she calls “the forgotten bunch” of youngsters go to college.

That blessing was honored Friday, April 17, when the auditorium at Colorado Mountain College’s West Garfield Campus was named in her honor.

“This is really the icing on the cake,” Clough, 84, of Rifle, said shortly before a short ceremony and musical performances in the auditorium. “It’s all about getting children educated, especially the ones I like to call ‘the forgotten bunch’ of children who want to go to college but don’t feel they can do it.”



Clough donated money to the CMC Foundation to create a scholarship program for high school graduates whose families might not be able to afford to pay their child’s college education, and may not be at the top of their class, she said. Almost 60 scholarships were awarded.

“God has seen fit to give me the wherewithal to do something to help,” Clough added. “The middle bunch of students are the ones who need and want an education. They’re so special, because they don’t cause problems and they get along. These are our next generation, and you can only learn through education.”



“We’re so honored you allowed us to bring your name to this campus,” CMC Foundation CEO Alexandra Yajko said to a crowd of around 50 in the auditorium.

Heather Rhoades, a 2008-10 Clough scholar and CMC student, said she wanted to go to veterinary school, but her family couldn’t afford to pay her entire way.

“The Clough scholarship takes a load off my parents, that’s for sure,” Rhoades said. “I have some friends at college who work full time, too, and I think it’s too much for them. With this scholarship, I can focus where it belongs, on school.”

Rifle High School Principal Todd Ellis said great philanthropists are not just philanthropists, they are “dream givers.”

“Two years ago, I had a boy who was getting into gangs and not coming to school,” he recalled. “We talked about a Clough scholarship and that changed him. He’s graduating this year and he plans to apply for this scholarship. That’s just an example of the humanity and compassion you’ve shown with your gift.”

Coal Ridge High School Principal Jeannie Humble said when she tells students about the Clough scholarship, “Their faces shine.”

“One-third of our seniors were able to realize their dreams of college with that help,” Humble added. “Our nation will continue to lead with excellence in the next generation because of people like Mrs. Clough.”

Grand Valley High School Principal Ryan Frink said Clough normally shies away from publicity, “so they probably brought you kicking and screaming for this event.

“You’re a true blessing for this community,” he said.


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