Cloyd and Joan Aarseth Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2023 by Joan’s brother, Cloyd and Joan’s children and grandchildren, the Cloyd and Joan Aarseth Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually. Born and raised in New York City, Cloyd was a member of the College Board of Directors from 1991 to 1995 when he and Joan lived in Winchester. Married for 65 years, Cloyd and Joan instilled in their children and grandchildren a love of learning and the value of educational opportunities. Cloyd was proud of the opportunity to serve on the College Board and Joan loved interacting with College students. They both believed in and supported the College mission enthusiastically.

Cloyd, the son of Norwegian immigrants, was the first member of his family to go to college, attending Colby College in Waterville Maine. He started his career as a newspaper journalist and went on to produce documentary motion pictures for school children and the US government, traveling extensively. Joan did not have the opportunity to attend college but served in elementary schools as a Title I aide and substitute teacher for more than 20 years. She was affectionately known as “Mrs. A.” Together their support, love and care launched their children’s and grandchildren’s careers in law, engineering, finance, business, and retail.

The scholarship may be applied toward tuition, fees and or books and will be divided between the fall and spring semesters. To be eligible to receive the award for the spring semester you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the fall semester.

The scholarship will be awarded to students who meet the following criteria:
• Must complete a scholarship application and the FAFSA
• May be a full- or part-time student
• Must have and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Must demonstrate financial need
• Preference will be given to a single parent

The scholarship is renewable for a second academic year if the recipient continues to maintain eligibility.