Parkinson Association of the Rockies Eric Wright Memorial Fund (UA2)


Uplifting and inspiring the next generation of scholars


Parkinson Association of the Rockies, along with the family and closest friends of Eric Wright, will honor his legacy and recognize Eric’s lifelong dream of being a constant and present figure in his family’s life with the annual Eric Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund. In commemorating Eric’s spirit through this scholarship, we aim not only to fulfill his dream but also to uplift and inspire the next generation of scholars who share our commitment to education, resilience, and the well-being of those affected by Parkinson Disease.

Eligibility

  • Be a graduating high school senior or college student currently enrolled in a 4-year or 2-year university or college. Those enrolled in trade programs may also apply.
  • Be a young adult who has lost a parent, guardian, or family member to Parkinson Disease and/or has financial hardship due to a parent, guardian, or family member currently living with Parkinson Disease.
  • Lives in Colorado or Wyoming. The school of enrollment may be located anywhere in the United States.
  • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher (please note that recipients are required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA after accepting this scholarship).

Selection

Recipients will be selected based on merit, financial need, and need caused by Parkinson Disease.

Additional information

Scholarship recipients are eligible to receive $5,000 annually throughout their undergraduate career for up to four years (up to $20,000 total). The amount awarded may be used for tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and health insurance. All scholarships will be paid directly to a recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university. Additionally, there is potential for a smaller, one-time award made to runner-up(s) during years the fund committee deems appropriate.

How to apply 

  1. Read through the eligibility to confirm you meet the requirements for the scholarship opportunity  
  2. Log into scholarship lifecycle manager and apply to the Universal Application – Cycle 2 
  3. Prepare and submit the following items:   
    1. List of all extracurricular activities, community volunteering opportunities, and paid/unpaid work experiences you have had 
    2. Transcript  
    3. Academic or community letter of recommendation 
    4. Confirmation of eligibility in the form of an obituary, copy of death certificate, or a signed doctor’s note on behalf of your parent, caregiver, or family member. 
    5. Three essays  
      1. How has Parkinson Disease affected you and your family?  
      2. Briefly outline your short and long-term goals both educational and beyond and explain how this scholarship will help you pursue these dreams. 
      3. Where and how do you show leadership in your day-to-day life/activities? 
Mom And Dad With Harper Parksinson Assoc

About the donor


Eric was an ardent advocate for education throughout his life, impressing upon his children the joys of learning. Additionally, Eric served as a law professor within the University of Maine system later in life, after a long career as a criminal prosecutor with the Maine Attorney General’s office. Parkinson’s disease is ultimately what took Eric’s life. We hope to celebrate his passion for learning by empowering the next generation of those families affected by Parkinson’s Disease.