Article by Julie Waechter, special to Adams State
The R. J. Friend, Inc., Foundation will receive the Adams State University Foundation Willis Fassett Jr. Award – Corporate at the Donor Recognition Dinner, October 28.
Ralph Friend awarded scholarships for many years, then in 1994, R. J. Friend, Inc., Corporation 501c (3) was established for the main purpose of funding scholarships. Ralph worked with his parents and siblings in the family furniture business in Aurora, CO. Ralph Friend died in 2016; now his nieces and nephews continue his legacy with R. J. Friend, Inc., scholarships.
“We are all grateful to work with Adams State and hope to continue to serve individual students with funding as they pursue their goals and dreams,” said Joan Friend, secretary of R. J. Friend, Inc. “Our goal is to fund scholarships every year, and we have grown our capability over the years.”
During WWII, Ralph Friend was stationed in the Philippines and occupied Japan. He also taught women aviation classes geared toward aircraft maintenance and ground crew skills in Arizona.
Since 2021, R. J. Friend, Inc., has funded three Adams State scholarships for Colorado students enrolled in nursing, business, and the Prison Education Program. The intent of each scholarship is to support a full-time, undergraduate student from admission through graduation with an annual award of $10,000 to cover unmet need. “It is our hope the scholarship recipients will give back to their communities after graduating,” said Joan Friend. “Uncle Ralph worked for everything, and I know he would be so pleased to assist Adams State students who are genuine and respectful of education.”
Named in honor of the late Willis Fassett Jr., a long-time president of the Adams State University Foundation Board, the annual award recognizes strong financial supporters of Adams State. The award includes the Buffalo Chant bronze, created specifically for the Foundation by the late William Moyers, Class of 1939.