The Dixie O. Westergard Memorial Scholarship was recently established to provide financial assistance to students in the University of Nevada's College of Education and to honor distinguished alumna Dixie Westergard.
Westergard spent her teen years in Elko and Lovelock. She graduated Phi Kappa Pi from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1956 with a degree in education.
While at the university, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, participated in women's athletics, was active in numerous student organizations and was a Top 10 senior woman awardee.
Westergard wrote children's books about Dr. Mary Fulstone, Dat-so-la-lee and Lake Tahoe.
She was an active member of Nevada Women's History group and was inducted into the Nevada Women's History Roll of Honor in 2001.
Westergard died in 2007 at age 72. Her family members include many UNR graduates including her husband Roland; all four of her children; and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
"Dixie shared her enthusiasm for learning and teaching in everything she did. My family and I believe this scholarship honors her dedication, her skill, and her love in all facets of her life," said Roland.
The first Dixie O. Westergard Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in the 2011/2012 academic year.
For more information about contributing to the endowment or scholarship application, contact Mitch Klaich at 775-784-6914 or online at mklaich@unr.edu.