Brownson Memorial Leadership Scholarship

The Brownson Memorial Leadership Scholarship was established by the B.E. (Bud) Brownson family in memory of Bruce P. and Mary F. Brownson.

Bud Brownson, a true friend of Maverick athletics, was inducted into the Maverick athletic Hall of Honor in 2000 for his continuous support and generosity in providing scholarships to students. He and his wife, Phyllis established the Brownson Memorial Scholarship in 1984 in memory of Bruce P. and Mary F. Brownson. Most of the scholarships given in the Brownson name have been given to student athletes. For the sixteen years between 1984-2000, nine students were recipients of Brownson scholarships. In addition to scholarships, Bud personally employed many student-athletes to perform miscellaneous jobs at his business and home.

Bud attended Mesa Junior College 1946-48 and played football for two years. He showed his support for Mesa State athletics by attending numerous athletic events since 1946. The College gymnasium (Brownson Arena) was named in his honor on January 16, 1999.

Bruce P. Brownson was born in Eureka, Kansas, in 1899 and moved to Grand Junction at an early age. He graduated from Grand Junction High School and attended Colorado University. He was employed by the City of Grand Junction for over 20 years. He was appointed head of the Health and Parks Department in 1923 and became City Manager in 1939. In 1946, he resigned as City Manager and started his own construction and subdivision company. He had a long association with the Mutual Savings & Loan Association. He became director in 1947 and was President from 1962 until 1974.

Mary Brownson was from a long-time pioneer family. She was born in Grand Junction in 1898 and graduated from Grand Junction High School. Her father, Tom Sanford, came to the Grand Valley in 1883 at the age of 19 (two years prior to Grand Junction being founded). He was superintendent of the Bookcliff Mines for 32 years and owned a fruit ranch at what is now 12th & Patterson.