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Alumna establishes scholarship for husband lost in action |
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Thursday, 10 April 2008 |
by LAUREN LAWSON
News Reporter
Appalachian State University alumna Wesley Bauguess has created a scholarship for ROTC students at Appalachian in honor of her late husband, whom she met in the ROTC program.
Bauguess’ husband, Larry Bauguess, was a graduate of Appalachian’s ROTC program in 1993 and was killed in action last May in Pakistan, said Dan Smith, Appalachian ROTC alumni president and friend of the couple.
“The ROTC program meant a lot to us, so I wanted a way to honor Larry and the program,” Bauguess
said.
 Sophomore IDS major Amber F. Racey practices a routine for the color guard Wednesday at Varsity Gym. Photo by Holt Menzies
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Larry served in the 82nd Airborne Division and he and his wife have two daughters.
After Larry’s death, Wesley continued her support of the 82nd Airborne Division, visiting wounded
soldiers and showing her appreciation, according to a press release from the College of Fine and
Applied Arts.
Wesley and Smith decided to work together to set up a scholarship for Appalachian’s ROTC program in
Larry’s honor.
The $500 scholarship is endowed through the university, meaning Smith and Wesley will raise the
initial $10,000 and the university will then use interest off of it for future awards, Smith said.
“So far we have raised about $5,000, but in order to get the scholarship going, [Wesley] is donating the
first year’s $500 and I am donating the second year’s award,” he said.
Wesley said cadets will be selected by their peers and applicants will write an essay on why they want
to be a United States Army Officer.
“The top three essays will be sent to me and I will help decide the winner,” she said.
 Business education major Jack M. Hayes practices one-handed rifle spinning. Photo by Holt Menzies
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Smith said the scholarship will be awarded to a cadet who exemplifies peer leadership.
“Larry was very involved in the ROTC program and I suppose the idea was to award it to someone who
was very much like him,” he said.
Jarman said the scholarship is open to junior ROTC cadets who would then be awarded the scholarship
in the fall of their senior year.
“ROTC cadets are remarkable, offering themselves to serve our country. The least we can do is to try
help in a small way,” Wesley said.
To contribute, visit www.give.appstate.edu.
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