Note: This message was originally sent on January 23, 2019
Mr. Rockstrom has a wonderful back story as to why he created a scholarship at GU… it all started with the entrepreneurial spirit around some football games at GU. He had a jump on us when it comes to parking fees!!! Enjoy the below…
Donald W. Rockstrom Endowed Scholarship: Established in 2016; 2 awards
“I am grateful for the patronage and donation of this scholarship, as I would not have been able to attend Gonzaga without it. The financial commitment has placed a strain on me and my family, and this scholarship is helping to relieve some of this anxiety. I am truly grateful!!” – 2018-19 recipient, Ethan
As a young boy, Don Rockstrom capitalized on the growing fan base and notoriety of Gonzaga’s football team in the late 1930s, earning his first quarter helping football fans find a place to park near campus. “I probably still have that quarter,” he recalled. “Gonzaga was part of my life,” explained Rockstrom, whose grandfather brought the McGoldrick Lumber Company to its location near Gonzaga in what is now Lake Arthur.
From handball games against the back of College Hall to sneaking peeks at football games from the balconies of Desmet Hall, Gonzaga was Rockstrom’s childhood playground. After years as a successful entrepreneur and investor, Rockstrom and his wife, Donna, came home to Gonzaga — this time, with the intention of investing in students. They established an endowed scholarship and made plans to add to the fund through a gift in their will and through several gift annuities.
“My college education was influential in helping me succeed,” said Rockstrom. “Donna and I just felt it right to provide support for students who need it.” The Donald W. Rockstrom Endowed Scholarship was established during the Gonzaga Will campaign for students who demonstrate financial need, are in good academic standing and are pursuing a degree in Business Administration.