December 13, 2017
Montana Western Senior Delaney Hansen is the first recipient of the Colton Tanner Rohlf Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors the memory and life of Colton Rohlf, a Montana Western student who touched the lives of so many on campus.
Delaney and Colton were good friends who collaborated on many projects together while they were involved in the Student Senate at Montana Western. Serving as a student senator, Colton was continually looking for ways to make the campus a better place for everyone, and he implemented many new ideas including the creation of a recreation room in the Student Union Building and a campus Folf course.
Colton’s love for helping others wasn’t limited to Montana Western, as he performed many services in his hometown of Great Falls, Mont. He was an avid supporter and volunteer for the Special Olympics, serving as a Unified Partner and Coach for the Great Falls Hornets, a passion he shared with his mom. He also enjoyed fishing with his dad and volunteered his time in organizations including Walleyes Unlimited (Camp Walleye), the North Middle School Fishing Club, and Youth Dynamics.
According to Dean of Students Nicole Hazelbaker, Colton was truly one-of-a-kind. He worked hard in the student senate to bring forward ideas for activities and intramurals to increase positive student engagement but also made sure that other voices were heard.
“Colton was very well thought of at the University of Montana Western. He has been very missed but his legacy lives on. This is a young man who will not be forgotten,” said Hazelbaker.
“I cannot think of a more appropriate choice for the first recipient of this scholarship,” said UMW Chancellor Beth Weatherby. “Delaney approaches life the way Colton did, with integrity, enthusiasm, and an innate love of service to others.”
His parents, Tim and Heather Rohlf, were touched to be able to award the first scholarship to Delaney.
“It was an honor that Delaney applied for the scholarship and an honor for us to award it to her,” said the Rohlfs.
The scholarship provides Delaney, an Elementary Education major, with additional motivation and enthusiasm to further pursue her education at the University of Montana Western.
“I am looking forward to giving back to this university in the future and can only hope to impact a student in the same way this scholarship, and Colton, have impacted me. I am incredibly thankful for the Rohlfs’ generous gift and willingness to support me and my college career. Just as Colton will never, ever be forgotten, neither will their kindness,” said Delaney.
According to Delaney, Colton was a leader, an inspiration to those around him, and a passionate student, friend, and son. He gave of himself time and time again, and was able to leave a profound impact on those around him.
“For me, I feel that my purpose is to lead the future leaders of this country to success, to inspire young minds, and to help each student find a love for learning. In fulfilling what I believe my purpose to be, I will carry my memories of Colton. I will strive to give to this world selflessly, to lead by example, to love whole-heartedly, and to search for the joy in each and every day. Colton has a permanent place in my heart and I intend on carrying the memory of him with me as I continue my education and begin my career.”
