Col. Charles E. McGee scholarship
To be eligible, completed applications must be received by February 28, 2017.
The Colonel Charles E. McGee Scholarship is an annual scholarship granted by funds endowed to Columbia College to help a qualified veteran student achieve their education goal. This scholarship was established in 2010 to honor Col. Charles McGee ’78 USAF (retired) who was a Tuskegee Airman, one of a select group of black World War II fighter pilots who shattered stereotypes. In his extraordinarily long career, he also commanded a fighter squadron in the Philippines, a reconnaissance squadron at now-defunct Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base just south of Kansas City, and holds the Air Force fighter combat record of 409 missions and 1151 combat hours.
The Col. Charles McGee Scholarship recognizes the efforts of a veteran student who embodies the spirit and courage of COL McGee as he/she served our country and now is pursuing a college education.
Who’s eligible
Any undergraduate or graduate Columbia College student classified as a veteran (no longer serving and honorably discharged) who is degree-seeking with a minimum of 2.5 GPA attending a Columbia College campus and/or dependent of a veteran.
Application
Applications must be completed by the student.
Deadline
Applications must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. CST, February 28, 2017.
Criteria
- A fully completed and signed application form
- Copy of DD214 (veteran copy)with honorable discharge status
- An essay of up to 500 words written by the student describing his or her personal circumstances and how education is, has, or is expected to make a difference in his/her life.
- Two references as outlined in Section III of the application form.
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Submission
Mail completed application packet (application, DD214, essay, and recommendations) to:
The COL (retired) Charles E. McGee Scholarship Committee
Ousley Veterans Center, MOH 226
Columbia College
1001 Rogers Street
Columbia, MO 65216
Notification
All applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision by way of letter by April 18, 2017.
Application Form
Recommendation Form
Col. Charles McGee
Col. Charles McGee is a living national treasure. Born in 1919, he became a Tuskegee Airman in World War II. The Airmen were the first African Americans to fly in combat. McGee held the Air Force’s fighter combat record for many years with 409 missions and 1,151 combat hours, serving in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars.
In his extraordinarily long career, McGee also commanded a fighter squadron in the Philippines and a reconnaissance squadron at now-defunct Richards- Gebaur Air Force Base just south of Kansas City.
McGee was president of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. from 1983-85 and again from 1998-2002, focusing on education, aviation and space careers for minorities.
In 2007, President Bush awarded McGee the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award.