Who Are We?

Colfax Schools Foundation

In September 2001, while planning for their 50th class reunion, Colfax grads Del Teade and Suzanne Matsen began working with Joel Aune, then CSD Superintendent, and local community leaders to form a nonprofit foundation to support the Colfax Schools. The Colfax Schools Foundation, which was officially established in May 2002 , provides an avenue for graduates and friends to donate money for student scholarships and school projects. The Foundation also serves as an umbrella for memorials and endowments, and is a chapter of the Dollars for Scholars program. To maximize tax advantages and investment options for potential donors, the Foundation is a separate entity from the school district and is an IRS 501(c)(3) Washington corporation.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors; the original board included Tim Bruya, Terry Eng, Allen Kirkpatrick, Suzanne Matsen and Del Teade. In the past few years, additional members have been added to the board. Major tasks have been to develop and maintain a comprehensive mailing list of CHS graduates, so that information concerning the foundation may be distributed to CHS alumni and scholarship funds can be raised.

Initial funding to start the Foundation was the donation of the Colfax High School Alumni Scholarship Fund, a fund started and maintained by Juanita Scholz Morasch. This provided the money necessary to obtain a matching grant from the Washington State HEC (Higher Education Coordinating) Board. Since then, funds for scholarships have come from alumni and friends, memorial gifts, local businesses and the HEC Board. Named scholarship funds have been donated by CHS graduates and by one alumni class. In addition, the Foundation has established an endowment fund which we hope to grow over the years.

CFS scholarships are awarded annually at the CHS Senior Recognition Program. During the seven-year period 2003-2009, the Foundation awarded 152 scholarships to seniors and graduates, totaling almost $100,000.

Additionally the Foundation processes applications and awards scholarships in conjunction with other local organizations including the Colfax Rotary Club and the Inland Northwest Community Foundation. We look forward to growing our scholarship program.

We send thanks to everyone who has helped us during our inaugural years. We welcome your interest and participation in the Foundation. If you have mailing information concerning alumni, are interesting in contributing to the scholarship program, or are generally interested in helping with the Foundation's activities, please contact us--see the Contact Us page.

Board of Directors:

Terry Eng, Treasurer

Terry Eng, a 1980 CHS graduate, is an original board member of the Colfax Schools Foundation. With the exception of the 4 years he spent in Seattle attending college, Terry has called Colfax his home. Terry is presently a partner in the CPA firm of Kirkpatrick, Utgaard & Perry. In addition to his work, Terry keeps busy by volunteering for other not-for-profit organizations, following his children’s activities, coaching, fishing and reading. Married to his high school sweetheart, Joanne, since 1985, they are raising 3 girls.