Ben Rogers approached his long time friend, John Gray, a president emeritus of Lamar University, to lend his name and his prominence to such a project. Thus, the first of many endowed Lamar University scholarships that given annually to the outstanding female athlete who exhibits role model characteristics to her peers was established in his honor.
John Gray/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship
Established in 1975, and the recipients photograph is permanently displayed, along with Babe’s memorabilia, in the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum.
This scholarship was established by the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation in honor of John Gray, a former Lamar University president to support academically outstanding varsity athletes. The scholarship is open to Seniors and to all majors. The recipient must be an all-around athlete in at least two sports or an outstanding performer in one.
Thad & Margaret Johnson/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship
Established in 2000 and honors Thad Johnson, who chronicled Babe’s career and authored her biography, as well as served on the foundation board, and his wife.
The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation established the Thad & Margaret Johnson/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship in Women’s Athletics in honor of the Johnson’s leadership and community service. The scholarship is open to all class levels and all majors. The recipient must be a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and have a SAT score of 800 or better or the ACT equivalent.
Milton Bell/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship
Established in 2005 and honors Colonel Milton Bell, the architect who designed the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum in Beaumont, TX, and is a longtime member of the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation board.
The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation established the Milton Bell/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship in Women’s Athletics to honor Milton Bell for his leadership and service to the Beaumont and Lamar communities. The scholarship is open to all class levels. The recipient must be majoring in an academic area leading to a Bachelor’s degree and must be a participant in the women’s athletic program. The recipient must be a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 24 semester hours per year and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for continuing students. Entering Freshmen must have a minimum SAT score of 850 or the ACT equivalent. In addition the recipient must meet both the University and NCAA academic standards and eligibility requirements. Preference will be given to Southeast Texas residents.
Ben & Julie Rogers/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship
Established in 1991 and honors Ben Rogers, the founder and Chairman of the Board of the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation, and his wife.
The Ben & Julie Rogers/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship in Women’s Athletics was established by the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation of Beaumont in honor of Julie and Ben Rogers. The scholarship is open to all majors and and all class levels. The recipient must have a SAT score of 800 or better or the ACT equivalent, be a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
W. L. Pate, Sr./Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship
Established in 2001 and honors Colonel W.L. Pate, Sr., who served as President of the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation from 1991 – 2002.
The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation established the W. L. Pate, Sr./Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship in Women’s Athletics in honor of Colonel W. L. Pate, Sr. who was instrumental in the planning and operating the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum dedicated to the World’s Greatest Woman Athlete and the Female Athlete of the Century. The scholarship is open to all class levels and all majors. The recipient must be a full-time student enrolled in a minimum of 24 semester hours per year, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and entering Freshmen must have a minimum SAT score of 800 or the ACT equivalent. Preference will be given to Southeast Texas residents.
Bob West/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship
Established in 2010 and honors Bob West, the Sports Editor for the Port Arthur News and a longtime member of the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation board.
The Bob West/Babe Didrikson Zaharias Scholarship in Athletics was established by the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation in honor of long-time Port Arthur News sports editor Bob West for his work through the years in promoting and supporting the annual golf tournament hosted by the Zaharias Foundation. Bob has twice been named Texas Sportswriter of the Year and has twice received the Fred Hartman Excellence in Sportswriting Award. The scholarship is open to all class levels and all majors. The recipient must be a full-time student, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and must be a participant in the women’s athletic program.