Walter J. Clarkson was born at Ferndale, Washington, October 30, 1900, and died November 4, 1976. He and Mrs. Clarkson had just returned from a Mediterranean cruise, which had been enjoyed by a great number of WSC alumni. Walter graduated from WSC in 1924 with a B.S. in Agriculture. Vesta Ellen Hanson Clarkson was born at Mount Vernon, Washington, December 9, 1903, and died at their home at Ferndale, Washington, January 4, 1988, following a long illness. Mrs. Clarkson also attended WSC, graduating in 1927 with a B.A. in Home Economics. Vesta was also interested in the Dairy Science Department, fitting and showing off livestock and winning ribbons for her efforts. She was also a “crack shot” on the Rifle Team. She graduated with high honors. Walter and Vesta were married in June 1934, and after retiring from the Extension work, they bought and operated their Registered Holstein Dairy Farm, known as CLARKSONNA FARMS. Their farm was located in the Nooksack Valley. They continued farming there until 1967 when they sold the major portion of the farm with their dairy herd. Walter and Vesta were very interested in current events in the world, and were up-to-date on all happenings. In their retirement, they traveled all directions. They were active in their home community with Walter in the Farm Bureau and the Washington State and Whatcom County Holstein Associations. Vesta was on the School Board and in Social Service work. Vesta and Walter were wonderful people and made excellent use of their education at Washington State College.
Award Requirements
The Vesta and Walter Clarkson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students with declared majors in home economics and dairy science. The students should have high scholastic ratings, and preference will be given to qualified students with financial need.