Richard P. and Catherine M. Gousha Educators Scholarship Endowment

Richard and Catherine Gousha were both life-long educators who together contributed 90 years of service in public education.  The couple met in a small, rural school district in Ohio.  From there, they moved to several towns in Ohio, Indiana, Delaware and Wisconsin and back to Indiana where they ultimately retired. 

Richard completed his undergraduate degree in history, utilizing the original GI Bill. He started his education career at the age of 24, becoming a high school teacher, and the next year became a superintendent of schools.  He received both his masters and doctorate in educational administration.  Over his 50- year career in public education, Gousha held positions of superintendent, state superintendent, big city superintendent, dean of the school of education, and professor.  He retired at age 75 as a professor emeritus.

Catherine received both her bachelors and masters degrees in education.  While attending school, she was known for her vocal and dramatic performances. She spent her entire career as a speech pathologist in the elementary school grades. Some of the children she worked with had severe stutters. How wonderful it made her feel when she could see one of these children improve and gain a sense of self-esteem. Catherine loved working in the schools until her health made it impossible.  She retired at age 65.

This endowment supports a scholarship for a West Valley College student majoring in Education.