Marigold N. Saunders Scholarship Endowment

The Marigold N. Saunders Scholarship Endowment was established in 1977 by Grant Taggart, of Cowley WY. Mrs. Marigold Saunders was the widow of H.J. Saunders, a former executive of California-Western States Life Insurance Company. Grant Taggart went to work as a salesman for the Saunders when he was 18 years old, and he continued to work with the Saunders throughout their lives, eventually serving on the company’s board of directors. “They were not only cherished friends, but they were also an inspiration to me and played an important part in the success I have enjoyed in the insurance business.”
Marigold and H.J. had no children and no surviving heirs, so their friend Grant was named executor of their estate. Under the terms of Marigold’s will, Grant was instructed to donate what remained of the Saunders’ estate after taxes and bequests to the colleges of his choosing. Northwest College was one of 8 colleges chosen by Grant Taggart to receive $100,000 or more.
Though none of the Taggarts were NWC alumni at the time of Grant’s decision, Grant and his wife Fern recognized the important role NWC played in the communities around the Big Horn Basin, not only as the area’s only community college but also as an important contributor to the region’s economic well-being.
It was Marigold Saunders’ wish that the recipients of her scholarships be chosen based on scholarship, high moral standards, and financial need, and Grant Taggart believed that the Big Horn Basin was full of young people who met all of her requirements!