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The Fund is established in memory of Derick 鈥淥tter鈥� E. Ward and exists to provide scholarships to students pursuing a degree and associated major from within the Aviation and Aerospace program.

Created in memory of Derick Ward鈥攁 proud Colorado native, twin, and passionate aviation enthusiast鈥攖his scholarship honors a life defined by generosity, dedication, and service to others.

Growing up in a single-parent household alongside his twin sister, Derick experienced firsthand the challenges young people can face. These early experiences shaped his deep empathy and lifelong commitment to helping those around him. Whether stopping to change a tire for a stranded driver, covering a meal for someone in need, or lending a hand wherever possible, he consistently demonstrated an extraordinary generosity of heart.

Derick鈥檚 childhood was filled with rich experiences and diverse passions. He spent his early years exploring the Colorado mountains, participating in Cub Scouts, Taekwondo, soccer, Cross Country and summer camp at CCO, while treasuring time with friends. In addition to a remarkably accurate arm, he was a talented writer, a skilled artist in both drawing and painting, and an avid photographer.

Although he was not the strongest student during high school, Derick discovered a powerful academic focus in higher education. He ultimately earned four college degrees鈥攖hree associate degrees and a bachelor鈥檚 degree鈥攎aintaining an impressive academic record of nearly all A鈥檚 and a single B, while standing just one course short of a second bachelor鈥檚 degree in meteorology. Guided by a firm belief in doing his absolute best, especially when responsible for human lives in the sky, he held himself to the highest standards. As both a licensed pilot and a certified A&P Mechanic, he was unwaveringly dedicated to safety and earned respect for refusing to operate aircraft when safety conditions were compromised.

His professional path in aviation was dynamic and inspiring. Remarkably, Derick learned to fly before he learned to drive, earning his pilot鈥檚 license in college. He began his studies at CNCC, competing on the NIFA flying team, before transferring to Metropolitan State University of Denver. At 海角直播 Denver, he joined Alpha Eta Rho, coached the school鈥檚 NIFA team, and later shared his knowledge as a guest speaker and adjunct professor.

Following graduation, Derick moved to Alaska, where he spent 11 years flying Twin Otters and DC-3s for ERA Aviation. He then returned to Colorado to complete his A&P certification so he could join the Collings Foundation and the Wings of Freedom tour, mechanic-flying iconic aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang 鈥淏etty Jane,鈥� the B-24 鈥淟iberator,鈥� and the B-17 鈥淔lying Fortress.鈥� After two and a half years traveling across the country, he pursued his childhood dream of flying for United Airlines. Though his initial applications were unsuccessful and he spent time flying for Republic Airlines, his perseverance paid off when United hired him in 2014. Serving out of hubs in Dulles and Denver, he achieved his goal of becoming a Captain with United in 2023. Though his life ended far too soon, this scholarship carries forward his legacy by supporting others in the spirit of kindness and service that defined his life.