Dr. William L. Pogue Scholarship

UPDATED 2025/2026

This scholarship honors the memory of Dr. William Pogue, a former radiologist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, who spent over 30 years making a difference in healthcare, both as a physician and as a volunteer clown. After earning his medical degree from George Washington University and completing a residency at UCLA, he served as a chief medical resident at Balboa Medical Center during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he joined Sharp Grossmont, contributing to significant advancements, including the introduction of the region’s first CT scanner.

Upon retiring in 2000, Dr. Pogue sought meaningful activities to combat post-retirement boredom. He embraced clowning after a social worker at the hospital initiated a clown program. His approach focused on uplifting patients through humor and personal connection, which he believed could enhance their mood and recovery process. Dr. Pogue emphasized that caring clowns differ from performing clowns, prioritizing emotional support over entertainment.

In addition to his patient interactions, Dr. Pogue dedicated time to uplifting hospital staff, recognizing their need for humor amid the stresses of healthcare. He contributed over 1,620 hours with his therapy dogs and mentored new therapy clowns, advocating for the role of laughter in healing. Though retired from clowning, his impact endures through the positive memories he created, inspiring others to continue his legacy of joy and support in the hospital environment.

To be considered for this scholarship you:

  • Must have a 3.0 (B) GPA
  • Must be enrolled full time at Mesa College
  • Must belong to one of the following student populations:
    Female
    Male
  • Must be returning to mesa college in the fall
  • Must major in one of the following areas:
    Radiologic Technology
  • Must have completed 12+ units at Mesa

 

Award funds will be disbursed:
Immediate release of full award (May)

To be considered for this scholarship you:

Must have a 3.0 (B) GPA
Must be enrolled full time
Must be returning to Mesa College
Must have been accepted to and are enrolled in the Radiologic Technology program
Must have completed 12+ units
Must submit (2) letters of recommendation
Must submit PDF of transcripts from all institutions attended

Award funds will be disbursed:
Immediate release of full award (May)

Award
$2,000
Deadline
02/17/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. 2025: Your Educational Journey. Please share the following: The educational journey that led you to Mesa, including what you did before coming here and what made you decide to enroll at Mesa. Your future goals, including what you plan to do after graduation from Mesa and what your long-term career and educational goals are. Why you chose your major or field of study. You do not need to include every detail, but please try to address each part of the question (your goals, challenges overcome, and what it would mean to you). (500 words)
  2. 2025: Resiliency Question. Please share the following: How you have exhibited resiliency in your life. Specific examples of a challenge or challenges that you have overcome. How this scholarship will have a meaningful impact on your educational journey. You do not need to include every detail, but please try to address each part of the question (your goals, challenges overcome, and what it would mean to you). (500 words)
  3. 2025: Please request (2) letters of recommendation from a faculty member, advisor, or supervisor to be emailed with your name and the name of this scholarship in the subject line, to MesaScholarship@sdccd.edu by 2/17/2026 11:59pm
  4. 2025: Please upload a single PDF of your transcripts from all institutions attended