Justin Lee Steffen Memorial Scholarship Foundation

media release

About Justin

Justin Steffen was born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado on March 24, 1985 and lived in Rifle, Colorado until he left to attend UNC in 2003 to seek his future. Justin graduated four short years later in 2007, with a double Major in Journalism and Psychology. Justin died on September 28, 2007 in Greeley, CO. 

Justin enjoyed life and all it had to offer.  With his lust for life he believed in living each day to it’s fullest, putting as much into it and getting as much out of it as you could. You could say he never met a stranger, he had an infectious smile and was a friend to all: a young man who brought energy to everything he did and a smile to everyone he came in contact with, making sure everyone knew they had a friend.

He was born a natural journalist.  He began writing at a very young age, winning an opportunity to be an announcer for a Rockies game through the Young Sportscaster’s Association.  This was a thrill of a lifetime, increasing his desire to become a Journalist.  Throughout his life he had many experiences that brought him back to Journalism and the media environment.  As he once said, “He didn’t choose Journalism, Journalism chose him”.

Justin became a member of AWC his senior year of college when he won a free membership in a drawing. He was the only man who belonged to AWC at the time, something only Justin could pull off.  He then started recruiting his male friends by luring them with the good food they had at the meetings, what college students can truly appreciate.  AWC supported all that he believed in as a journalist and expanded his vision of media in general.  As well, he loved participating on the early morning UNC radio show, Coffee and Controversy, and getting up at 5:00 a.m. and tempting listeners with free burritos. 

As Justin’s college career took him from psychology to journalism he had many experiences.   He had the opportunity to do an Internship at the Boys and Girls Club of Weld County, working with youth ages five to eighteen.  He saw and experienced things he thought only happened in “other” countries and it was happening right there, in front of him, in Greeley, Colorado. 

With his drive to make a difference, he started writing about the Boys and Girls Program and identified much needed programs that had been cut out with the funding funneled elsewhere.  These articles were published in the Greeley Tribune.  With this exposure, the Boys and Girls Club became accountable for their actions and under pressure reinstated their Smart Choices Program which is very beneficial for at-risk youth.

Justin was a mentor to underprivileged youth and an accomplished journalist.  He influenced countless lives at UNC and within the Greeley community within four short years.  Justin was very dedicated and compassionate about his work in the community, loved the process of using journalism as an avenue to disclose, educate and to entertain.  He wanted to right all the wrongs and strongly believed in creating good Karma.  His lively spirit and compassion for life is carried on within many.

The Justin Lee Steffen Scholarship Foundation is managed by The Steffen Family in partnership with the University of Northern Colorado.

For Information please contact: Robin Steffen (970) 379-6298