Our Cause

In the summer of 1977, Dr. George Watson, his wife Kit, and 17 criminal justice students went to Europe for three weeks to study the law enforcement and judicial systems in London.  The trip evolved into the Comparative Justice Studies/Study Abroad Program, and since its inception 37 trips have been made with over 620 students participating.  Travel now includes London and Ireland, including a stop at Oxford University.

Over the years, the program has seen the rising costs of travel make it challenging for students to afford their trip expenses. In 2009 “Team George Cancer Eradication Scholarship Fund” was established to raise funding for the program. Student recipients have since been awarded $500-$1000 scholarships to help offset those expenses. 

The Team

The Team George (TG) running club got its start in 2008 after Watson, an avid runner, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and unable to participate in the annual Colter Run, a 2K/5K/10K race facilitated by the Chadron Rotary Club.  Watson, also a Rotarian, was one of the original Colter Run organizers. To show support for his absence at that year’s race, Jen Tomka, Nikki Masek and Lindsay Rein wore TG tanks.  The following year, the running club was established to raise scholarship funds by selling running shirts.  The effort was very successful as many runners in the Colter Run wore TG shirts, as well as the entire Chadron High School marching band during the Fur Trade Days parade.  George was able to walk the Colter Run in 2009, and got to push his granddaughter, Sophie, in her stroller. Dr. Watson passed away in 2010.

For the next 15 years, TG has received donations of over $16,000, and proceeds from race shirts and window clings sold during Fur Trade Days at the Colter Run added an additional $4000 to the scholarship fund.  During this time 18 CSC students have received scholarships totaling $8500 in awards. The upcoming 40th anniversary of the study abroad program is planned for 2024, marking the first trip back since 2020!  

In honor of Team George’s 15th anniversary, a new TG race tank has been designed by our printing partner, Outlaw Printers.  Adult tanks and youth t-shirts will be available for purchase starting at $18 by visiting stores.inksoft.com/team_george/shop/home  from June 1st thru 30th.