Bonnie Rutherford was born and raised in the Tri-Cities. A Kamiakin graduate, Bonnie received an associate degree from Columbia Basin College and a bachelor degree from Eastern Washington University. As a child, Bonnie created stages and scripts for scenes she performed. Bonnie became actively involved in the theater and writing while at CBC.
After receiving her bachelor degree, Bonnie worked as a public service director for a local TV station. She also spent eight years in Las Vegas working in lighting design with local theatres, and writing as well as editing for a TV station. After her return to the Tri-Cities, she was active with the Richland Players, Academy of Children’s Theatre, Richland Light Opera, and CBC Theatre productions. She wrote several plays; her great love was theatre and writing and she was a true leader in the arts community.
Her parents, Bernadette and Victor Rutherford created this endowed scholarship at Columbia Basin College after her death because it's where Bonnie started. Their hope is that other students will benefit and Bonnie's legacy will carry on in perpetuity.