DENNIS DEMMERT AWARD NOMINATIONS now being accepted!

The Dennis Demmert award provides an opportunity for students to nominate a person whom they feel has positively affected their academic efforts at UAF. 2012 marks the 18th year the RSS students and staff will recognize individuals at UAF whose efforts demonstrate UAF’s goal of being the educational center for Alaska Natives. During the 1994 Native Summit at UAF, Dennis Demmert recommended that something be done to recognize individuals whose actions have proved their support. The name was changed from RSS Appreciation and Recognition Award to the Dennis Demmert Appreciation and Recognition Award in honor of the many years of service that Dennis has given for the betterment of the Alaska Native community.

To nominate someone, please fill out a form (can be picked up at RSS) and then submit your nomination to RSS by 5:00PM Friday, April 20th. You may also fax your nomination to (907) 474-6619 or submit by email to the following address: fyrss.

Please understand that because this award is offered through Rural Student Services, the RSS staff cannot be considered as award recipients!

Recipients of this award will be recognized at a reception in their honor at the RSS Gathering Room on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 1:00 pm.

For more information, please contact Carol Murphrey, 474-6616.

 

$305k to be Awarded at Sept. 8 Scholarship Award Ceremony

Doyon Foundation’s 2011 scholarship award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 8 at 2 p.m. at the Doyon, Limited Chiefs Court at 1 Doyon Place in Fairbanks, Alaska. All Foundation students, alumni, family members, friends and supporters are invited to attend.

The ceremony will recognize the 379 students who are receiving Foundation scholarships for the fall 2011 semester. The Foundation will award a total of $305,400 in scholarships, up from the $294,500 that was awarded last fall.

The fall 2011 awards include $800 basic scholarships for full-time students, $400 basic scholarships for part-time students, and competitive scholarships that range from $3,000 to $7,000. (Note that competitive scholarship recipients receive half of their funding in the fall semester and the remaining half in the spring semester.)

Among this year’s competitive scholarships is a new award, made possible with a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation and donations from corporate, individual and alumni donors. More than $20,000 was raised this summer for the new competitive scholarship for Foundation students who are studying health, which was the number one field of study in 2009 – 2010, and is one of the fastest-growing fields both across the state and nation. The first $5,000 award will be presented at the upcoming scholarship award ceremony.

Also included in the 2011 competitive scholarship line-up are four awards partially funded with donations made to the Foundation in memory of Lu Young, a Doyon, Limited shareholder and the wife of Congressman Don Young. The Foundation received donations of more than $7,000 in Mrs. Young’s memory following her passing in 2009. That, combined with additional contributions previously made by the Young family, funded the majority of the Foundation’s 2011 education, indigenous studies, liberal arts and committee’s choice competitive scholarships.

Mrs. Young, a Gwich’in Athabascan from Fort Yukon, was the daughter of John Fredson, and was the third of 10 children in the family. Mrs. Young met her future husband in Fort Yukon, where she was a bookkeeper and he was working as an elementary school teacher. Throughout her husband’s congressional career, Mrs. Young was a strong supporter of his work. Mrs. Young was known for her support of Alaskans and ensuring that Alaskans were treated as royalty when in Washington, D.C. visiting the congressman. During their 46 years of marriage, the couple had two daughters – Dawn and Joni – and 14 grandchildren. Mrs. Young passed away August 2, 2009 at her home in Great Falls, Va. at the age of 67.

For more information on Doyon Foundation scholarships or the upcoming scholarship award ceremony, please visit www.doyonfoundation.com or contact Tonya Garnett, scholarship program manager, at 907.459.2049 or garnettt@doyon.com.

 

Seeking middle school student profiles

The State of Alaska does outreach and early awareness to promote higher education. They are currently recruiting students who will be in 6-8th grade this upcoming school year to profile in their middle school newspaper highlighting students from around the state with their college and career aspirations. They need more students from the Interior to include in their Fall 2011 edition of the newspaper! They just need a brief questionnaire from students, a good quality photo, and a parent permission form (all attached) for submission to the paper, which is distributed statewide. Here is a link to a previous edition of the paper to give you an idea of what the layout is: http://akadvantage.alaska.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=NORRd2SjXNY%3d&tabid=154&mid=572. They need all materials back no later than August 1st, but the sooner the better!

Feel free to contact Helena with any questions.

–

Helena Jacobs

Community & Outreach Liaison

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

phone 907.269.7973 | fax 907.269.7991

akadvantage.alaska.gov

Promoting access to and success in education and career training beyond high school.

Call for What’s Your Story 2011_2012.doc

WYS Middle School Questionnaire 2011.pdf

2011 Youth Model Release.pdf

 

Free tuition, books & supplies @ AVTEC

AVTEC is glad to announce a new (IT) Information Technology class called the (VIA) Village Internet Agent. The VIA program is a grant Funded program which provides free tuition, books and supplies for the qualified student. Attached, is the information regarding the class.

http://www.avtec.edu/VIAProgram.htm

If you have any questions please contact Allen at the information listed below:

Allen M Sagoonick

Information Technology Department VIA Insturctor

AVTEC – Alaska’s Institute of Technology

Seward Alaska

allen.sagoonick

907.224.6183

www.avtec.edu

AVTEC VIA Program Description.docx

AVTEC VIA Program FAQ.pdf

 

Miss FNA Kayli Hildebrand steps out of her comfort zone

The following article is reprinted courtesy of the Gana-A’Yoo, Limited newsletter. To view the full newsletter, visit www.ganaayoo.com/images/GYL%20newsletter%20May%202011.pdf . Article submitted by Kayli Hildebrand.

Photo courtesy of Emma Hildebrand

I was raised in Northway by my parents Bernard and Emma Hildebrand.  Northway is a small village of less than 300 people, where I lived until I graduated from High School.  My dad is originally from Nulato and my mother’s relatives are from McGrath and Anchorage.  I enjoyed learning about our Athabascan culture by attending potlatches and through Native singing & dancing. I took a Native language class growing up and enjoyed being around our elders and adults who spoke it.

Northway will always be my home.  Growing up there was some challenges and I realizing not many people from home attended college or moved away. I decided early on that I was not going to stay in the village; I wanted to make a difference in life and to show my parents that I can succeed. I received a full scholarship for being at the top of my class and I now attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

My first day of college was very scary.  I didn’t know anyone at all, but as days and weeks went by, I saw people I knew and I also met new friends.  I chose UAF to get a degree in mechanical engineering.  Why, you ask? Because my dad works for Alyeska Pipeline and I see that he makes a good living and I too want to be successful.  I also would like to have a great job that will allow me to care for my family when I am older, just as my dad did. I may not be the best at math or English, but I know I will do my best in college to show my parents I can succeed in life.

Growing up, I have done many extracurricular activities including basketball, where we made it to state twice and I was also a big sister volunteer.  I have held many jobs to stay busy growing up including a grocery store clerk, babysitting and working at Fast Eddy’s in Tok.  I now work at the Interior-Aleutians Campus as a facilitator. This job allows me to work regularly with college students.  It is a great working experience.  When I complete college, I plan to succeed far in life.  I know that UAF is the perfect place for me because it is close to all my family and friends.  The teachers and students are great and I am looking forward to a little fun while at college.

Wherever you go in life take some chances, get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.  Good Luck.

 

Fall Scholarship Deadline Extended to May 9

During the recent move, Doyon Foundation experienced some technical difficulties with its phone and voice mail system. The difficulties coincided with the April 15 fall scholarship application deadline, delaying responses to messages left by many students.

To provide these students with the opportunity to apply for scholarships, the Foundation is extending the fall scholarship application deadline to Monday, May 9, 2011. Hard copy applications are due to the Foundation office at 615 Bidwell, Suite 101, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 by 5 p.m. on May 9. Online applications are due by midnight on May 9.

The technical issues are in the process of being resolved. In the meantime, students are encouraged to email the Foundation or call Foundation staff members directly. Doris Miller, executive director, may be reached at millerd@doyon.com or 907.459.2050, Tonya Garnett may be reached at garnettt@doyon.com or 907.459.2049, and Whitney Demientieff may be reached at demientieffw@doyon.com or 907.459.2048.

 

Summer Sessions Calling

Good morning and Happy Wednesday!

UAF Summer Sessions and Lifelong Learning is offering Tuition Awards, Earn and Learn, Scholarships, and Sweet Summer Deal including 28% off dorm housing. Click on the link below to access the information. I have

attached the information in PDF and Word format to this e-mail.

Questions? Contact the Summer Sessions and Lifelong Learning office at

TOLL FREE: 866-404-7021 or (907) 474-7021.

Check the following website http://www.uaf.edu/summer/information/financial-aid/specific-summer/ where you will find all the financial assistance for summer.

Robin L. Frank
Student Success Advisor
UAF Community and Technical College
604 Barnette Street
www.ctc.uaf.edu
phone (907) 455-2871
toll-free (877) 882-8827

evening flyer 20110315A-1.pdf

Apply for the SWEET Summer Deal.docx

SSD-Application.pdf

Tuition-Award-Cont-App11.pdf

Tuition-Award-New-App11.pdf

Tuition-Award-Reference11.pdf

 

Doyon, Limited Daaga’ Awards

2011 Daaga’ Awards

Doyon, Limited is now accepting proposals for the 2011 Daaga’ Awards. Proposals are due by Monday, April 25, 2011 at 5 p.m. Interior Native communities and individual shareholders are eligible to apply. To download the application, here.

Starting in 2011, the award amount has been raised from $1,500 to $3,000 per person/group. The application guidelines have also been revised. View the application for more information.

Awards are limited, and may be granted up to $3,000 per funding period. Depending on the number of proposals received and the need, the selected proposals may not always be funded for the full amount requested. For this reason, Daaga’ should be considered a supplement to the project funding. Daaga’ was created to be a start-up resource; therefore, priority will be given to new proposals.

 

Morris Thompson Scholarship Recipient: Sarah Obed

Morris Thompson scholarship recipient Sarah Obed believes the effort it takes to gain a college degree is worth the effort, and encourages others to pursue their degree.

“Realize you can do it, but know it takes a serious commitment and that things can sometimes be difficult,” Obed advised fellow students. “But finishing your degree means a lifetime of payoffs in earnings and opportunities.”

Obed, who is originally from Minto, Alaska, is currently living in Ann Arbor, Mich., where she is attending the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan. She will graduate in April 2011 with a master’s of public policy.

With her diploma in hand, Obed will return with her husband, Stephen, to Alaska, where she hopes to work for a public institution, Native organization or nonprofit. Her areas of interest and expertise include governance, tribal and Alaska Native issues, health policy, land use policies, community organizing and criminal justice issues.

Obed, who served in the Peace Corps and lived in the South Pacific for two years, said being so far from home has at times been difficult. Yet, whether serving overseas or pursuing a college degree, she has relied on Alaska’s community for support.  One of the things she’s done while at the University of Michigan is to help her school to plan a recruitment trip to Alaska. Two staff members will travel to Alaska in June, and Obed said she has connected them with Alaska Native organizations.

“I’m hoping to encourage more Native students to pursue a degree at one of the finest public educational research institutions in the U.S.,” Obed said.

Obed also stays involved and active at her school. She is a member of the Students of Color in Public Policy and of the Native Caucus. She also writes articles for the Ford School magazine State & Hill.

The Morris Thompson competitive scholarship that Obed received from Doyon Foundation has also helped to ease the challenges of pursuing her master’s degree.

“The scholarship from Doyon Foundation took a financial worry from my shoulders, and has allowed me to focus on my studies. Indeed, I’ve seen my grade point average increase from my first year of graduate school to this year. Part of that has been the course load, but part of that has also been from the lack of financial concern and stress. It’s helped me in a very real way achieve my goal and my master’s degree,” Obed said.

Obed is the daughter of Paul Sherry and Irene Robin Sherry, and the granddaughter of Edward and Eleanor Sherry and Walter and Louise Titus.

 

Doyon Foundation Student Profile: Raquel Williams

Doyon Foundation student Raquel Williams, of Allakaket, Alaska, is currently attending the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), where she is pursuing a certificate in business and office technology.

Williams said her biggest challenge to date has been filling out all the paperwork required to go back to school. She tackled this challenge by organizing everything and then just completing the paperwork.

Williams said she appreciates the support she’s received from Doyon Foundation.

“Doyon Foundation helps with my financial aid to pay for school,” she said.

After graduating from AVTEC in May 2011, Williams wants to “find a great job with my certificate, and build a great home for my children.”

In her free time, Williams, who is the daughter of Joe and Rhea Williams, Jr., enjoys playing with her children.

“They are my life,” she said.

 

Spirit of Youth nominations needed!

Spirit of Youth is seeking your nomination for a young person involved in positive activities or giving back to the community.

Spirit of Youth provides a recognition program for teens across Alaska. Nominations are made by anyone who wishes to recognize a hard-working, inspiring teenager or youth group, between the ages of 12-19.

· Every teen who is nominated gets recognized and presented with a certificate through the Association of Alaska School Boards.

· Information about the nominees is shared with the media to promote coverage of positive news stories about teens.

· Each year twenty finalists travel to Anchorage in the spring to be honored at an awards banquet and receive a cash award or college savings account.

· Through a partnership with KTUU nominees between the ages of 12-18 are eligible to possibly win a $3,000 college savings account for the University of Alaska

The application is simple and can be completed on Spirit of Youth’s Web site www.spiritofyouth.org.

Research demonstrates:

• Youth who are recognized for their accomplishments by those around them are better able to build confidence in their future.

• Settings that allow for adolescents to be recognized and valued decrease the likelihood that they will become involved in high-risk behaviors and improve their self-competence, school attitude and performance.

Karen Zeman . Executive Director . Spirit of Youth . 907.272.2875 . www.spiritofyouth.org

 

Doyon Foundation Student Profile: Reena Harris

Reena Harris has big dreams – and a big family. The Doyon Foundation student and mother of six is finding a way to balance both, and is well on her way to achieving her educational goals.

Harris, who lives in Dubuque, Iowa and is the daughter of Phillip Kim Harris and Sheri Mitchell, is a nursing student at the University of Dubuque. After graduating next May, Harris “dreams of becoming an ICU nurse and traveling to Alaska to meet my ancestors. I would like to volunteer at a community clinic while visiting Alaska.”

In addition to a strenuous school schedule, Harris finds time to volunteer at a homeless shelter and participates in various fundraisers. Most recently, she headed up a fundraiser for an underprivileged youth football team. And, of course, Harris is also very involved in the lives of her six children.

“I have a large family, so my biggest challenge was finding a way to continue with school and still meet our financial needs,” she said. “I am working to overcome this challenge by implementing strict budgeting practices and applying for scholarships to supplement our low monthly income.”

One of the scholarships Harris has received is from Doyon Foundation. “Doyon granted me a scholarship, which helped pay for my tuition. Life as a student is especially difficult financially and without Doyon’s help, I may have had to halt my education. I appreciate Doyon’s assistance more than words can say,” she said.

Speaking from experience, Harris shared some words of advice with her fellow students. “Take life one day at a time; things will improve after graduating and securing a career. The same goes for assignments; the nursing program, by nature, throws overwhelming amounts of work at students. Don’t focus on all of them – just use good time management and complete one assignment at a time. Finally, be good to yourself and give yourself a small reward after each accomplishment.”

 

Foundation Reaches Out to Students

“We are more than a scholarship program. We believe in our students. We believe in their success. We want to be able to assist in any way we can in their successes.”

Tonya Garnett, Doyon Foundation’s new scholarship program manager, visited Rural Student Services at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to assist students in applying for Foundation scholarships as part of the Foundation’s student outreach efforts.

These thoughts are the driving force behind the Doyon Foundation’s student outreach efforts, according to Tonya Garnett, the Foundation’s new scholarship program manager.

Since Garnett accepted the position in September, the Foundation has been able to expand its student outreach efforts. For example, Garnett was part of presentations on the Gates Millennium Scholarship (GMS) program to West Valley and Lathrop High School students, as well as staff at Effie Kokrine Charter School, in October. Garnett, herself a past GMS recipient, is scheduled to return to Effie Kokrine to speak with students about GMS, as well as Doyon Foundation scholarship offerings.

In November, Foundation staff visited Rural Student Services at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and Native Student Services at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), where they provided scholarship information and assisted students in applying for Foundation scholarships online. November 15 is the deadline for students to apply for scholarships for the spring 2011 semester.

Doris Miller, Doyon Foundation’s executive director, at Native Student Services at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).

In the past, the Foundation has also been present at Doyon, Limited’s shareholder outreach fair, the Alaska Federation of Natives convention, UAF’s Natural Resource Career Fair, and the career fair at Hutchinson High School. Going forward, the Foundation will continue to seek out opportunities to reach out to students by participating in high school college fairs, visiting rural schools throughout the region and meeting with students at UAF and UAA.

Garnett visits with a student at Native Student Services at UAA in November.

“We know there are students attending school that are unaware of what we have to offer and we would like to reach those students,” Garnett said. “We, the Foundation, are here to help our students succeed in their educational endeavors.”

 

Resolutions Honor Outgoing Board Members

The Doyon Foundation board of directors recently approved resolutions honoring two of its outgoing board members – Dawn Dinwoodie and Edward “Eddie” Hebert.

Doyon Foundation presented outgoing board member Edward "Eddie" Hebert with a signed resolution honoring his contributions to the Foundation at a planning session held in Anchorage on April 3, 2010.

Dinwoodie was one of the Foundation’s longest-serving board members, serving on the board from 2000 – 2009. During that time, she was board president from 2005 – 2009.

Hebert was a member of the Foundation board from 2006 – 2009. During that time, he served as vice president and was chair of the development committee.

“The Foundation is deeply grateful to both Dawn and Eddie for the time they invested and the valuable contributions they made to the Foundation during their service on the board of directors,” said Doris Miller, the Foundation’s executive director.

 

Funding Available for Graduate Testing

Doyon Foundation is pleased to announce that short-term vocational awards may now be used to pay for graduate testing, such as the GMAT, LSAT and GRE. The board approved the use of the awards for graduate testing in early March 2010.

To apply for a short-term vocational award, students must:

• Complete the short-term vocational/advanced college credit application form online at www.doyonfoundation.com. Students may also download and complete a hard-copy form.
• Provide proof of academic enrollment, showing the cost of the test.
• Provide official transcripts from the last school attended.
• Provide signed released and consent form.

For more information, please visit www.doyonfoundation.com or contact Greg Bringhurst, interim scholarship program manager, at 907.459.2049, 1.888.478.4755 ext. 2049 or bringhurstg@doyon.com.