Message from the President
Paying Forward the Gifts from the Past by David Mahooty, President, Board of Directors
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iving back full circle. That was the topic of a recent AIGC public service announcement featuring AIGC alumni and their stories. You may check out the public service announcement by visiting http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6LIYd6hD0A. These former AIGC scholars recognize the value AIGC played in their educational experience and have returned to AIGC – now established in their professions – as resolute donors to the organization. They are paying forward the gifts from their past – scholarships and educational support – in order to afford other American Indian and Alaska Native students the opportunity to graduate with degrees in higher education. I am moved by these stories. As Native people, we are rooted in service to our community. If called upon – and many of us are – we selflessly give ourselves to serve in positions of tribal leadership, traditional leadership, community service or organizational advisement. We purposefully choose a path that leads, not to monetary rewards, but reimbursement in the form of a greater good. AIGC alumni have embraced this service to our nationwide community of AIGC scholars. This full circle giving started with aspiring physicians, engineers, attorneys, professors, entrepreneurs and a range of other careers and continues today, with established professionals working in cities and reservations, in law offices and with the land. Scholars are now sharing their knowledge in lecture halls filled to the brim with young minds. Doctors are now working in their communities and addressing health disparities. Lawyers are now leading cases that are changing the landscape for Native Americans and Alaska Natives nationwide. We come together, as graduates of this organization, to support and provide scholarships to current and future aspirers.
David Mahooty
Please join your AIGC peers in giving back. We make it simple to donate in any amount to AIGC. Please visit our website (www.aigc.com) and click on the “Donate Now” button for information on how to keep your gift moving full circle. Over 89% of every dollar goes directly to scholarships and student services. I mean it when I say that every dollar makes a difference in the lives of AIGC students. I also want to take the opportunity to invite you to an AIGC reception on April 24th, 2013. Please watch for AIGC emails and announcements for information about this event. Thank you for being a part of the AIGC network. Together, we make up a powerhouse of supporters of bright American Indian and Alaska Native minds across the country. I ask you to join me in 2013 to pledge our continued support for these students; let’s commit to giving back full circle. ✦ Sincerely, David Mahooty
Thank you for being a part of the AIGC network. Together, we make up a powerhouse of supporters of bright American Indian and Alaska Native minds… . The American Indian Graduate
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