-ESSAGE FROM THE 0RESIDENT
Turning Gratitude Into Scholarships by David Mahooty, President, Board of Directors
I
remember well the tough decisions associated with my graduate degree – course selection, advisor changes, positions to take in paper writing and study group partnerships. As I progress in my career, like you, I may have forgotten other tough decisions associated with the high cost of higher education – new or used books, roommates or efficiency, parking pass or public transportation, pay for childcare or rely on family and friends, and gas or food? The latter decisions continue to be present for the young leaders who follow our examples in pursuing higher education. For many students, it’s scholarships that cover these peripheral costs and AIGC has supported students in higher education for more than 4 decades. Whether it be a business meeting, a tribal function or on the golf course, I run into so many AIGC alumni who express gratitude for the scholarship funding they received from AIGC. Often times, these AIGC alumni are leaders, movers and shakers or up and comers; to hear their success stories, in person, is incredibly gratifying. At the end of each conversation, I have the privilege to say, “I’m Dave Mahooty, President of the American Indian Graduate Center Board of Directors, and AIGC played a big part in my higher educational success.” Most students fresh out of a Master’s, PhD or other professional degree program are usually saddled with debt and often tell us that, when they get on their feet, AIGC will be high on their list for giving. That is completely understandable; however, those of us who have been in our career a number of years may now be in a position of giving so that other American Indian and Alaskan Native students will receive a scholarships through AIGC. Most of the AIGC alumni that I encounter are anxious to support AIGC and I’m calling AIGC alumni to action. Returning a small portion of your success to an organization that helped you get through the rough days
David Mahooty
of struggling ‘student-hood’ is not only the responsible thing to do, it’s also the right thing to do. Many of us have stories within our communities that remind us to consider future generations (often 7 generations). This cultural norm has been most recently applied to environmental concerns, but I challenge you to realize it’s education that contributes to the strength of a community, which includes environmental, educational, health, political, social and spiritual issues, among others. AIGC is proud to boast about 42 years of support for American Indian and Alaska Native scientists, educational professionals, health providers, community leaders, philanthropic agents of change, community caretakers, legal scholars and hundreds of other community roles we have supported. Please consider donating to AIGC. (See the back cover of this issue for “Ways to Give” to AIGC.) I want to send a BIG shout out to the alumni who give $100, $500, $2,500 and more, on an annual basis. It truly means a lot! Thank you. ✦
I run into so many AIGC alumni who express gratitude for the scholarship funding they received from AIGC. The American Indian Graduate
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