Doyon Foundation extends our congratulations to the class of 2016! We commend each of you for your hard work and dedication to meet your educational goals.
Meet this year’s graduates in the 2016 edition of the Doyon Foundation graduate yearbook. Have additions or corrections? Send updates to foundation@doyon.com or call 907.459.2048.
High School
Melvin Captain
Hometown: Ruby, Alaska
School: West Valley High School
Graduation date: May 16, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Firefighting and attend college for fire science.
Advice for current and future students: Study hard in school, always take advantage of good opportunities.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to my family for guiding me to become a successful young man.
Parents: Deanna Houlton and Francis Captain
Maternal grandparents: Martha Wright
Paternal grandparents: Billy and Eleanor Captain
Jada Carroll
Hometown: Fort Yukon, Alaska
School: Hutchison High School
Graduation date: May 17, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) for pre-nursing
Advice for current and future students: Keep up on your work and you’ll make it through.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to my parents and entire family.
Parents: Janet and Clifton Carroll
Maternal grandparents: Annie Peter
Paternal grandparents: Jessie and Harry Carroll
Gabriella Chase
Hometown: Chugiak, Alaska
School: Chugiak High School
Graduation date: May 9, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Attend Western Washington University or the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).
Parents: Bradley and Evelyn Chase
Maternal grandparents: Robert and Nona Hodgdon
Paternal grandparents: Rudolph Chase and Sandra McClain
Brenna Cruger
Hometown: Galena, Alaska
School: West Valley High School
Graduation date: May 16, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Parents: Brian and Twyla Cruger
Hillary Demit
Hometown: Northway, Alaska
School: Galena Interior Learning Academy (GILA)
Graduation date: May 18, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC)
Advice for current and future students: Get your education.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to my parents. And thank you to my siblings: Tyler, Ethan and Mable. And also thank you to the GILA staff.
Parents: Carla Demit and Shane Sam
Maternal grandparents: Carl Demit, Sr. and the late Mable Demit
Paternal grandparents: Violet Vandenburg and the late Moore John, Sr.
Other comments: Make life worth living: work hard, keep up a good spirit, and have a good attitude towards others. This will take you a long way in life. Sidney Charles Huntington.
Kaden Reid Girard
Hometown: North Pole/Dot Lake
School: North Pole High School
Graduation date: May 18, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: I have been accepted to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College (CTC) Process Technology Program. I will be working towards an associate degree in process technology and certification in instrumentation. When I graduate, I’d like to be an instrumentation technician or operator.
Advice for current and future students: Open up your mind to possibility because the main careers they teach you about in high school and middle school are not the only ways to become successful.
Special thank you’s: I’d like to thank my mom and dad for helping me get through school; my fourth grade teacher, Ms. Marks, for being a big impact on me becoming the person I am; and myself for being great.
Parents: Eric and Doris Girard
Maternal grandparents: The late William and Stella Miller
Paternal grandparents: Joel and Susan Girard
Brittany Henry
Hometown: Chalkyitsik, Alaska
School: Mount Edgecumbe High School
Graduation date: May 5, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Attend Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and attend college there as well in the fall.
Special thank you’s: I’d like to thank my family and friends for always being there for me.
Parents: Tamara and the late Spencer Henry
Maternal grandparents: Freda and William Joseph
Thomas Henry
Hometown: Huslia, Alaska
School: Jimmy Huntington School
Graduation date: May 13, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Army tank crewman
Advice for current and future students: Keep your grades up so you don’t have to do them at the end of the year of your senior year.
Parents: Vivian Henry
Sarah Henzie
Hometown: Allakaket, Alaska
School: Allakaket School
Graduation date: May 13, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF).
Advice for current and future students: Always do your best, and don’t ever think you can’t do something that’s impossible; everything is possible, you just have to work for it.
Parents: Melanie Wholecheese
Maternal grandparents: Catherine Henzie
Paternal grandparents: Steven, Sr. and Gladys Bergman
Lethearen Jimmie
Hometown: Minto, Alaska
School: Minto High School
Graduation date: May 13, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Furthering my education and attending college.
Advice for current and future students: Stay in school and keep up on your school work.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to all my family and friends who have been constantly motivating me to keep on track with school and sports.
Parents: Nichole Jimmie
Maternal grandparents: Andy and Barbara Jimmie
Beattus Moses
Hometown: Huslia, Alaska
School: Jimmy Huntington School
Graduation date: May 13, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: I want to firefight this summer for Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) but first I have to take my firefighting rookie training first. Then I want to join the Army.
Advice for current and future students: I would like to tell them to stay away from drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank my mom for putting up with me for 17 years of her life. She really helped me through out the past four years.
Parents: Annette Moses
Maternal grandparents: Hudson Sam and Selina Sam
Kaylee Nelson
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: Effie Kokrine Early College Charter School (EKCS)
Graduation date: May 13, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Take a year off and work, and then go on to attend college.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped me pay for some early college classes I took here at EKCS.
Advice for current and future students: Pay attention to your education, stay focused.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank my mother, my grandparents, Ms. Mindy, Mr. Snow and Mr. Galloway.
Parents: Lynnette Winfrey and Clay Nelson
Maternal grandparents: Eliza and Daniel Winfrey
Paternal grandparents: Clara Journey
Ruby Peters
Hometown: Shageluk, Alaska
School: Mount Edgecumbe High School
Graduation date: May 5, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: I plan to go to pilot school.
Advice for current and future students: Do whatever makes you happy, you have all the time in the world.
Special thank you’s: A huge thanks to my family for always supporting me.
Parents: Richard Peters and Kathy Workman
Maternal grandparents: George and Axcenia Peters
Paternal grandparents: Paul and Elizabeth Workman
Tristan D. Richardson
Hometown: North Pole, Alaska
School: Aiken High School
Graduation date: June 3, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Pursue an engineering degree at Clemson University or University of South Carolina Columbia. I have been accepted to both. I have wanted to attend Clemson since middle school.
Advice for current and future students: Keep your grades up and always do your best.
Special thank you’s: God, Dad and Mom
Parents: David and Dianna Richardson
Maternal grandparents: Ed and Jan Puryear
Paternal grandparents: Tommy Richardson and Sharon Cowden
Corrinna Sam
Hometown: Huslia, Alaska
School: Jimmy Huntington School
Graduation date: May 13, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: I have recently received an acceptance letter from the Fort Lewis College in Colorado. I am considering attending the University in Colorado but I have also applied to several other colleges. I will soon decide on which university to attend after I have heard from the other colleges.
Special thank you’s: I would love to thank my parents, grandparents and other relatives for being my motivation. Receiving encouragement and praise from the ones I love is a great feeling so therefore I am very thankful.
Parents: Mary Ann Sam and Norman Carl Burgett
Maternal grandparents: Yolanda Sophie Sam and Billy Sam
Paternal grandparents: Cecelia Burgett and Norman “Buckets” Burgett
Dustina Sam
Hometown: Huslia, Alaska
School: Jimmy Huntington School
Graduation date: May 13, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: Planning to attend college to get my bachelor’s degree, then attend law school.
Special thank you’s: I’d like to thank my parents, sister Leah David, sister Sandra Sam. My classmates, and my family. Another huge thanks to my nieces Lyla Mary, Kayleigh Jacqueline, Aaliyah Christine, and my godson Tyrone Dirk Lee for inspiring me to finish school.
Parents: Speedy Sam and Tina Sam (Albert)
Maternal grandparents: The late Mary Albert of Tanana
Paternal grandparents: Wilson and Eleanor Sam of Huslia
Annie Sanford
Hometown: Tok, Alaska
School: Tok School
Graduation date: May 20, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: I plan on attending the Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) for six weeks in the summer to earn between eight to 10 college credits and then starting classes in the fall at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to be certified as a radiology technician.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has graciously provided funds that helped me take the courses required to get me a step closer to my career goal.
Advice for current and future students: It may seem overwhelming and confusing when it comes to financial and educational demands such as due dates and applications, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone! If you’re unsure, all you have to do is ask!
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank my parents for their constant support. I would also like to thank Tanacross and Doyon Foundation.
Parents: Dewayne and Lena Sanford
Maternal grandparents: Mary TomTom Blair and Arthur Blair (both deceased)
Paternal grandparents: Walter and Laura Nora Isaac Sanford (both deceased)
Natalya Shellikoff
Hometown: Port Heiden, Alaska
School: Meshik School
Graduation date: May 9, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: I plan to attend the University of Alaska Anchorage for nursing.
Advice for current and future students: Keep pushing.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to my mother, Melissa Deacon-Savage, and my grandmother, Flora Deacon.
Parents: Melissa Deacon-Savage and Robert Shellikoff
Maternal grandparents: Michael Savage and Flora Deacon
Paternal grandparents: Robert and Elizabeth Shellikoff
Charlissa Titus
Hometown: Minto, Alaska
School: Minto School
Graduation date: May 13, 2016
Degree: High school diploma
Plans after graduation: I plan to attend the Fort Lewis College in the fall of 2016.
Advice for current and future students: Stay in school and turn in your work.
Parents: Leajean Titus and Michael WIlliams
Maternal grandparents: Alan Riley and Hanna Carter
Certificate
Charlotte Brinkman
Hometown: Northway, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Interior Alaska Campus (IAC) – Tok Center
Graduation date: May 17, 2016
Degree: Certificate
Area of study: Tribal management
Plans after graduation: Complete TM299 to receive my associate of applied science degree by December 2016.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? I am very thankful for Doyon Foundation. Funding through my tribe is not available for part-time students and Doyon Foundation made it possible for me to pursue my educational dreams.
Advice for current and future students: The Tribal Management Program is a great program that hits the heart of home. As future/current leaders, I highly encourage students to go for your certificate and/or associate of applied science in this program to assist in current events through all governments.
Special thank you’s: I’d like to specially thank the Doyon Foundation, UAF staff, Tok Lions Club and the people who wrote me reference letters, Thomas Teasdale, Sandra Gabbard and Lorraine Titus.
Parents: Teddy and Darlene Northway
Maternal grandparents: Andrew B. John and Maggie Albert
Paternal grandparents: Walter and Lilly Northway
Other comments: Part-time status makes it possible to achieve your educational dreams.
Leah David
Hometown: Huslia, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: August 2015
Degree: Certificate
Area of study: Accounting technician
Plans after graduation: Continue with school to finish my associate degree in accounting.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation scholarships are a big part of why I am in school today. When the Pell Grant ran short for summer classes, I didn’t have to worry about paying out of pocket. Thank you, Doyon Foundation!
Advice for current and future students: Keep up on your homework so you don’t have to stress about turning it in. Just get it done and don’t wait until the day it is due.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank Joyce and Floyd, Sr. for everything they do for my family while I work and attend school.
Parents: Tina Sam (Albert) and Carl David, Sr.
Maternal grandparents: Late Mary Albert of Tanana
Paternal grandparents: David and Kitty David of Allakaket
Joseph Gregory
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
School: Charter College
Graduation date: July 25, 2016
Degree: Certificate
Area of study: Computer technician
Plans after graduation: After graduation I’m going to find a job and go back to work.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation helped me with grant money to help pay some of the school cost. This helps by taking some of the burden off of me to focus on school itself.
Advice for current and future students: Just make sure it’s what you want to do. Do not quit half way through; it gets easier the closer you are to finish.
Special thank you’s: To Doyon Foundation for the grant money in aiding me to finish this course.
Parents: Ellen Gregory
Maternal grandparents: Igatious and Irene Gregroy
Gary Hawkins
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: WyoTech at Laramie, Wyoming
Graduation date: December 22, 2015
Degree: Certificate in diesel advanced technology education and associate degree in business
Area of study: Diesel mechanics
Plans after graduation: After graduation I plan on gaining more experience as a diesel technician at a Mack/Volvo dealership. Eventually I will gain enough experience to open up my own company working on class 8 trucks.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me in many ways. In 2010 I began looking for a school to further my educational goals. I applied to Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah and was accepted. With the help from Doyon Foundation I was able to spend a year doing general education classes and electives. I transferred to the University of Utah, where I eventually applied to the mechanical engineering program. Doyon Foundation was always there to make my educational goals possible. While going to school, I was also working part time as a diesel mechanic. This work turned into a passion and so I decided to change schools and degrees. I applied to WyoTech at Laramie, Wyoming and was accepted. As an Alaska Native and Doyon Foundation recipient, I always wanted to do my best in school. With the help from Doyon Foundation, I worked hard and finished as the top student at WyoTech with many honors. I spoke at graduation and received a diploma in diesel advanced technical education and an associate degree in business. Doyon Foundation was always there making my dreams a reality.
Advice for current and future students: Work hard and do your best while in school. As an Alaska Native, we represent not only Doyon Foundation, but the people of Alaska. Dream big and then make those dreams come true at any cost, knowing that Doyon Foundation and many others are there to help and support you in your future goals.
Special thank you’s: A special thank you to Doyon Foundation for all the help and assistance they so gratefully entrusted me with. A special thanks to my family and friends who encouraged and helped me along the way and supported me in all of my decisions.
Parents: Dolores Gregory and Ardon Hawkins
Maternal grandparents: Glenn and Lena Gregory
Paternal grandparents: Arthur and Ellen Hawkins
Patricia A. Kriska
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College
Graduation date: May 12, 2016
Degree: Certificate of nurse aide
Area of study: Nursing
Plans after graduation: Continue in the fall semester for my medical assisting certificate.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation assisted me by granting me a spring semester 2016 scholarship giving me the opportunity to further my education.
Advice for current and future students: Keep striving to continue a higher education. It’s all worth it. Be a role model.
Special thank you’s: Doyon Foundation, Schaible Scholarship Foundation, Koyukuk Tribal Council and Olga Skinner.
Parents: Darrell and Shirley Sam
Maternal grandparents: Ethel Esmailka and the late Eleanor Kriska
Paternal grandparents: Ernie Esmailka, Sr. and the late Hughey Kriska
Deanna Mayo
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Certificate
Area of study: Applied business management
Plans after graduation: Planning on getting my associate degree in the spring.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has given me the opportunity to achieve my goals at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Advice for current and future students: My advice is to never give up, always ask questions, attend your classes, and there is always help for you if you ask for it.
Special thank you’s: I would like thank all the sponsors, my friends, and my family.
Parents: Art Mayo and Margaret Edwin
Other comments: Thank you, Maurine McGinty, for all your help.
Associate
Angelica Baalam
Hometown: Birch Creek, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Anchorage
Graduation date: December 13, 2015
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Nursing
Plans after graduation: I plan on working full-time as a registered nurse in Anchorage at the Alaska Native Medical Center! Shortly after, I am going to go back to school part-time working towards my bachelor’s degree in nursing.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me every semester since I started college back in August 2010! That is over five years! I want to thank you and everyone who works at Doyon Foundation!
Advice for current and future students: Please don’t give up! My first year in college I went down to a 2.0 GPA. But I wanted to keep going to school so I stayed and kept working at it.
Special thank you’s: I’m blessed with everything I need. I am working hard for everything I want. And most of all I appreciate and thank God for what I have. Also, to my mom and dad, Masii choo. To my sisters. Love you guys!
Parents: Jackie Baalam and Oskar James
Maternal grandparents: Rose Baalam (Late) and Randall Baalam (Late)
Paternal grandparents: Mary James and Winston James (Late)
Amanda Bailey
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
School: Clark College
Graduation date: June 14, 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Transfer degree
Plans after graduation: Transferring to Washington State University in August to get my bachelor’s degree in personal psychology with a concentration in human resources.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped me reach and pay for my degree, and I realized hard work will pay off.
Advice for current and future students: Make sure that you are on time for your submissions for scholarships.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to all who have helped me.
Parents: Connie Bailey
Aloysia Ballard
Hometown: Nulato, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College (UAF CTC)
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Medical assistant/medical receptionist certificate; associate of applied science degree medical assistant
Area of study: Allied health/ambulatory care
Plans after graduation: I plan to go into the health care workforce as a certified medical assistant. My goal is to find a job within Fairbanks and my future goal to find a position at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me financially toward achieving my goal of graduating from UAF CTC allied health program with a certificate and associate of applied science degree as a medical assistant.
Advice for current and future students: Going to college after high school is such a great experience. You meet a variety of people from all over the world and all walks of life. It helps build a social network of friends within your studies. There are so many opportunities after graduation. In the end, it pays off to achieve your dream job. It’s a great experience.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to Doyon Foundation, Nulato Tribal Council, and UAF for financial support. Arlene Ivanoff and Clara Peters for giving me encouragement and support to accomplish my educational goals.
Parents: Al and Clara Peters
Maternal grandparents: Alfred and Theresa Silas
Paternal grandparents: Aloysius and Ellen Peters
Peter Charlie
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Human services, addictions counseling
Plans after graduation: Apply for CDC1 and get the behavioral health certificate in addition to the addictions counseling certificate.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has supported my educational experience from the beginning and has been very helpful in answering direct questions along the way.
Advice for current and future students: Keep your eye on the ball!
Special thank you’s: Thank you to all of the Doyon Foundation staff and volunteers!
Parents: Melvin and Sally Charlie
Maternal grandparents: Sam and Agnes Gant
Paternal grandparents: Neil and Geraldine Charlie
Johnny David, Jr.
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Information technology
Plans after graduation: Continue working for Doyon, Limited to become a network security manager.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? The Doyon Foundation scholarships really helped pay for tuition and books.
Advice for current and future students: Keep pursuing education and work experience in the field you are in.
Special thank you’s: Family and friends. The Doyon, Limited IT department for allowing me to leave for class. Doyon Foundation.
Parents: Johnny and Nancy David
Maternal grandparents: Edith Nollner
Paternal grandparents: Rosie and Jonathan David
Emily Dobson
Hometown: Northway, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 1, 2015
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: General programs
Plans after graduation: I am continuing for my bachelor’s degree in business administration.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? If it was not for the help from Doyon Foundation I would not have gotten this far in my secondary education. The help they provided me is one of the main reasons I decided to continue taking classes after Southwestern Oregon Community College.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank the staff at Doyon Foundation and my family for supporting me through everything that it took to get me to this point, and all the continued support.
Parents: Mike and Adena Cronk
Maternal grandparents: Lee and Lorraine Titus
Paternal grandparents: Lyle and Diana Cronk
Jacob Gustafson
Hometown: Friday Harbor, Washington
School: Santa Monica College
Graduation date: June 14, 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Film
Plans after graduation: I plan on transferring to a four-year university to continue my education.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has been an incredible help for me and my family in achieving my educational goals. Every little bit has helped me so, so much and I couldn’t have been more appreciative.
Advice for current and future students: The best piece of advice that I would give would be to keep up on your reading. It seems silly, but it will help immensely.
Special thank you’s: A special thank you to all of the people who donated. Without you, I don’t know if I’d be here.
Parents: Mary and Vern Long
Maternal grandparents: Joyce and Cliff Burglin
Paternal grandparents: John Gustafson
Jenny Johnson
Hometown: Northway, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Health
Plans after graduation: Continue school for my bachelor’s of science degree.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped me all the way through my classes; they have supported me 100 percent.
Advice for current and future students: Work hard and don’t skip class because you may miss the important topics needed to know for quizzes or exams.
Special thank you’s: I would like to say thank you to my parents Don and Sylvia Pitka, my husband Timothy Johnson, and Amber and Savannah Fields for all their help and support with my kids.
Parents: Don and Sylvia Pitka
Maternal grandparents: Julius and Jenny Sam
Paternal grandparents: William and Lillian Pitka
Sharon Menzo
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
School: Alaska Career College
Graduation date: February 13, 2015
Degree: Associate of applied science
Area of study: Business/finance
Plans after graduation: To become full-time, permanent position in a company with benefits.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? I have had Doyon Foundation financial support from the beginning. With the financial support I have been able to graduate and finish with an associate of applied science degree in accounting technology and business administration.
Advice for current and future students: Do not give up, I had to cry many times and push myself past my limits. Even though I was out of my comfort zone, I raised my hands for questions, went to the labs, and reached out to support systems like Native Student Services in all areas to point me in the right direction. Keep going. “You going, you can do it!”
Special thank you’s: For all the college financial support from Doyon Foundation, that made the difference! I want to send out a “special thanks” to Maurine McGinty (scholarship program manager), I so appreciate all your help coming to the college and keeping on us with our paperwork.
Parents: John and Lorena Zeller
Maternal grandparents: Hultman and Mary Jacobs
Paternal grandparents: Jacob and Sarah Kenick
Other comments: I am happy and honored to represent my corporation and as soon as I have my permanent job, I would also love to send you an update. Mostly, I want to mention to all the new students please keep working at it, it will come to you.
Vincent Nusunginya
Hometown: Soldotna, Alaska
School: Kenai Peninsula College (KPC)
Graduation date: December 21, 2015
Degree: Associate of arts
Area of study: Anthropology
Plans after graduation: Pursue a bachelor’s of arts degree in anthropology.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation provided the financial support through scholarships that made attending KPC possible.
Advice for current and future students: Don’t underestimate the value of a good plan.
Parents: Vern and Sharon Nusunginya
Maternal grandparents: Dan and Marcia Rohn
Paternal grandparents: Ron and Violet Nusunginya
Shirley Sam
Hometown: Huslia, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks Interior Aleutians Campus
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Associate of applied science degree and certificate
Area of study: Tribal management
Plans after graduation: I am accepted into the College of Rural Development to pursue a bachelor’s of arts degree in rural development with a concentration in community health and wellness.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? I am grateful for the scholarships that I have received from Doyon Foundation.
Advice for current and future students: Don’t ever give up on your dreams, take one step at a time. Being a full-time, distance-learning student is not easy but it is not hard either, just have to set goals, meet deadlines and be persistent.
Special thank you’s: Thanks also to Koyukuk Tribal Council, Tanana Chiefs Conference, and Gana’A Yoo’ for the funding for me to pursue and attain my goals.
Parents: Ethel Esmailka and the late Ernie Esmailka, Sr.
Maternal grandparents: The late Albert and Ester Dayton
Paternal grandparents: The late Andrew and Jennie Esmailka
Alyssa Sommer
Hometown: Galena, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS)
Graduation date: May 19, 2016
Degree: Occupational endorsement and associate degree
Area of study: Welding and power technology
Plans after graduation: I plan to pursue a career in welding.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation assisted me in attending school by giving me the comfort of not having to worry about paying the full tuition.
Advice for current and future students: Filling out scholarship applications is the most useful asset a student can utilize.
Special thank you’s: Doyon Foundation, Louden Tribe, and Ganaa’ Yoo for the scholarships awarded to me. I don’t think I would have been financially able to complete school without them. My parents for assisting in any way possible until I completed my goals.
Parents: Fred Sommer, Jr. and Diane Evans-Sommer
Maternal grandparents: Alfred and Lilly Evans
Paternal grandparents: Fred and Dorothy Sommer
Brian Stanley
Hometown: Wasilla, Alaska
School: Matanuska Susitna College
Graduation date: May 18, 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: General program
Plans after graduation: I am currently enrolled in the bachelor’s of arts in English program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation scholarships have assisted in covering the cost of tuition. College is stressful and expensive, and it takes a lot of stress out of the endeavor to receive such consistent assistance.
Advice for current and future students: Make time for your studies. Commit to your goals. Apply for whatever scholarships you can.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to Doyon Foundation for making my goals achievable.
Parents: Brian and Ruthi Stanley
Maternal grandparents: Eugene and Mabel Blatchford
Paternal grandparents: Jack and Mae Stanley
Louise Starr
Hometown: Nenana, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 2016
Degree: Associate degree
Area of study: Accounting
Plans after graduation: I plan to work for Doyon.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has given me an opportunity to pursue my goals in education.
Advice for current and future students: Keep up with your homework. Don’t think you have till tomorrow. Get ‘er done.
Special thank you’s: To my husband of 25 years. Also to the new friends and study buddies along my journey.
Parents: Jim and Grace Sims
Other comments: Thank you, Maurine McGinty.
Brandi Strom
Hometown: Fort Yukon, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Arts
Plans after graduation: I am planning on applying to the radiologic technology associate’s of applied science program through the University of Alaska Anchorage. They only take six students from Fairbanks, so having my associate of arts will increase my chances of making the list.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? By helping me in my education goals financially, I was able to put my focus into school and taking care of my daughter. I’ve still got a little ways to go and with a minimal debt in loans thanks to Doyon Foundation.
Advice for current and future students: Get those core classes done, don’t save math or chemistry for last! If you took them in high school, do them first in college because relearning how to do them is very difficult.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank Doyon Foundation, the Native Village of Fort Yukon, and Nactep. Their funding is greatly appreciated. I would like to thank my advisor, Gabby, for her encouragement throughout the semesters. I would like to thank my Grandma Twila (RIP).
Parents: Jodi Jendry and Richard Strom, Jr.
Maternal grandparents: The late Donna Horace
Paternal grandparents: Richard Strom, Sr. and the late Twila Strom
Tiana Teter
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Human services with a concentration in addictions counseling
Plans after graduation: After graduation I plan to get a master’s degree in social work.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has provided me with the financial aid and support I needed in order to get my degree.
Advice for current and future students: Maintain a good academic standing to qualify for scholarships and get involved in your community.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to Doyon Foundation for providing scholarship opportunities and everyone who helped me along the way as I worked my way through school.
Parents: Phyllis Attla and Jerry Woods
Maternal grandparents: Shirley Vent and the late George Attla
Paternal grandparents: The late Judy Woods and the late Walter Woods
Tamara Thomas
Hometown: Fort Yukon, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Southeast
Graduation date: December 2015 and May 2016
Degree: Associate of applied science in health information management, certificate in healthcare privacy and security, certificate in health information technology
Area of study: Health
Plans after graduation: I plan to continue working full-time, take a break from the books and research bachelor’s degree programs.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me financially for the past few years while reaching my program goals for which I am very thankful.
Advice for current and future students: Keep moving forward, even if it’s one class at a time. It pays off in the long run.
Special thank you’s: To my employer, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, for supporting my education from the beginning. Also, my family and friends.
Parents: Randy and Bonnie Thomas
Maternal grandparents: Vernon Solomon and Katherine Solomon
Paternal grandparents: Harry Thomas and Grace Thomas
Allison Turner
Hometown: Homer, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Anchorage
Graduation date: May 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Occupational safety and health
Plans after graduation: I will continue to work in the safety department for Doyon Drilling. I will also start studying for more certifications related to the safety field such the Associate Safety Professional or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped me with tuition, books, and encouraged me along the way. The Foundation is a great support system and very easy to work with!
Advice for current and future students: Go at your own pace, but try not to take breaks as it is harder to get started again.
Special thank you’s: A special thank you to my co-workers and friends for being understanding of my school needs. Also to my family for being a big supporter in my future. I could not have done it without you all!
Parents: Byron Turner and Pearl Demientieff-Fairchild
Maternal grandparents: Luke and Alice Demientieff
Paternal grandparents: Peter and Alice Turner
Lisa Weimer
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: December 1, 2015
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Business
Plans after graduation: Took a couple of semesters off and continuing school to earn my bachelor’s of business administration degree.
Advice for current and future students: Do not miss any opportunities that comes your way, regarding tuition, help with your homework because getting good grades are important!
Special thank you’s: Thank you Doyon Foundation for giving people help while they are going to college!
Parents: Kristi and Howard Wilson
Lorelei Winkelman
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Phoenix
Graduation date: July 2016
Degree: Associate of arts
Area of study: Medical administration under graduate in medical billing and coding
Plans after graduation: I hope to find a career in my field of study. I’m just focusing on finishing my degree.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? I have been blessed to receive the extra funding to obtain my degree. The extra funding has helped me get through my education as I have always had to work two jobs to make ends meet, this has not been possible while in college. So I am very thankful and blessed for the extra help with obtaining a college education.
Advice for current and future students: For me going back to college has been very challenging at the age of 41. I am now 44 and have a whole new outlook on life, all from the courses from college. If college were easy everyone would have a degree. You have to want it, and yes it is a lot of work; however, the self worth it provides is worth every minute spent staying up late to finish that paper.
Special thank you’s: I have to say that Doyon Foundation has been a true blessing for me. I never in a million years ever thought I would have a college degree. I am truly thankful for Doyon Foundation helping me fund my college education.
Parents: Kim Oserira
Natasha Yates
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: July 1, 2016
Degree: Associate of arts degree
Area of study: Applied acience
Plans after graduation: I plan to do a year of hands-on with my degree and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree and my physician assistant certificate.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped with buying my books for my classes ever since I started this degree.
Advice for current and future students: Keep going, it all works out in the end.
Special thank you’s: To everyone that believed in me.
Parents: Valerie Pence and Robert Yates, Jr.
Maternal grandparents: Sarah and Maurice Pence
Paternal grandparents: Alice and Robert Yates, Sr.
Bachelor’s
Carrie Bazilwich
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Psychology
Plans after graduation: Narrowing down interests in the psychology field before attending graduate school.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my dream career through scholarships. Without the help from Doyon Foundation, I would not have been able to pursue my career this early in my life.
Advice for current and future students: Keep up to date on deadlines for scholarships. Apply for all scholarships. Don’t know where to find scholarships? Ask your advisor, they will point you to the applicable scholarships.
Special thank you’s: Thank you, Doyon Foundation, for making my career possible for me. Thanks to my mom and my dad for all the support.
Parents: Audrey Svoboda
Maternal grandparents: Roger and Isabelle Svoboda
Paternal grandparents: Paul and LaVerne Bazilwich
Leslie Brooks
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Anchorage
Graduation date: May 1, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of science
Area of study: Mathematics, natural sciences
Courtney Cradock
Hometown: Springfield, Massachusetts
School: Westfield State University
Graduation date: May 21, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: History
Plans after graduation: I will be taking a year off before going to graduate school in history.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has greatly helped me financially in paying for college. It has also allowed me to feel a part of a something bigger than my immediate family.
Advice for current and future students: Study in your major outside of classwork. As a history major I read many books and papers related to periods I was interested in. It paid dividends by giving me a body of knowledge to draw from my colleagues did not have.
Special thank you’s: A big thanks to my parents for putting me through college and supporting me all the way. I would also like to thank my adviser, Dr. Nicholas Aieta, for pushing me through tough studies and being always willing to help me out.
Parents: Judy Thomas-Cradock and Chris Cradock
Maternal grandparents: Fred and Charlotte Thomas
Paternal grandparents: Peter and Jill Cradock
Taylor Davis
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
School: University of Maryland – College Park
Graduation date: May 18 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Kinesiology
Plans after graduation: Student ministry (youth group or other)
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has provided financial opportunities that have made it possible to achieve what I have educationally.
Advice for current and future students: Do not take your education for granted. Know how lucky you are to be learning and growing. You have an opportunity many people never get. Don’t let it go to waste.
Parents: Bob and Jenifer Treseler
Maternal grandparents: Maria Bolin
Paternal grandparents: Delores Chaney
Kyle Demientieff-Worl
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Anchorage
Graduation date: May 1, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Anthropology and Alaska Native studies
Plans after graduation: This summer I will be teaching Tlingit language with ASD Title VII Indian Education Camp and participating in the 2016 Institute for Collaborative Language Documentation. I plan to apply for graduate schools this fall to attend the following year.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? I am thankful to have received the Doyon Foundation scholarships each year of my undergraduate career.
Advice for current and future students: Be involved with your campus and community. It will give more meaning to your education.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to my family and friends, Doyon Foundation, Native Student Council, Native Student Services, Maria Williams, Karla Booth, Sheila Randazzo, Dorn Van Dommelen, Shirley Kendall, Marsha Hotch, Roy Mitchell, Nae Brown, and the Alaska Native Studies Department.
Parents: Beverly Demientieff and Rod Worl
Maternal grandparents: Alice and Rudy Demientieff
Paternal grandparents: Rosita Worl and Rudy Rodriguez
Eve Esmailka-Blake
Hometown: Nulato, Alaska
School: Northwest Indian College – Muckleshoot Site
Graduation date: June 17, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Tribal governance and business management
Plans after graduation: I currently work in human resources for Doyon Government Group (a subsidiary of Doyon, Limited) in Federal Way, Washington, just south of Seattle. I plan to continue working for Doyon Government Group.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? I really appreciate the financial support that Doyon Foundation has provided to me over the last five years. It helps me to be able to afford my books and all the other expenses of school supplies, including internet expenses. Thank you so much for your help!
Advice for current and future students: Doyon Foundation is one of many scholarships that are out there for Native American students. Apply for as many scholarships as you can. It’s important to stay on top of your deadlines and re-apply every quarter. Every little bit helps.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to Doyon Foundation, Nulato, and Gana’Yoo for helping me financially to get through school. Thank you to my parents for helping me with my kids afterschool care and the many schedule changes that happen every quarter. Thank you to my kids.
Parents: Peter Esmailka and Wendy Rosen
Paternal grandparents: Thecla and Berchman Esmailka
Other comments: Thank you so much to Doyon Foundation.
Monica Gustafson
Hometown: Ruby, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Alaska Native studies
Plans after graduation: To seek employment to utilize my degree and field of study.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has provided me with financial assistance and has been very supportive and helpful.
Advice for current and future students: Pursue higher education or attend any training to your area of study or interests. Education and learning is a lifelong experience. No matter what obstacles or challenges that you may encounter, never give up on your dreams. If you work hard and have a positive attitude you will have success. Take advantage of all of the financial aid and student support programs. They are there to assist you.
Special thank you’s: I would thank Doyon Foundation and all of the financial aid and student assistance that you had provided me. Your staff has been wonderful. I would also thank family and friends who provided me positive encouragement.
Parents: James and Patricia Gustafson
Maternal grandparents: Nora Pitka Kangas and Albert Kangas
Raymond Kangas
Hometown: Ruby, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of science
Area of study: Mechanical engineering
Plans after graduation: Immediate plans are to spend the summer in the village of Ruby and spend time at Bishop Mountain. Throughout my college career I set aside no time for getting back to my roots.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has awarded me with scholarships multiple times throughout my college career, which really has made a difference in my tuition costs over the past five years. I am really grateful for the financial support Doyon Foundation has given me.
Advice for current and future students: Whatever you want to be, set a goal and try not to get discouraged, just keep working towards it. I am only 23, I know one day I will look back at this time and think how easy I really had it.
Special thank you’s: Mom and Dad, I couldn’t do it without you two. My family, and friends I made over the years. Olga Skinner, Sue McHenry, Robin Weinant, Brian Rasley, Tabetha Toloff and Dorothy Lord-Matthew.
Parents: Gary and Irene Kangas
Maternal grandparents: Franklin and Martha Dayton
Paternal grandparents: Al and Nora Kangas
Tiana Kraus
Hometown: Fairbanks/Nenana, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 1, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Social work
Plans after graduation: I plan on leaving state for a few years and earn my master’s of social work. I want to become a school social worker.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me financially.
Advice for current and future students: My advice is to not procrastinate. I would suggest taking 15 credits compared to 12, and not waiting till Sunday to start your essay.
Special thank you’s: Special thanks to Mr. Bruce Merrit at Ryan Middle School who inspired me to work with children.
Parents: Lisa Demientieff-Smith and Bill Kraus
Maternal grandparents: Shirley Demientieff
Paternal grandparents: Ralph and Rita Kraus
Patrick Lovell
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Mechanical engineering
Plans after graduation: Following graduation I hope to work for the Alaska Native and Science Engineering Program (ANSEP) at University of Alaska Anchorage as the director. The summer position would allow me to really give back to a program that has been such an integral part of my education, much like Doyon Foundation.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me not only financially, but professionally. With Doyon Foundation’s help I have made connections that would not have been possible without. The support and guidance has been a true blessing.
Advice for current and future students: I advise current and future students to be aggressive. Be aggressive in your study habits and professional endeavors. Set goals now and continually strive to reach them.
Special thank you’s: Special thank you to Doyon Foundation and Maurine McGinty for the constant support and guidance. Also, thank you to my family, professors and peers for sticking by my side during this entire process.
Parents: Patrick Lovell and Sallie Lovell
Maternal grandparents: Lillian Evans and Joseph W. Burns
Codi Miller
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Southern California
Graduation date: May 1, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of science
Area of study: Biology
Plans after graduation: Intern for the Tribal Law and Policy Institute this summer and start graduate school in the fall of 2016 for my master’s of public health.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped me through their basic and competitive scholarships.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to my dad who always pushed me to continue my education. Also thank you to my husband, Jeff, who supports my dreams everyday.
Parents: Michael Chambers and Stephanie Waldeck
Adam Paskvan
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of science
Area of study: Chemistry
Plans after graduation: I will be working this summer with Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) as a fisheries technician along the Koyukuk River counting fish on a fish weir. After which I will be at the TCC office in Fairbanks assisting them with policy development for fishing regulations in the state.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me every semester while I was attending UAF by giving me a modest sum of scholarships to help offset the high costs of attending classes.
Advice for current and future students: Find a good balance between enjoyable free time and using that time to keep up on your coursework. Sometimes it can be very beneficial to take a weekend off and get your mind off all of stress, while other times it is imperative to keep your studies up especially when several tests are coming.
Parents: Susan and Steve Paskvan
Maternal grandparents: Eliza and Benedict Jones
Paternal grandparents: Thomas and Joyce Paskvan
Jason Paskvan
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Engineering
Plans after graduation: I will be an engineer for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Detroit.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me through providing scholarships, helping me graduate debt-free.
Advice for current and future students: For future engineers: apply for internships in the engineering field. This is extremely important to obtain work experience. This is good for the resume, and will give you work situations that you can discuss in future interviews. Also, become involved in student organizations. They are important again for gaining experience, and being in a group will connect you with other students that are invested in their schooling experience.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank my family first and foremost, for always being there. I would also like to thank Olga Skinner, who has been helping me in many different ways since freshman year of college. Finally I have to thank the other students in American Indian Science and Engineering Society and ANS.
Parents: Steve and Susan Paskvan
Maternal grandparents: Ben and Eliza Jones
Paternal grandparents: Tommy and Joyce Paskvan
Alisia Serrano
Hometown: Espanola, New Mexico
School: University of New Mexico
Graduation date: May 14, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Nutrition
Plans after graduation: I plan to continue my higher education in pursuing a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of New Mexico, while gaining work experience in a community or public health setting.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has financially assisted me in paying my school expenses and thus supporting me in completing my undergraduate degree. For that, I am very thankful for Doyon Foundation’s contribution.
Advice for current and future students: Students seeking a higher education is a positive and life-enforcing goal that can help them make a difference to others’ lives including their own.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank all those in my life who have and are supporting me in reaching my educational goals. A special thanks to Doyon Foundation for being a part of that support group and for providing financial assistance to my college education.
Parents: Richard and Sharon Serrano
Edna Silva
Hometown: Kenai, Alaska
School: Charter College Online
Graduation date: July 31, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of science
Area of study: Business management
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has been a great influence for me to continue with and finish this program. There were many times I wanted to just give it up, but I had to consider the time and expense that Doyon Foundation has given for me to get this education.
Advice for current and future students: Make a time plan for studying and stick with it!
Special thank you’s: My husband, Jorge. He was there for the whole thing and he loved me anyway.
Parents: Nancy Holman and Rex Holman
Maternal grandparents: Abbie Silas and Noah Albert
Paternal grandparents: Ed and Edna Holman
Other comments: If you started the same time as me, you could have been done by now!
Crystal Smith
Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas
School: Texas A&M University-College Station
Graduation date: August 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Biomedical sciences
Plans after graduation: I plan to train to be an emergency medical technician and apply to nursing school. I want to become a registered nurse.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation lessened my financial burdens.
Sonja Sommer
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Business administration
Plans after graduation: I plan to find a job in Fairbanks in my degree field.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has been a very large part of my school career and I wouldn’t have been able to meet my educational goals if it wasn’t for the help I have received from them while I attended school.
Advice for current and future students: No matter how long it takes to graduate keep going, even if it takes one or two classes a semester.
Special thank you’s: To Doyon Foundation, Tozitna, Tanana Tribal Council and Alyeska for providing me with the scholarships and availability to go to school. My family and my husband for being such big supporters and helping me any way they could in order for me to finish school.
Parents: Jo Ann Kokrine and Henry Kokrine
Maternal grandparents: Lee and Betty Fowler
Paternal grandparents: Henry and Flora Kokrine
Adele Stickman
Hometown: Nulato, Alaska
School: Fort Lewis College
Graduation date: December 2015
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Accounting
Plans after graduation: I started working as an audit associate for KPMG in January 2016 and am currently studying to take the CPA exam.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? The Doyon Foundation scholarship helped financially throughout my college education. All of the Doyon offices have been incredibly encouraging to finish school.
Advice for current and future students: It’s really easy to get side-tracked and start working while you’re in school, but it’s totally worth it to hang in there and finish up.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank my friends and family who pushed me to finish school, and a special thanks to my parents and Betty Jean Olin.
Parents: Charles and Colleen Stickman
Maternal grandparents: Dorothy and Fred Sommer
Paternal grandparents: Dee Stickman, Laura and the late Edward Pitka
Mikel Winkelman
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Anchorage
Graduation date: May 1, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of science
Area of study: Dietetics
Plans after graduation: After graduation I plan to complete the few remaining credits left for my bachelor’s of art in hospitality and restaurant management. I will use my culinary arts, nutrition and business education to develop a food-related business. I plan to serve and educate my community on the value of traditional food practices and whole food nutrition.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has been an avid supporter in my education. I am grateful for the scholarships provided by Doyon Foundation. I also appreciate and value the focus that Doyon Foundation has on education.
Advice for current and future students: Follow your curiosity. Try everything. Don’t be afraid to fail because that’s how you learn.
Parents: Don and Veronika Winkelman; Kevin and Linn McCabe
Maternal grandparents: Ben and Lila Holeman
Paternal grandparents: Rose Vanderpool Winkelman
Malari Zarate
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, California
School: California State University of San Bernardino (CSUSB)
Graduation date: June 18, 2016
Degree: Bachelor’s of arts degree
Area of study: Special education
Plans after graduation: Attend CSUSB for teaching credentials in special education for elementary level.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? With the Doyon Foundation scholarships each year I have been able to afford books, parking permits and still have some left over for gas money to travel to and from school.
Advice for current and future students: Keep going and never give up, no matter how long it may take you!
Special thank you’s: Thank you to not only my parents but my whole family for their constant support throughout my college career. And a special thank you to Ryan who always was there to help me no matter the time of day.
Parents: Ernie and Judi Zarate
Maternal grandparents: Vincent and Julia Zuccaro
Paternal grandparents: Adolfo and Isidra Zarate
Other comments: Thank you to Doyon Foundation staff for helping make my college career possible!
Master’s
Alicia Ambrosio
Hometown: Togiak, Alaska
School: Wayland Baptist University
Graduation date: August 2016
Degree: Master of Business Administration
Area of study: Business management
Plans after graduation: I plan to take off some time from school to focus on my career and my family. After a year, I may go for another master’s in another field, I haven’t quite decided yet. Also, I plan to get myself outdoors more and do some traveling to celebrate my hard work with my husband and my family.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped me immensely with paying my way through my bachelor’s of applied science degree and my MBA. I’m so thankful that they are my corporation and are so eager to help all of their beneficiaries in whatever way they can. Maurine at the Doyon Foundation office has always been so kind and quick to get back to me with all of my questions regarding the application process and next steps. I’m blessed to have had her as my program manager for the scholarship program. Thank you to everyone at Doyon Foundation.
Advice for current and future students: Never give up. Take it one day, one class, one credit at a time. You’ll eventually get there. Graduation is right around the corner and will be at your front door before you know it.
Special thank you’s: To my husband for always helping me and supporting me through our difficult and lengthy college education. To my parents for always being so positive and believing in me that I could juggle school, work and a family in my life. Thank you.
Parents: Darryl and Esther Thompson
Maternal grandparents: Evon and Mary Aposik
Paternal grandparents: Joseph and Hazel Thompson
Tracey Arnold
Hometown: Enumclaw, Washington
School: Eastern Washington University
Graduation date: June 2016
Degree: Master’s certificate
Area of study: Addiction studies
Plans after graduation: I will continue working as a high school drug and alcohol counselor.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? In the past I have received scholarships from Doyon.
Special thank you’s: I would like to thank my mom and dad again. Most importantly my husband, still could not have done this without you.
Parents: Jim and Gail Matthews
Maternal grandparents: Charlie and Mary (Nollner) Carlo
Paternal grandparents: Jim and Josephine Matthews
Geoffrey Bacon
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: Cornell University
Graduation date: May 29, 2016
Degree: Master’s degree
Area of study: Industrial and labor relations
Plans after graduation: Looking to transition into other human resources areas with my foundation in labor relations, and continue the work of improving people’s lives.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation provided me financial assistance with a generous scholarship. Thank you again for helping me achieve this educational and professional goal.
Advice for current and future students: Have a clear vision of where you want to be in the long-term. That vision will help you clarify what are important goals you need to achieve now or in the near future that will help you achieve that vision.
Special thank you’s: The love of my life, and future wife, Rachael. My parents, immediate family, and former colleagues who all helped push me to not settle.
Parents: Glenn and Adele Bacon
Maternal grandparents: Michael and Eleanor Michel
Paternal grandparents: Joseph and Frances McCullough
Dennis Blackburn
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Anchorage
Graduation date: May 1, 2016
Degree: Master’s of arts
Area of study: Teaching and learning
Plans after graduation: Pursue a PhD in the philosophy of education with a thesis centered around the effects of minorities teaching minorities, and the positive and negative effects.
Advice for current and future students: Never give up; your goals and dreams are going to challenge you but they are worth the sacrifice you make now.
Special thank you’s: My aunts and uncles and mom and dad.
Parents: Donna and Jonathon Blackburn
Maternal grandparents: Alfred and Joann Crummitt
Paternal grandparents: Val and Hazel Blackburn
Kailey Erickson
Hometown: Tanana, Alaska
School: University of Utah
Graduation date: December 2015
Degree: Master’s degree
Area of study: Exercise science
Plans after graduation: After graduation I moved to Wrangell, Alaska with plans to work with non-profit programs to implement programs for adolescents to teach personal and social responsibility with arts and recreation.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation is the reason I was able to graduate with my bachelor’s degree debt-free, which helped me obtain a master’s degree with less debt. They helped me create a sturdy foundation in education so that I may help out my Alaskan communities with mental, emotional and physical health.
Advice for current and future students: Study hard and have fun. The required classes are important for your degree but the fun classes will give you memorable experiences, hobbies and healthy outlets for stressful college years. Extracurricular activities just as important for your well-being as it was in your adolescence. Learn something new and have fun doing it. The memories you create obtaining your goals are just as vital as the goal itself.
Special thank you’s: I’d like to thank my family for always supporting me and listening to me when I’ve been stressed. It’s the support at home that has always helped me accomplish my goals.
Parents: Dale and Cynthia Erickson
Maternal grandparents: Harold and Florence Esmailka
Paternal grandparents: Howard and Frona Erickson
Stanley Edwin
Hometown: Chalkyitsik and Fort Yukon, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Master of Science
Area of study: Atmospheric science
Plans after graduation: Directorial program, atmospheric science.
Advice for current and future students: Don’t give up even when there are setbacks, things always have a way of working out, especially if you’re on the path you’re supposed to be on. Seek help from those around you, you cannot do this alone, but keep your eyes and life set on the goal.
Special thank you’s: Annette Frieberger, Leona Long, Daniel Solie, Carrie Stevens and Ben, Julie Myers, Jennie Carroll, Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), Dr. Nicole Molders, Dr. Gerhart Kramm, and GGTG. The list is really, really long.
Parents: Paul Ben Thomas and Bessie Elizabeth Biederman
Maternal grandparents: Essa Williams and Margaret Williams, Delia Williams
Paternal grandparents: Ben Thomas and Julia Thomas
Other comments: Never give up!
Jolene McGinty
Hometown: Nulato, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 8, 2016
Degree: Master’s degree
Area of study: Education-counseling
Plans after graduation: I will continue working with the communities, parents, staff and students within the Yukon Koyukuk School District.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has generously provided me with financial support as well as afforded me mentorship support/encouragement all while attaining my educational goals.
Advice for current and future students: Make a tentative career plan early in high school and track your progress from time to time. Importantly, seek a mentor/coach that will help guide you on your educational/career path.
Special thank you’s: Thank you to all those that have challenged me and held me accountable, not only educationally but in life. I am indebted to my parents, my son, Daniel and my sisters.
Parents: Maurice and Josephine McGinty
Maternal grandparents: Leo and Anita Demoski
Paternal grandparents: Patricia Ekada; Francis and Esther McGinty
Dalarie Peters
Hometown: Bethel, Alaska
School: The Evergreen State College
Graduation date: June 10, 2016
Degree: Master’s degree
Area of study: Public administration
Plans after graduation: I plan to work hard all summer at a waterfront restaurant and move to Florida in the fall.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped me by providing multiple scholarships both competitive and general for my education. I even worked at Doyon Government Group last year.
Advice for current and future students: Stay organized, avoid distractions, and accept help.
Special thank you’s: To my partner, Ryan Jeffries, and my mom, Carol Peters, for helping make anything and everything happen. To my cousins, Madeline and Gerald Peters, for loving me just the way that I am. And to the tribal governance cohort for helping me feel comfortable.
Parents: Carol Peters and Charles Lonewolf
Maternal grandparents: Catherine Peters and Kenny Dahl
Paternal grandparents: Clarice Shumaker and Charles Leyme
Other comments: P.S. shout out to my relatives in Holy Cross and my good ol’ Uncle Stan!
Sarah Walker
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
School: University of Arizona James E. Rogers School of Law
Graduation date: May 14, 2016
Degree: Master’s of legal studies
Area of study: Indigenous peoples law and policy
Plans after graduation: I plan to work in Alaska.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has assisted me in pursuit of my educational goals by being supportive of my goals. Supportive through encouragement and financial assistance.
Advice for current and future students: My advice for current and future students is to do whatever works best for you. Don’t try to study a new or different way, unless it helps you. Also, never stop learning.
Special thank you’s: Doyon Foundation; Tozitna, Limited; and Calista Education and Culture, Inc.
Parents: Terry and Doretha Walker
Maternal grandparents: Franklin and Lena Amouak, great-grandparents Oliver and Olga Amouak
Paternal grandparents: George and Joan Walker
Darren Whitworth
Hometown: McGrath, Alaska
School: Regent University, School of Divinity
Graduation date: May 7, 2016
Degree: Master’s of divinity
Area of study: Chaplian ministry
Plans after graduation: Following graduation, I plan to put my education to work by attending a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) internship program at Providence Alaska Medical Center. Upon completion I plan to seek three more CPE units in Providence’s CPE residency program. In conjunction with CPE, I will plan on seeking credentials with a faith group in Alaska to prepare for a career in the chaplaincy field. Hopefully go fishing somewhere in there too.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? My educational goals have been obtained in a large part by Doyon Foundation’s generous competitive/basic scholarship programs. Especially through my last year, the 2015-2016 scholarships were pivotal in helping me financially, so I could keep my focus on the academic work at hand.
Advice for current and future students: A professor at Oral Roberts University once said, “It is not if you are intelligent enough to obtain your degree, the difference is whether or not you endure to the end.” Run your race, balancing the details of life you have to work with, and once you start a new semester, get up to pace, and keep the pace all the way to the end.
Special thank you’s: Giving God the glory, honor, and praise! Thank you, Jesus. I’d like to extend a special thank you to my parents Carl and Marcia Whitworth, and my siblings and their beautiful families. Special thank you to my relatives, friends, and brothers and sisters.
Parents: Carl and Marcia Whitworth
Maternal grandparents: The late John and Cecelia Andrews
Paternal grandparents: The late Rudolph and Ethel Whitworth
Other comments: Thank you!
Doctorate
Matt Calhoun
Hometown: Homer, Alaska
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Graduation date: May 7, 2016
Degree: Doctorate
Area of study: Civil engineering
Plans after graduation: I am currently in my second semester as faculty at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? Doyon Foundation has helped me throughout the years in getting my bachelor’s of science, master’s of science and PhD in civil engineering. The Doyon Foundation scholarship allowed me to focus on being a full-time student without having to work part-time.
Advice for current and future students: When you hit a roadblock, don’t give up. First take a step back and find out what you can learn from the situation and then try again.
Special thank you’s: A special thank you to my family for all the support even when it looked like I wasn’t going to graduate. Also, I’d like to thank Herb Schroeder and the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP). I would have never made it without ANSEP.
Matthew Driskill
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
School: University of Florida
Graduation date: August 8, 2016
Degree: PhD
Area of study: Accounting
Plans after graduation: Tenure-track assistant professor at California State University, Fullerton.
Parents: Jude and Donna Driskill
Maternal grandparents: Bruce and Mary Williams
Karena Rounsaville
Hometown: Kodiak, Alaska
School: Rush Medical College
Graduation date: May 26, 2016
Degree: Medical doctorate
Area of study: Family medicine
Plans after graduation: I will be training in family medicine at Valley Family Medicine in Renton, Washington.
How has Doyon Foundation assisted you in pursuit of your educational goals? The Doyon Foundation scholarships have been very helpful in the overwhelming cost of medical school.
Parents: Darlene and Steve Rounsaville
Maternal grandparents: Hazel Deater
Paternal grandparents: Sarah and Jerry Babbitt