Koniag Education Foundation

Meet Our Students

 

Chelsea LaPorta

Over the past three years of my young adult life, I have received financial gifts through Koniag Education Foundation (KEF). These gifts have enabled me to achieve an Associate of Arts & Sciences degree from Winona State University (WSU), as well as begin to achieve a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD).
Thanks to KEF I was able to discover my true calling as an artist and specifically a furniture designer. This past year at MCAD was definitely a learning experience, which at most times consisted of high levels of stress. I can recall receiving a package during fall semester from KEF, consisting of a laptop bag, a ruler/calculator and a calendar. The calendar I appreciated most because it featured the artwork of Alaskan artists. This simple gesture not only gave me hope, it reminded me of the support KEF has provided. KEF has consistently been a part of my college career for three years.

 

Andrew Dilworth

My Alaskan native heritage is an integral part of United States history, and I look forward to learning more about it so that I can share it with others. As I live so far away, there are a lot of things that I don’t know about my heritage that I would like to learn. During my college years, I hope to be able to spend at least one summer working and learning in Alaska, hopefully on Kodiak. Thank you for this scholarship and the educational opportunities that come with it. I am doing my best to use it wisely, and look forward to giving back, in various ways, to the Koniag community.

Chelsea Helgason

I want to take my obtained knowledge back to the Native community. Being Alaska Native means I have the great honor to represent my people with my professional and academic endeavors. As a current employee of my Alaskan Native Corporation (ANC), Afognak, I intimately know the hopes and wishes of my entire people are with me. Higher education is not an asset widely owned in rural Alaska; however, it is a necessary evolution for us to become economically sustainable. I want to ensure that our native organizations survive the rough waters ahead, because I recognize the recent advances made by the Alaska Native people are always in jeopardy unless we fortify our positions through our self elevation. It will take future savvy managers like me to sustain our positions and not slide backwards. I know that for every Native Alaskan that gets to live their educational dreams, there are others watching and hoping they too will someday live that dream. I know this is a large responsibility and I take it very seriously. My work experience thus far has solidified my decision to go for an MBA because I have enjoyed my corporate experience and know this is where I want to be. I made the correct decision when I chose my undergraduate degree in Marketing; I will continue this path as I take the MBA Marketing concentration at Notre Dame. Part of my career ambitions are to one day be able work hand in hand with our customers and creatively seek out additional revenue opportunities. I hope to work with partners to learn what they need and be able to bring these insights to management, providing forward thinking guidance. I am the first one on the Native half of my family tree to obtain a Bachelors degree. My parents are extremely proud but I don’t see this as my last accomplishment. I respect the fishing and hunting careers of my Fathers family and I feel I have yet to rise to their amazing struggles and achievements. School is where I best feel I can grow and continue a strong tradition of excellence. My grandpa has a story of someone claiming he is the “best bear guide in the world” I need to find a way to follow in his footsteps, getting an MBA is just the beginning. The Koniag Education Foundation (KEF) has always given me the greatest support. This support included my undergrad scholarships while I attended Texas A&M University and was a varsity swimmer. I would like to thank KEF for these past opportunities and any future ones. The KEF Scholarship has been a saving grace in allowing me to attend school. Quyanaa!

Misty Garner

It’s always been a challenge preparing essays describing my educational and life goals, but being able to thank my father’s Native Corporation for an opportunity to attend school and make a career for myself is much easier. Koniag Education Foundation has been instrumental in obtaining my educational and life goals. Aside from the monetary assistance, Koniag has put me in touch with some great people while in the Mentorship Program. I was a mentor to an underclassmen from Minnesota. She wasn’t familiar with the Alutiiq people and Alaska, not being from here and I was able to fill in the gaps as much as I could along with general assistance with life matters. I wasn’t able to help so much with the academic side, since she was an art major and myself a nursing major. However, it will be a relationship I will treasure because of the information I was able to assist with.

Katharine Claire Gavin

2010 KONIAG – EXXON MOBIL SUMMER INTERNSHIP/ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Koniag is pleased to announce that Katharine “K.C.” Gavin was selected as the recipient of the 2010 Koniag – Exxon Mobil Summer Internship Scholarship. K.C. is the daughter of Lt. Col. Christopher and Patricia Gavin, and the granddaughter of Shareholder Charles H. Gavin.

Koniag descendant K.C. Gavin is what is affectionately referred to as an “Air Force brat.” Originally from Oscoda Township, Mich., K.C. has lived all over the continental U.S and abroad. Currently, she resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, attending Louisiana State University (LSU) in pursuit of a master’s degree in mass communication from the renowned Manship School of Mass Communication. During her stint at LSU, K.C. aided the mass communication department as a teaching assistant for introductory coursework in media law and communication theory. Concentrating in public affairs, K.C. is currently writing her master’s thesis on disparity in health communication and social marketing.

K.C. spent her summer in Anchorage, Alaska interning for MSI Communications.  When asked about her recent Koniag-Exxon Mobil Internship award and her first time to Alaska, K.C. says, “I couldn’t be more excited and grateful for this life-changing experience!”  Finishing her last semester of her graduate degree, K.C. acknowledges the priceless opportunity this internship afforded.

Upon completion of her master’s thesis, K.C. is considering pursuing a doctoral degree in political science, but would also love to work in the health communication field. K.C. appreciates the funding received from Koniag Education Foundation (KEF) and notes the important role those scholarships played in the pursuit of her undergraduate and graduate degree.

K.C. Gavin is the first recipient of the Koniag-Exxon Mobil Summer Internship Scholarship. In conjunction with Koniag, Inc. and Exxon Mobil, Koniag Education Foundation (KEF) coordinated this internship scholarship.

Kris VanWingerden

“I just want to say thank you for your time and interest in my education and future. Your financial aid is essential to my success and gives me the opportunity to achieve (my) goals and desires… I’ll be sure to use your investment in me to its fullest potential.” (Kris VanWingerden)

Kris is a graduate of Colony High School, residing in Big Lake. He attends the University of Alaska Anchorage and is seeking a degree in electrical engineering. His studies include the areas of data communications, telecommunications, fiber optics, electromagnetic wave propagation, satellite communications, digital and physical electronics, computer and microcomputer applications, remote biomedical and environmental instrumentation, electric energy systems, system identification and simulation, digital signal processing, environmental safety and design, construction of major facilities, buildings, roads and bridges.

“I feel that being educated in these areas may benefit the Alaskan people in that I may contribute to the efficiency of production facilities thereby reducing the environmental impact of such services preserving and protecting the beauty here in our great state. It is important and a desire of mine to work in and for Alaska.” (Kris VanWingerden)

Jordon Lindsey

“Greetings Friends,

I am very proud to inform you that on January 27, 2010 I enlisted in the US Army to be a geo-spatial engineer. My application to this specialty position was personally approved by the pentagon due to my geography degree from Southern Oregon University.

I will report for active duty on May 3, 2010. On that date I will go to Fort Jackson , SC for nine weeks of basic training. Upon graduation, I will continue with advanced training at the National Geospatial Intelligence College at Fort Belvoir , VA for 21 weeks..

I will be learning from the best in the field while training, and performing a most important job for our nation and troops while serving. The efforts of so many, including yourselves, have allowed me to move with strength and determination into this new chapter of my life.

Thank You.” (Jordon Lindsey)

Laurie Woodman

“Thank you again for your support throughout my college career. Your assistance has made it possible for me to attend Dartmouth, and has therefore given me countless experiences that I could not have received anywhere else.

This past winter I was given the opportunity to study at the International School of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand for a semester. It was an incredible and eye-opening experience that I will cherish forever

Natasha Hayden

“Thank you for your support of my education. The growth and development I have gained while in school is immeasurable and would not have been possible without your support. Thank you.”

Sofia Infante

“I am so grateful for everything you have done to help me in continuing my education and fulfilling my dreams. Thank you so much!”