Above: Scholarship recipient Jennifer Andreassen weaving in between studies.
A big part of a development officer's job is to connect donors who wish to support students. Sometimes you find donors, and other times donors find you. Such is the case for the Johnson Scholarship Foundation (JSF). Leaders on the JSF team reached out to the College of Business and Security Management (CBSM) to learn more about and explore our programs. I can’t remember to whom they reached out first, I believe it was the Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) instructor Sam Alexander, who was the advisor for the Native Alaska Business Leaders student organization (NABL) at the time. In the summer of 2021, while we were all very much still wearing masks, three JSF representatives flew up from Florida. Not knowing what to expect, it was all hands on deck with representatives from several CBSM programs sharing what we do and how we shape students’ lives.
Visiting from Florida was JSF CEO Robert A. Krause, his wife Susan Krause, and Board Vice Chair Sherry Salway Black. They shared with us that JSF funds education because they believe that it is the best means to empower people to get better jobs, to become more independent and to participate more fully in our society.
The Foundation has built a network of innovative funding programs and progressive relationships in the United States and Canada with some of the most respected and important community programs, schools, colleges and universities. The Foundation’s programming is particularly focused on Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, and people who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
For the 2022-23 academic year, CBSM received $30,000 for scholarships for Indigenous students. Nine students received awards ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on their GPA and whether they are currently enrolled full or part time.
These are the stories of two of the inaugural scholarship students.
Jennifer Andreassen is a first-generation college student studying accounting. She is Tlingit and was born in Haines, Alaska. She started her degree in 2002, and due to life circumstances, had to put her education on pause until recently. This scholarship will help her finish her education and get a job doing what she enjoys.
Jennifer grew up in a single parent home, with two of her siblings. She did not meet her biological dad until she was 35 years old. Watching her mom raise three children made her more independent. She was very determined to go to college, and in the beginning didn't know what she wanted to study. After taking some core classes and some sign language classes, she then took a couple of business classes. After her first accounting class, she knew that she wanted to pursue an accounting degree.
Left: Jennifer, right, with her biological father and sister.
“ I really love math and have always been good at it. I like to problem solve and get to the bottom of problems so it has really worked out well. I now have a relationship with my dad and have gotten to meet some of my siblings on his side of the family. I am very thankful for the time I have with him. I took a break from school to take care of my family. Our kids are in middle school and high school now so I feel like it is time for me to finish college.” - Jennifer Andreassen
Jennifer’s volunteer work takes her to both of her children’s schools. Additionally, she also volunteered with a school program called American Indian Education Program. At the summer camp and on field trips, the program hosted kids at various activities such as a powwow, shooting bow and arrows, or wall climbing. Jennifer is currently a part of a sewing guild in Central Oregon participating in something they call chemo sew. One of the members of the group organizes and oversees the group making quilts for cancer patients for the local hospitals.
Right: Jennifer takes a selfie as she explores the Painted Hills in Oregon.
Will Hartman is a first-generation student studying applied management and resides in Fishhook, Alaska with his wife, Rachel. He enjoys spending time outdoors, collecting oddities, and traveling.
Will grew up in Western Alaska and has lived in a number of villages along the Kuskokwim river, with his family ultimately settling in Bethel for work and educational opportunities. Will spent a lot of time on his grandparents Native allotment in Georgetown, Alaska. It was there where he learned to subsist and be self reliant, and that you have to work hard and persist in order to get what you want. Will was raised by his mother, Debby, and has two brothers Jonathan, and Tyler.
Left: Will taking a day trip on his fat bike to Knik glacier in the Chugach Mountains.
“My mother taught me to treat people with respect, give back as much as I can, and appreciate what I already have. I continue to uphold those values personally and professionally.” - Will Hartman
Will’s career goal is to direct a small-to-medium sized nonprofit or tribal organization. Completing his bachelor’s degree will allow him greater access to opportunities and advancement.
Will is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the business honor society recognizing students in the top 10% of their class. Previously he served as Tribal Administrator and Tribal Council Member for the Native Village of Georgetown, and Board Member and volunteer for Iditasport Alaska, the world’s longest winter fat bike and running race.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Andreassen and Will Hartman.
Credits:
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Andreassen and Will Hartman.