Jerry O'Brien

"After my military career I was excited to start my college experience. I wanted to become a Civil/Structural Engineer. I always thought that it was exciting to see the finished product and say “I contributed to that!”. I remember I was very proud of being a recipient of an Eyak Corporation Scholarship. Applying for any scholarship was at many times an arduous task involving much information gathering and your time. College itself took a lot of time! I spent a fair amount of time applying – fishing for scholarships and putting the ‘hooks’ out there. As small as our Corp. may have been I was over-joyed to be able to receive anything. I was a married man, and a father of two when I started my college experience. As with many young families, finances weren’t always the easiest to come by. Being a recipient of the Eyak Scholarship allowed me to fill the financial gaps where my job was unable to, and allow me to concentrate on studies as opposed to have to work a double-shift to make that gap.

I was proud to be a recipient. I was proud to be more than just Jerry alone out there on my own trying to get it on my own. It was good to know that there was an entire corporation comprised of my native brothers and sisters behind me to support me to keep my eye on the prize! I was successful in earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a Double Major in Mathematics and Structural Engineering.

Fast forward to now and I am able to contribute positively to my people serving as Board of Director. I also have a productive career as a Civil Engineer / Construction Project Manager. Thank You for that support for the Board and for the Scholarships!

Today my sons Dillon & Hunter are also able to receive Eyak Scholarships to support their college ambitions too! Dillon is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Hunter is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and has received his Sport Pilot License and is continuing on to the next level of that Licensure.

Quayana! To all those that support our Eyak Corp. Heritage Foundation. You have sewn positively into Generations!

Jerry O'Brien, Scholarship Recipient

Iris O’Brien Caldentey

Quayana TEF and Donors! I am honored to be a Graduate Scholarship recipient.

Being a stay-at-home mom with many responsibilities, including; homeschooling 6 Children (0-16yrs) for the past 4 years, managing a household & our farm, volunteering at various venues and creating a healthy, safe life for my family, I decided I needed to do something for myself to stay sane- so I jumped back into the Academia realm to obtain my Masters of Arts in Elementary Education, K-8. Whoever said 40 was too old to go back to school, I’m here to say they’re wrong!

After my first semester, I was invited to join Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in recognition of my dedication to learning, leadership attributes and being in the top 18.75% of the University. I’m proud (and relieved) to say that I am finishing my Graduate degree early barring any unforeseen events.

I am so thankful for the work that The Eyak Foundation has put into rewarding scholarships to their shareholders. Education is expensive and financial assistance goes a long way in relieving the stress of having a financial burden. This scholarship has assisted in paying my tuition and allowed me to not worry about taking finances away from life’s other necessary bills or having to wait longer to obtain my degree in order to save up. The Eyak Foundation Scholarship is a huge blessing to my family and I. Thank you for continuing to put supporting your shareholders as a priority. I look forward to obtaining this degree and putting it to good use by passing on knowledge to our young shareholders.

Quayana,

Iris O’Brien Caldentey

Iris O'Brien Caldentey, Scholarship Recipient

Anna Jones

"I’m forever grateful for the opportunity The Eyak Foundation has given me and am very appreciative for their support for the last four years at the University of California, Davis. Being a first generation college student, woman in science and from an underrepresented group has its challenges but I have been supported greatly by family and TEF which has helped me throughout my academic journey.

I have had the opportunity to be involved in the Environmental Club at UC Davis for four years, serve as an officer for a total of three years and a president for the last two. My club aims to educate and discuss with students about current global and local environmental issues during meetings, and encourage student interaction with the environment through outdoor activities and community service projects. I have been able to grow so much as an individual and a leader through my positions and gain valuable experience.

The last four years I have been involved in many projects and internships relating to animal behavior, ecology and conservation. I have done research both in the field and lab that has been unique to my college experience. I am currently finishing up a project and working on getting published for a research study on juvenile chinook salmon and predator prey interactions in the Sacramento area.

Working three internships at once, juggling being a president of a club and organizing events, experiencing issues due to medical conditions and being a full time student certainly means that there were struggles along my way. Throughout my experience TEF believed in me, encouraged and supported my academic journey.

I am graduating with a major in Ecological Management and Restoration and a minor in Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity. I recently accepted a biologist position at an environmental firm for post graduation, and plan on working for a couple years before going to grad school. None of my achievements would be possible without TEF’s generous support, quyana!"

Anna Jones, Scholarship Recipient