Eagle Spirit Awards set for June 20

Scott Csernyik

7/14/2003 12:00:00 AM

Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member Dustin Davis said the most difficult part of attending college was balancing time between classes and working for the Ziibiwing Cultural Society.

"Time management was a challenge," explained Davis, who participated in the Tribal Leadership Program, attended Michigan State University and Mid-Michigan Community College before transferring to Central Michigan University in the fall of 1999.

The 25-year-old Davis, who now serves as Ziibiwing's assistant director, said he liked staying connected to the Tribe while he pursued higher education opportunities.

"When I was at Central I helped complete the Tribal child care plan," he explained. "I believe it's important to give back to the Tribe and stay involved. My advice for anyone wanting to go to college is to find a program or course of student you really want to do."

Davis is one of 11 Saginaw Chippewa Tribal members to be honored at an upcoming event for academic excellence upon completing their higher education studies.

The Higher Education Department's Eagle Spirit Awards banquet will take place June 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Soaring Eagle Resort's Saginaw Room.

Graduates from various colleges and universities, as well as those students who earned high grade point averages or notched at least a 3.0, will be recognized at the event.

Higher Education Coordinator Sharon Skutt said the award reflects the positive impact created when Tribal members pursue higher education opportunities.

"This is a chance for the Tribe to recognize the academic achievements of Tribal members," she said. "Students currently attending colleges and universities will be recognized with incentive awards and plaques for their determination and success."

Graduates include: Mary Bukowiec, Northwood University, Associate/Business Management and Bachelor of Business Administration and Management Information Systems; Dustin Davis, Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Applied Arts/Entrepreneurship; Mark Dissinger, Texas Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Business Administration; David Charles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Master of Science/Engineering; Michael Poolaw, Montana State University-Northern, Master of Science/Engineering; Mario Shawano, Mobile Dynamics, Certificate/Mobile Electronics; Carmen De Los Santos, University of New Mexico-Valencia campus, Certificate/Computer-Aided Drafting; Gretchen Walraven, Loyola College/Maryland, Master of Science/Speech and Language Pathology; Jason Voorheis, Northern Michigan University, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Marcus Peters, University of California-Davis, Master's Degree and Scott McLellan, Delta College, Associate in Applied Science/Welding Engineering and Certificate/Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning.

Twenty-five students will be recognized for having a 3.5 grade point average or higher, in addition to 56 who will be honored with incentive awards. Eagle Spirit Awards were first given to members in 1996.

"Education is the key to opening doors of opportunity," added Skutt. "We believe it's important to honor those who have completed their higher education studies, as well as encourage those currently attending a college or university."

For additional information, contact Skutt at (989) 775-4505 or (989) 775-4554.