This new year,
get ready to party for a good cause. The Dixie Foundation will be holding their
annual Fire and Ice fundraising Gala on February 26, 2016 at SunRiver St. George. This
black-tie event raises funds used exclusively for need-based scholarships for
Dixie State University students. The contributions donated to the Fire and Ice
Gala allow students, who, because of financial constraints, may not otherwise
be able to complete or pursue their college education. The annual Fire and Ice
Gala brings together a variety of benefactors for a silent auction, dinner and
live auction as part of the foundations fundraising efforts.
A
recent recipient of a Fire and Ice Scholarship was Michael Nelson. Because
of the assistance he received from a Fire & Ice Scholarship, Michael was able to achieve and exceed many of his
life's greatest goals. Nelson
grew up in a traditional home on the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, AZ. His
parents stressed the importance of gaining an education and attending college.
He is the third oldest of eleven kids and his parents struggled to make ends
meet and provide the most basic needs.
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| Michael Nelson, Fire & Ice Scholarship recipient |
He had a desire
to attend college and from 1999 until the fall of 2000, Michael was a full-time
student at DSU. He then got married, stared a family and quit school. He made
the decision to return to college in spring 2012 after 11 years, in hopes for a
better future for himself and his family. In the spring of 2015, Michael earned
his Bachelor of Science in Communication, Human Emphasis, and graduating Magna
Cum Laude, which included eight straight semesters with a 4.0 GPA.
Following
graduation, he was offered a position to work in the Multicultural and
Diversity Center as the Native American Student Advisor at Dixie State
University. Michael feels that because of his education he is able to reach out
and help others with similar stories. He and his wife are expecting their third
son in February and will make education an important part of their lives. Even
thought Michael was working full-time while he was attending college, he needed
some help. He said, “The generosity of The Fire & Ice Scholarship has put
me on this path that has changed my life 180 degrees. Now I am able to provide
a better life for my family and help others, from my Native American Nation, as
well as give back to our community.”
Randy Wilkinson, Dixie
Foundation president, said, "We've had the opportunity, over the past
11 years, to raise $1,800,000.00 for need-based scholarships for students who
could not attend Dixie State University without financial help. With these
scholarships, they are able to continue their education and open opportunities
in their lives. This is only possible where we live in a community with
such generous citizens, both individual and corporate."
The 12th Annual Fire and Ice
Gala is open to everyone, and advance tickets are required. Tickets are
$150 each and are available by calling Marilyn Lamoreaux at 435-652-7502. To
learn more about the gala or the Dixie Foundation or to make a donation,
contact foundation secretary Kalynn Larson at 435-652-7535 or larson@dixie.edu or visit www.dixiefoundation.org.
All proceeds from the Fire
and Ice Gala go 100% to need-based scholarships for Dixie State University
students. The Dixie College Foundation has a 501(c)3 status so individuals
or entities can make this a tax deductible contribution. We invite you to
be part of this event.
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