Trudy McAlister Scholarship Fund Awards Two Scholarships
Recipients awarded at the AAAOM’s 2007 Conference and Exhibition in Portland, Oregon
In October of 2005, Trudy McAlister received the Patient of the Year Award from the AAOM for her philanthropic work that led to the establishment of the first national scholarship fund for students of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM). In May of 2007, the McAlister Fund completed the legal and procedural processes that enabled it to be part of a charitable, not for profit entity (Triskeles Foundation), that now enable donors to make tax deductible gifts to the McAlister Fund.
At the AAAOM Conference in October of 2007 in Portland, the McAlister Fund awarded its first two scholarships to students of AOM. The announcement was first made at the AAAOM Student Organization caucus. It seemed appropriate that the AAAOM would be celebrating its 25th anniversary and at the same time the first national scholarship fund could begin its inaugural event.
The recipients were Jason Moskovitz from Yo San University in Los Angeles, and Andrew Fritsch from the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Minneapolis. Each received a $1000 scholarship from the McAlister Fund. Originally, only one scholarship was planned, but an exception was granted by the Foundation this year and two scholarships were issued. Going forward, funds may allow only one scholarship next year.
When Jason Moskovitz was asked what he thought about the scholarship process, he responded by saying, “Not only was receiving this scholarship an honor, but to be involved in its inaugural year is something extra special. I can also say the application process was an equally rewarding experience, having never applied for a scholarship before. I enjoyed responding to the essay question regarding AOM's contributions to our nation's public health because it asked the very question I'd been throwing around in my head ever since I found this medicine. Of course, the challenge was fitting such a large subject into 250 words. And the phone interview added a personal touch that I wasn't expecting. Processes like these, when I'm still in school, make it ever apparent of the supportive and exciting national community of which I am already a part.”
Andrew Fritsch, in a letter of thanks for the scholarship, expressed his gratitude of the financial support the scholarship offered him. He also said that, "The application for the Trudy McAlister Fund scholarship challenged me to consider my role in the future of our profession in Chinese Medicine. Receiving the scholarship has filled me with gratitude and drive to take our profession to a higher level and to eventually make Chinese Medicine available to every American."
The McAlister Fund’s Advisory Committee includes Gene Bruno, William Prensky, Doreen Chen, Martin Herbkersman, and Pamela Lee. These advisors make the recommendations to the Triskeles Foundation for final approval of scholarships. The Triskeles Foundation manages and oversees the funds assets and the scholarship process.
The Advisors encourage colleges, individuals and organizations to make donations to the Fund. The number and amounts of the scholarships will increase as the fund grows.
Donations can now be made at the TM Fund website or donations can be sent to:
The Triskeles Foundation - Trudy McAlister Fund
c/o The Triskeles Foundation
707 Eagleview Blvd. Suite 105
Exton, PA 19341
610-321-9876
For more information about the Trudy McAlister Fund go to www.triskeles.org or contact Gene Bruno at acudoc27@aol.com.