Trudy McAlister Fund Awards Two Scholarships for 2009

By Gene Bruno, OMD

In it’s third year, the Trudy McAlister Fund (TM Fund) has awarded two scholarships to two very deserving students. The recipients were Ian Koebner, who attends the New England School of Acupuncture, and Christy Kennedy, from the Colorado School of TCM. Each received a $1000 scholarship from the TM Fund.

When Ian was asked what the scholarship meant to him he replied, “I am grateful. Educational scholarships like the Trudy McAlister Fund are essential for students of AOM to manage the financial obligation of their studies. The Trudy McAlister Fund is particularly meaningful because its roots are based in Mrs. McAlister’s appreciation for the efficacy of the care she received as a patient. Ultimately, it is the quality of the care offered by practitioners of AOM and the various patient-centered outcomes derived from it that will advance the profession. Mrs. McAlister’s commitment to future practitioners is inspiring and I am honored to receive this year’s scholarship.”

Christy Kennedy was also last year’s recipient. When asked about this year’s scholarship she replied, “It is such a privilege to be one of the winners of the Trudy McAllister Scholarship for 2009! As last year's winner, I have truly understood what a tremendous help scholarship assistance can be, especially since it is not all that common for TCM students. I am so grateful to Trudy McAllister, the Scholarship Committee, the Advisory Board, and to Gene Bruno for all of their support and hard work. With out such a dedicated team, students of TCM would have even less opportunity to fund an already expensive education. I encourage all students of TCM to study hard, pursue your interests and take the time to apply for the scholarships that are available. You never know, you could be next year's winner!”

The TM Fund will be accepting applications for the 2010 scholarships by August 15, 2009. The application process will close on November 15, 2010. The awards will be announced at next year’s AAAOM national conference.

The TM Fund has an Advisory Committee: Advisors to the TM Fund are Gene Bruno, William Pettis, Pamela Lee, and Rhonda Wilbur. 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. We will increase the number and amounts of the scholarships 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 please go to our website at www.triskeles.org