The Dixie Foundation’s Fire and Ice Gala will be held Friday, Feb. 26 at SunRiver in St. George. This black-tie fundraising 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 and dinner as part of the foundation’s fundraising efforts.
A recent recipient of a Fire and Ice Scholarship was Michael Nelson. Because of the assistance he received from a Fire and 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, Ariz. His parents stressed the importance of gaining an education and attending college. He is the third-oldest of 11 kids, and his parents struggled to make ends meet and provide the most basic needs.
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, started 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’s degree in communication, human emphasis, and graduated 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 Adviser at DSU. 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 though Michael was working full time while he was attending college, he needed some help.
“The generosity of The Fire & Ice Scholarship has put me on this path that has changed my life 180 degrees,” he said. “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.”
“We’ve had the opportunity, over the past 11 years, to raise $1,800,000 for need-based scholarships for students who could not attend Dixie State University without financial help,” said Randy Wilkinson, Dixie Foundation president. “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, but 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 dixiefoundation.org.
All proceeds from the Fire and Ice Gala go to need-based scholarships for DSU students. The Dixie Foundation has a 501(c)(3) status, so individuals or entities can make this a tax-deductible contribution.
