From President of the
Richard (Yogi) Crowe Memorial
Scholarship Fund Board of Directors

An Expression of Appreciation
By Carmaleta L. Monteith, Ph.D.

For the past 25 years, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), and loyal supporters, have had numerous opportunities to celebrate the life of a special young man through the gift of giving. This celebration of life is acknowledged each time each of us gives to the scholarship fund that was created in memory of Richard (Yogi) Crowe. Many of you that contribute to the Fund did not know Yogi, but you contribute to the Fund knowing it will help deserving Cherokee graduate students achieve their educational goals. We are truly appreciative of your financial support as we continue to honor Yogi's memory.

Yogi did not have the gift of prophesy to know that the EBCI would become owners of a casino that was created for the purpose of providing year round jobs for the first time in our tribe's history. Before the casino, our economy was based on tourists coming to Cherokee during the warmer months. During the winters, businesses were closed and so were the opportunities for gainful employment of tribal members. For our tribe to prosper, Yogi realized the value of his own formal education and was an advocate for higher education for our tribal members. With his commitment, he created the desire for others to follow his lead.

While our community still depends on an economy of tourism, tribal programs have grown to meet the needs of our members and require professional degrees to effectively manage the programs. Our tribal programs and enterprises require a workforce of highly skilled and educated individuals requiring advanced degrees. It is our Board's commitment to continue Yogi's legacy of promoting and supporting graduate studies for members of our tribe. We appreciate the opportunity of being stewards of this very important endeavor and are most appreciative to those of you who continue to support our work through your generous donations. May the next 25 years bring health and happiness to your families as we work together to fulfill the legacy of Yogi Crowe, who cared deeply for the well being of his people.