Dear Friends of Christopher DeCormier:
I would like to introduce myself to you as the original Director of the Institute for Mesoamerican Studies, and now a regular board member of that institute.
It was under my direction that Chris originally spent a year abroad among the
Quiche-Mayas of Guatemala in order to learn their language and become familiar
with their culture. Chris was a wonderful student and person. He was bright,
hard-working, caring of others, dedicated, and energetic. It was a joy to work
with him, and to watch him grow as a scholar. He undoubtedly would have become
one of the leading Mayan linguists in the U.S., had not cancer cut short his
highly productive life. The scholarship which his family initiated and supported
has always seemed to me to be the perfect memorial to Chris. It has supported
many young people like Chris to do what he was not able to do: to complete their
studies and go on to live productive, humanitarian lives.
IMS is proud of the fact that all the scholarship funds go exclusively to support
student research in Mexico and Central America (Mesoamerica), and none for administration
or any other purpose. Further, each round of competition has attracted several
capable young scholars, and, thus, without fail the awards have gone to deserving
candidates. We make a commitment to you that we will continue to administer
the scholarship in the interest of young scholars and in a fair and just manner.
At current funding levels most students must later find additional resources to return to the field and gather needed information. We are trying to increase the overall fund in order to provide student scholars with sufficient finances to maintain themselves for at least one year in the field. Funding at this level would make it possible for most students to gather enough information upon which to base a doctoral dissertation. We ask you, therefore, to be generous in your donations.
We are pleased to be partners with you in this very human endeavor to keep Chris DeCormier's spirit alive.
Robert M. Carmack, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
To offer a donation, please send a check, payable to the University at Albany Foundation, to:
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The Institute for Mesoamerican Studies |