December - Page 5

"Canyoning" or free-falling down incredibly steep, curving waterfalls at Interlaken, Switzerland, only strengthened and inspired Tamara Bowdon's quest for adventure. Not afraid to take a risk, her latest quest is taking on the job of administrative assistant and after-noon receptionist at CIRI. She brings charm and many talents to her new job and, apparently, she is the kind of person who is able to handle just about anything without losing her cool.

"Because I interned at CIRI before, it's a familiar and comfortable place for me to work. Everyday I'm learning something new, and I'm glad to have the opportunity to work here," declared Bowdon, who has also interned for the Alaska Native Heritage Center's cultural programs.

Born and raised in Seldovia, Alaska, Bowdon is a Seldovia Native Association shareholder of Athabascan and Tlingit descent, and is a descendant of CIRI shareholder Patti Lu Hansen. This December, Bowdon will receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in history from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Down the road, she'd like to

pursue a graduate degree in educational psychology or human resources. But in the meantime, she's happy to sit back, relax and simply enjoy reaching the important goal of achieving her undergraduate degree at UAA.

In addition to setting goals and working her way to achieving them, she likes to travel. Last summer, she backpacked across Europe for two months and made her way through 12 countries. One of the best things she learned while on the road in Europe was the ability to live day-by-day and, at times, even live moment-by-moment.

While in Europe, free-falling or "Canyoning" down the Alps of Switzerland was a highlight for her. With helmet and wet-suit on, she jumped into icy, fast flowing water and rode the waves down as they spun around huge rocks. She says, "The journey down is a rush, but it's worth the risk because it's good to test your own limits from time to time. You don't want to be too afraid to really live life."

IN THE FALLS

Tamara Bowdon takes time from work and studies to experience the adventures of Switzerland.

National Urban/Rural Fellowship-Class of 2001

The National Urban Fellows, Inc. is accepting applications through February 4, 2000, for the National Urban/Rural Fellowship Award, Class of 2001. The Fellowship seeks exceptionally talented mid-career individuals, from traditionally underrepresented communities who are committed to assuming leadership roles in public service.

The National Urban/Rural Fellows (NU/RF) is a premier graduate fellowship offering a unique learning experience: a 14-month academic program combined with a practical nine-month "hands-on" mentorship with a senior public administrator. The Fellowship is conducted in partnership with Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York. The first summer academic session will commence in early June 2000 and is followed by an assignment to a mentorship site.

During the mentorship period, fellows are required to complete additional coursework via distance learning and attend a mid-year academic conference. Upon completion of the mentorship assignment, the fellow returns for a second summer academic session in early June 2001. After successful completion of all academic and fellowship requirements, the fellow is awarded a master of public administration.

A highly competitive and intensive full-time program, NU/RF grants fellowships to a select group of 25 to 35 individuals annually. The candidates must possess and demonstrate superior leadership qualities, a bachelor's degree, an excellent academic record, U.S. citizenship, a minimum of three years administrative or managerial experience

and a willingness to relocate. African-Americans, Latinos and Native Americans are strongly encouraged to apply. The Fellow receives a stipend, full payment of tuition, a book allowance, as well as travel and moving expenses related to program activities. Employment is not permitted during the Fellowship. For further information, visit the National Urban Fellows web site at www.nuf.org.

Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2000

The Smithsonian encourages access to its collections, staff specialties and reference resources by visiting scholars, scientists and students. The Institution offers in-residence appointments for research and study in fields which are actively pursued by the museums and research organizations, using its facilities, and the advice and guidance of its staff members.

At present these fields are: animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science, including an emphasis on the topics Anthropology, including archaeology; astrophysics and astronomy; earth sciences and paleobiology; evolutionary and systematic biology; history of science and technology; history of art, especially American, contemporary, African, and Asian art; twentieth-century American crafts and decorative arts; social and cultural history of the United States; and folklife.

Postdoctoral fellowships are offered to scholars who have held the degree or equivalent for less than seven years. Senior Fellowships are offered to scholars who have held the degree or equivalent for seven years or more. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal including a justification for

conducting research in residence at the Institution. The term is three to 12 months. Both fellowships offer a stipend of $27,000 per year plus allowances.

Predoctoral fellowships are offered to doctoral candidates who have completed preliminary course work and examinations. The applicant must submit a detailed proposal including a justification for conducting the research in-residence at the Institution. Candidates must have the approval of their universities to conduct doctoral research at the Smithsonian Institution. The term is three to 12 months. The stipend is $15,000 per year plus allowances.

Graduate student fellowships are offered to students who, when they apply, are formally enrolled in a graduate program of study at a degree-granting institution. Before the appointment begins, fellows must still be enrolled and must have completed at least one full-time semester or its equivalent, or have completed the graduate program within the past four months. Graduate student fellowships are usually intended for students who have not yet been advanced to candidacy if in a doctoral program. The term is 10 weeks; the stipend is $3,500.

Stipends are prorated for periods of less than 12 months. Postmark deadline is January 15, 2000. For applications material, visit the Web at www.si.edu/research+study or send an e-mail to siofg@ofg.si.edu. Please include mailing address for requested materials.