HISTORY OF THE BRIGGS FAMILY:

In the Spring of 1943, Glenn & Mary Lou Briggs purchased 160 acres from homesteader Jack Cobol. Venturing out into the wilderness area of Chugiak-Eagle River, they began meeting local food needs at the military bases by growing potatoes and raising hogs. As the community grew and local production became an increasing challenge, Glenn Briggs went into the development business building the first shopping center in the community of Eagle River. The Eagle River Shopping Center (home of Jitter’s Where Coffee Is An Art”) continues to be a vibrant center of economic activity today. The Briggs’s original homestead has been developed into subdivisions in the Meadow Creek area located adjacent to the downtown business district.

HISTORY OF SCHOLARSHIP:

The Briggs’s had a long affiliation with Chugiak High School and its graduates. During the early 1970’s, the Briggs family provided financial assistance to Chugiak graduates who, without their assistance, would not have had an opportunity to earn a college education. The only request attached to the “scholarship” was a Christmas card report on their progress and achievements. The intent of this scholarship is to provide assistance where there is definite financial need.