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.