Each year the Alpha-1 Foundation (A1F) awards Alpha-1 Educational Scholarships to Alphas and family members seeking to further their higher education. This year, ten scholarships were awarded to deserving individuals. Congratulations to these outstanding young adults.
Jim Quill Educational Scholarship Recipients
Kali Cook and Andrew Flickenschild were awarded the James “Jim” Quill Memorial Scholarships. These scholarships honor the memory of Jim Quill. Jim Served as an AlphaNet Coordinator, and then Manager of AlphaNet. Additionally, he served on the A1F Board of Directors. He consistently solved problems for the entire Alpha-1 community. Not only was Jim the consummate mentor to all AlphaNet Coordinators and staff members, but he was always available to listen and offer counsel to any Alpha.
Kali Cook (Sterling Heights, Michigan) a Freshman at Macomb Community College majoring in Elementary Education: “Alpha-1 has not only taught me to be responsible but also helped me realize that I can create my own definition of fun focusing on genuine joy, good company, and a future I can look forward to with pride.”
Andrew Flickenschild (Ellington, Connecticut ) is a Freshman at the University of Connecticut majoring in Biology: ”My dad’s illness and passing changed my perspective on life and made me realize how important your health is. It also gave me a strong desire to understand the human body and how I can help people who are facing similar struggles”
Peter Smith Educational Scholarship Recipients
This year’s Peter Smith Scholarships have been awarded to four well-deserving awardees, Amy Jageman, Jessalyn Rospert, John Dyer and Alexus Calhoun. Peter Smith wrote, edited, and published Alpha-1 News from 1989-1992. Before his early death due to Alpha-1, he was spreading the word to over 1,200 households. His efforts encouraged, enlightened, and inspired those with Alpha-1 to reach out to one another and to learn from one another. The intent of the Peter Smith Scholarship is to continue this tradition by helping those with Alpha-1 and their families to learn and achieve.
Amy Jageman (Bridgeville, Pennsylvania) is in Graduate school at La Roche University for a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP): “Living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency has shaped my life in profound ways, teaching me resilience, the power of advocacy, and the importance of compassionate healthcare. Diagnosed at birth, Alpha-1 has never been just a medical condition to me—it has been a defining part of my journey, influencing my perspective on life, my education, and my career aspirations.”
Jessalyn Rospert (Portland, Texas) is a Freshman at Texas State University majoring in Nursing: “I will never let my Alpha-1 diagnosis define me. Instead, I strive to do my best in everything I do, every single day. It only makes me stronger.”
John Dyer (Bethel, Connecticut) is a Freshman at Wesleyan University majoring in Economics: “Watching someone you admire struggle with an incurable disease is heartbreaking, but it has also strengthened my character in ways I never imagined.”
Alexus Calhoun (Bloomington, Illinois) is a Senior at Illinois State University majoring in Computer Science: “. Throughout the rest of my life, I will continue to advocate for spreading awareness about Alpha-1 to hopefully encourage other people to get tested and potentially save lives”
E. Lou Glenn Memorial Scholarship Recipient
This scholarship honors the memory of Lou Glenn, a dedicated caregiver of her daughter who was diagnosed with Alpha-1. An icon in the Alpha-1 community, she served on various committees, always supported programs for Alphas, and represented the voice of caregivers.
Ava Castillo (San Antonio, Texas) is a Freshman at Juniata College majoring in Biology: “Observing the adversity my siblings face daily makes me want to follow their lead in living a healthier life.”
Terry L. Young Memorial Memorial Scholarship Recipient
This scholarship honors the memory of Terry Young, co-founder of AlphaNet who also served as the very first AlphaNet Coordinator. An icon in the Alpha-1 community, he perpetuated the AlphaNet slogan, “Alphas serving Alphas.”
Mariella Cimadevilla (Flowery Branch, Georgia) is a Graduate student at Georgia State University studying Occupational Therapy: “Alpha-1 taught me that my mom was bigger than the deficiency that tried to define her.”
John W. Walsh III (Jack) Memorial Scholarship Recipient
This scholarship honors the memory of Jack Walsh, affectionately known as “Coach”. Having celebrated 94 birthdays, Coach was an icon in the Alpha-1 community. Father to John, Fred, Judy and Sue, he perpetuated the importance of education and family within the entire Alpha-1 community.
Ashleigh Cameron (Lynchburg, Virginia) is a Sophomore at Liberty University majoring in Nursing: “My uncle and grandmother’s experiences with Alpha-1 have not only shaped their lives but also ignited a passion for advocacy and education within our family.”
Robert (Bob) J. Haggerty Memorial Scholarship Recipient
This scholarship honors the memory of Bob Haggerty, who was the face and voice of the Alpah-1 Association for almost a decade. He served as Treasurer for many years, as well as Master of Ceremonies of the Alpha-1 National Conference.
McKinley Chittick (Harper, Iowa) is a Freshman at Iowa State University majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine: “I haven’t used Alpha-1 as an excuse to stop living life to the fullest.”
To apply for a 2026 A1F Educational Scholarship, CLICK HERE. Applications are due April 15, 2026.
