Horatio Alger Association Al and Cathy Annexstad Scholarship
In 2010, Mr. Annexstad was the recipient of the Horatio Alger Award, one of America’s highest civilian honors, given in recognition of his inspiring life story of achieving personal and professional success despite humble and challenging beginnings. The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. bears the name of the renowned author Horatio Alger, Jr., whose tales of overcoming adversity through unyielding perseverance and basic moral principles captivated the public in the late 19th century. The Association was organized to recognize men and women of outstanding achievement and to remind Americans of the limitless possibilities that exist through the free-enterprise system. Deeply moved by this recognition, Al and Cathy chose to pay it forward by establishing a scholarship at Morehouse College, Emory University, Spelman College, the University of Georgia, the University of Notre Dame and the Georgia Institute of Technology. These prestigious institutions select recipients from their ranks who reflect the spirit of the Horatio Alger Association and the deep personal desire that the Annexstad family has to position higher education as a powerful force for positive social change.
Al and Cathy Annexstad Hope and Inspiration Scholarship
The Annexstads have never forgotten their hometown roots. Al Annexstad often speaks fondly of his childhood memories in St. Peter, Minnesota. They understand in a very personal way what a young person goes through when a parent is suddenly no longer part of their lives. The neighbors, friends, teachers and business people who rallied around them very positively shaped the trajectory of their lives. In appreciation, the Annexstads endowed a college scholarship at St. Peter High School which they hope will help change the lives of some deserving young people who have not experienced many of life’s blessings which so many others are fortunate to have received.
Annexstad Family Foundation Hope and Inspiration Scholarship
In the spirit of goodwill and charity, the Annexstads chose to express their gratitude to the foundation’s Executive Director, who has been a part of the foundation from its inception, by establishing a scholarship at Kingsford High School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where the Executive Director grew up. Once again the Annexstads have chosen to make a significant investment in the lives of young people in helping prepare them for rewarding and productive lives. The foundation has partnered with Northern Michigan University and Kingsford High School in this program.