Stories From Fellows and Grantees
 
Here are the most recent stories we’re received on the Bush Foundation story bank. If you’d like to submit a story of your own, you can do so here.
 

Mike Klein, Ed.D., 2007 Bush Leadership Fellow
A listening and supportive presence - I want to thank John Archabal for his attentive listening and support during the trials that can accompany leadership. As I was beginning my Bush Leadership Fellowship in 2007, I became enmeshed in a controversy that received attention in the local and national press. Because my name would be printed in the story, I called John to forewarn him and ask his advice. He listened carefully and paused for just a moment. I was anxious that this situation might concern the Foundation and perhaps affect my fellowship. Instead, John simply said "You made a tough decision with integrity. And it seems to me that we made a good decision giving you this fellowship." I was touched by his confidence during a difficult time and still appreciate his integrity. Thank you John for your dedicated work in support of Bush Leadership Fellows and the communities they serve.
 
Chris Bray, 1997 Bush Leadership Fellows, Minnesota Department of Corrections
In about 1999, my proposal to the BLF program was to get a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in evaluation studies. I was given the fellowship and used the 18 months to complete all the coursework before going back to work. The difficulty started when I went back to work, continued raising two kids, and began the intense dissertation process. The fellowship had technically ended, but I talked with John several times after about the difficulty I was having and wondering if I would really finish it as promised in my Bush proposal. One day John told me that he started a Ph.D. and never did complete it. I asked him if he had a regrets. He said, "Yes, I've always regretted not finishing it." I knew then that I would finish mine and I did. I was looking for reasons to quit, and John didn't tell me what I wanted to hear. Thank you John. Now get back to school and get it done!
 
Gabrielle Strong, 1992 Bush Leadership Fellows, philanthropist and grantee
Time to Learn - At the time I received my fellowship, which was 1992, I believe I was one of the youngest Bush fellows, if not the youngest. I remember John Archabal as being one of the kind, friendly faces during the fellowship selection process. And I remember his kind expression all during my professional career. I also recall him being very receptive to the issues that I was trying to describe and grapple with, as a fellow, as an executive director of a grantee organization, and as a Native working in philanthropy.  I'm grateful for the Bush fellowship opportunity, and for the support of the Bush Foundation and the support of John Archabal. His decisions and choices have had lasting impact on the American Indian community. Thank you, John. All the best to you.

Ellen Chaffee, 1997 Bush Leadership Fellow and grantee
I have known John through my 1977 BLF, serving on BLF selection panels over the years, and through Bush faculty development grants to my universities. In every context, the processes were professional, supportive and fair. I learned something worthwhile from every encounter with him, and I always had complete confidence in the rightness of the outcome, whether for better or for worse. In all the ways that count, he's a giant of a man. Thank you so much, John, for playing many crucial roles in making both the Foundation and the Upper Midwest far better than they would have been without you.

Sudhir Mehta, grantee from North Dakota State University
Global Impact of John’s Vision and Work - North Dakota State University (NDSU) received several grants for faculty development from the Bush Foundation during John's tenure. John's comments before receiving the grants, during the operation of the grants and at the end of the grants, were always positive and helped us to make the best use of the grants and continuously provided innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning. With John's input, support from the Foundation, and leadership from the University administrators, NDSU is recognized as one of the best in the region to support its faculty for enhancing teaching and student learning. Presently, I am continuing the faculty development work for NDSU with its international partners in India and other countries in South Asia. Hence, one can say for sure that John's input and efforts have made impact in many other countries far from the Midwest. Thanks to John for his vision and support for faculty development. If John or other representatives from the Bush Foundation get an opportunity to visit India or this region, I will be personally happy to show the impact of their support on institutions globally!
  
Hoang K. Tran, grantee from Southeast Asian Refugee Community Home (SEARCH)
A big loss for our community - I knew Mr. John Archabal through a site-visit at SEARCH's office a few years ago. As a former refugee and as a "bohemian" from Vietnam, I used to guess about the characters of the persons I talked to or met, especially when they could have a lot of influence on the communities I serve. My first reading about Mr. Archabal's characters was that he was a person of nicety, kindness, tolerance, and open-mindedness. After the site visit, I had an opportunity to learn a little bit more about him and knew that he was also a university professor. In fact, I like and respect Mr. Archabal right away because I knew by instinct that he had the characters I just mentioned. Since then, I have never met Mr. Archabal again. From the bottom of my heart and soul, I know and deeply believe that Mr. Archabal will have more good things than bad ones in his life because he has dealt with the people with all his nicety and kindness, and that he has given more than what he has received. I am also pretty sure that he has been receiving and will receive more from God due to his good deeds during his life. I wish him and his family all the best things during his "rewarding" time.

Janice Cooper (1999 Bush Leadership Fellow)
Encouraging the Stretch - I remember the award letter for my fellowship. It had conditions! If I attended Harvard's Kennedy School of Government I was a fellow. John had explained at the Finalist Selection Meeting that the committee thought I could aim higher than I had. I had argued unsuccessfully, I guess, that I already had an MPA. So I went to the Kennedy School with the notion that I would start taking courses toward the Ph.D. and apply the following year. At about mid-way through my first semester I boldly went to the Ph.D. program office and told them my plans for the following year. They were incredulous at my assumption that I would automatically get into the Ph.D. program because I was a mid-career student. In fact, they may have even suggested that it might be impossible. Devastated, I called John. Clear and calm he laid out my options and talked me through what I needed to do. He basically called on me to stretch my mind yet again, beyond the closed doors. After my talk with John, there was never the same doubt that I would get my Ph.D. Of course, over the years since, John has been there recommending me for projects and linking me with others.
 
Paul H. Ramcharit (2001 Bush Leadership Fellow), Minnesota Department of Human Services
It is not always easy to find individuals who are committed to reflecting the ideals of the organization where they work. John did that and demonstrated those qualities in his service to the Bush Foundation. He did that with humility and a sense of purpose, not just with the interests of the Foundation in mind, but also potential fellows and their future impact in communities. I was impressed by his person, his principles and his approach, especially during the Bush Leadership Fellows application process. He and the rest of the foundation staff were very impressive and made us feel like they were working for our interests. He will be missed because he affected our lives in very positive ways and a role model for us to emulate. Thanks John, and best wishes in your retirement plans.

Sudhir Mehta, grantee from North Dakota State University
Global Impact of John’s Vision and Work - North Dakota State University (NDSU) received several grants for faculty development from the Bush Foundation during John's tenure. John's comments before receiving the grants, during the operation of the grants and at the end of the grants, were always positive and helped us to make the best use of the grants and continuously provided innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning. With John's input, support from the Foundation, and leadership from the University administrators, NDSU is recognized as one of the best in the region to support its faculty for enhancing teaching and student learning. Presently, I am continuing the faculty development work for NDSU with its international partners in India and other countries in South Asia. Hence, one can say for sure that John's input and efforts have made impact in many other countries far from the Midwest.  Thanks to John for his vision and support for faculty development. If John or other representatives from the Bush Foundation get an opportunity to visit India or this region, I will be personally happy to show the impact of their support on institutions globally!
  
Hoang K. Tran, grantee from Southeast Asian Refugee Community Home (SEARCH)
A big loss for our community - I knew Mr. John Archabal through a site-visit at SEARCH's office a few years ago. As a former refugee and as a "bohemian" from Vietnam, I used to guess about the characters of the persons I talked to or met, especially when they could have a lot of influence on the communities I serve. My first reading about Mr. Archabal's characters was that he was a person of nicety, kindness, tolerance, and open-mindedness.  After the site visit, I had an opportunity to learn a little bit more about him and knew that he was also a university professor. In fact, I like and respect Mr. Archabal right away because I knew by instinct that he had the characters I just mentioned. Since then, I have never met Mr. Archabal again. From the bottom of my heart and soul, I know and deeply believe that Mr. Archabal will have more good things than bad ones in his life because he has dealt with the people with all his nicety and kindness, and that he has given more than what he has received. I am also pretty sure that he has been receiving and will receive more from God due to his good deeds during his life. I wish him and his family all the best things during his "rewarding" time.

(If you didn’t see the press release about John’s retirement, you can read it here.)