Because of The CIRI Foundation, I was able to achieve a goal of mine and start focusing on giving back through my knowledge.
Some paths take time to come into focus. For Larry Hawkins, the direction was always there. He just had to find his way back to it. A proud descendant raised in a community where hard work, mentorship, and the trades were part of everyday life. Today, he lives in Anchorage and works on the North Slope for NANA.
Larry got his start in the logging industry after high school, learning from experienced operators who showed him the ropes. Those early lessons stayed with him. His path was not linear. He faced challenges, including overcoming alcoholism, but never lost sight of what grounded him.
When Larry decided to fully return to heavy equipment and trucking, he turned to The CIRI Foundation. With support from a CTE scholarship, he enrolled in CDL training at AKA Hauling Commercial Driving School in Anchorage. The program worked around his North Slope schedule and respected his family commitments.
Today, Larry carries that support forward. His Alaska Native heritage continues to shape how he shows up for his work, his family, and his community. When a friend’s child reached out during a difficult time, Larry was able to offer guidance and help them get back on track.
Larry plans to give back by volunteering with The CIRI Foundation and mentoring students interested in the trades.
His advice for others: Stay focused, even when life gets hard. Ask for help when you need it. Stay grounded in what matters.
Larry Hawkins at Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage. Photo courtesy of TCF.
"I see patients who look like my family. They trust me because I understand where they come from."
Larry Hawkins's story is one of thousands. Every semester, TCF scholarship recipients across Alaska and the Lower 48 are building careers, strengthening communities, and investing in the next generation. The cycle of support continues.
