SLIG Academy Wrap-Up and Keynote

Friday, 16 April 2021
5:00 - 6:00 pm MDT

The SLIG Academy for Professionals 2021 is nearing a close. Full of students passionate about their work in the genealogy field, the program met virtually this year, in a format similar to our fall courses over a period of several weeks. 

In keeping with our SLIG theme for 2021, "Commitment to Excellence," we are pleased to announce the keynote speaker for our Academy Wrap-up Event, Tristan Tolman, AG.

"You Can Do It! Follow Your Dream"
Tristan Tolman, AG

All of us can achieve excellence in the field of genealogy. Becoming committed to excellence becomes natural when you love what you do. Tristan Tolman, AG, will share ideas for how to discover your passion, become an expert at what you do, and contribute to the field of genealogy in a meaningful way. As the lead genealogist of the award-winning TV show Relative Race, she will share behind-the-scenes stories and experiences from working on the show to illustrate her message. 

Tristan L. Tolman, AG, is a professional genealogist, author, editor, and publisher. She has a bachelor's degree in Family History and Genealogy from Brigham Young University and received her accreditation in genealogy research in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic States through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). Tristan has been actively involved in the genealogical field for over twenty years. She loves working with clients and specializes in U.S. genealogical research, writing personal and family histories, and preparing genealogical information for publication. She is also the lead genealogist for the award-winning television series, Relative Race. Tristan currently serves as the second vice president of the Utah Genealogical Association (UGA) and has served on the ICAPGen Board and the Nominations Committee of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). She has written curriculum for the Family History degree programs at BYU-Idaho and BYU-Provo and was co-editor of Becoming an Excellent Genealogist: Essays on Professional Research Skills (2012). 

SLIG Opens for Scholarship Applications

SLIG is pleased to announce that applications are currently being accepted for the following scholarships:

UGA Jimmy B. Parker Scholarship:  Named in honor of Jimmy B. Parker, this full-tuition scholarship is awarded to someone who has “demonstrated commitment to genealogical excellence and community involvement.” Full details here.

Laura G. Prescott SLIG Scholarship: This scholarship was created by friends and colleagues in honor of Laura G. Prescott (1958-2018) and her passion for genealogical education, this scholarship awards full tuition and hotel accommodations to SLIG, SLIG Academy, or SLIG Virtual. Full details here.

 

SLIG Scholarship for First-Time Institute Attendees:  Created in 2016, this scholarship is awarded to students who have never previously attended an institute program and who wish to elevate their education to new heights. Full details here.

SLIG Intermediate Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship provides full tuition to the SLIG Virtual Intermediate Foundations course. Targeted to institute attendees who desire to strengthen their research knowledge and skills at an intermediate level, in preparation for future institute courses. Full details here.

Deadlines:  Applications for all four scholarships are due no later than June 1, 2021. Winners will be announced after July 1, 2021.

Complete details for each of these opportunities and information about scholarships available through other organizations may be found at SLIG.ugagenealogy.org.

AncestryProGenealogists Institute Scholarship Winner - Desiree Funston

Ancestry has announced that it will award a SLIG institute scholarship to Desiree Funston. The AncestryProGenealogists Scholarships were established to “foster and support professional genealogists in their ongoing development efforts.” The scholarship covers tuition, round-trip standard economy airfare, and hotel expenses for one individual. The scholarship is awarded “to qualified applicants who demonstrate a commitment to genealogy as a profession, a desire for professional development, and the ability to communicate that commitment in writing.”

Desiree Funston is a reference librarian at Missoula Public Library in Missoula, Montana, where she helps patrons discover their family history. She earned the Boston University Genealogical Research Certificate in May 2019 and is working toward the BCG Certified Genealogist credential. She is a proud seventh-generation Montanan who enjoys researching westward expansion, gold discoveries, and steamboat navigation on the Upper Missouri River. In addition to her career as a librarian/genealogist, she also owns and operates a farm growing hops for Montana's craft beer industry.

Congratulations to Desiree, and we will see you at SLIG 2022!

SLIG and Academy Coordinators to Speak at the NGS Virtual Family History Conference

 The National Genealogical Society Virtual Family History Conference being held May 19-20 will feature some of our SLIG and Academy Coordinators for our upcoming courses for 2021 and 2022.

NGS will feature two days of live sessions plus on-demand options that will begin in the middle of June.

The list of upcoming SLIG and Academy Coordinators who will speak include:

Wednesday, 19 May 2021 LIVE! Sessions:

Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, FASG, FUGA, FNGS 

-Writing About and Documenting Genealogical Conclusions Using DNA Test Results

Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA 

-BCG Skillbuilding: Establishing Identity and Kinship with Military Records

Thursday, 20 May 2021 LIVE! Sessions:

Judy G. Russell JD, CG, CGL 

-Wilde Beasts, Sabbath Breakers, and Incorrigible Rogues: Early Virginia Laws

On-Demand Lectures:

Angela Packer McGhie, CG

 -Strategies for Resolving Conflicting Evidence

-Homestead Records: A Goldmine for Genealogy

-Research Maryland Deeds Online Using MDLandRec.net and Plats.net

Karen Mauer Jones, CG, FGBS, FUGA

-Don’t Ignore the Sisters: The Keys to Unlocking Genealogical Mysteries 

Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, FASG, FUGA, FNGS

-Building a Case with Scant Evidence

Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL 

 -May I Please Have Your Permission? Using the Work of Others 

 -To protect people who provide DNA samples”: The Ethics of DNA Testing Using DNA

Rick Sayre, CG, CGL, FUGA

 -Finding Military Records in Published Sources

Craig R. Scott, CG, FUGA

The Pension Office: Getting the Old Men Paid in Virginia 

Karen Stanbary, CG

 -Chasing Opportunity from Bas Rhin to Burlington, Iowa

-Creation of a Meaningful Lump of Wax out of Teeny, Tiny Drips

Congratulations to all the SLIG and Academy Course Coordinators!

Thank you for continuing to serve the genealogy community by providing quality education!

To see the current list of upcoming courses for SLIG and the Academy please visit: 

2021 Virtual Courses

SLIG 2022

Academy 2022

To register for the NGS 2021 Family History Conference to enjoy the presentations from our coordinators please visit:

NGS Family History Coference