Staff Directory
 Philip S. 'Sam' Deloria, Director (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)
American Indian Graduate Center
Sam attended both undergraduate and law school at Yale University and, for the previous 35 years, served as Director of the American Indian Law Center, Inc. Under Mr. Deloria's direction, the American Indian Law Center performed groundbreaking work in the analysis of Federal Indian Policy, including helping to define the role of tribes in the federal system. The Law Center has also taken the lead in strengthening tribal government institutions. He will remain active as one of the premier analysts of Indian policy in the nation. Mr. Deloria was the founder and first Secretary-General of the World Council of Indigenous People and, in 1976, was one of the founders of the Commission on State-Tribal Relations. He is also a member of the National Institutional Review Board for the protection of human subjects of research, established by the Indian Health Service.
You may reach Sam via e-mail at sam@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext.112, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Joan V. Currier, Chief Operating Officer
American Indian Graduate Center
Joan joined AIGC in 1998. In addition to overseeing finance and administrative activities, she served as Interim Executive Director and coordinated the Executive Search Team in 2000. Joan has a B.S. in Management and Accounting from the University of Massachusetts and over 15 years of experience working in nonprofit management.
Joan moved to New Mexico in 1993 from Massachusetts, where she was Chief Financial Officer of the American Cancer Society, Massachusetts Division, Inc. Prior to joining AIGC, Joan worked with Futures for Children and the American Red Cross, both in Albuquerque.
Joan is active in local APS activities and has served on the executive committees of several community nonprofit organizations. You may reach Joan via e-mail at joan@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext.104, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Marveline D. Vallo Gabbard, AIGC Fellowship Program Assistant of Graduate Fellowships and Special Programs (Acoma Pueblo)
American Indian Graduate Center
Marveline is from Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico, and has been AIGC’s Program Assistant of Graduate Fellowships and Special Programs since July, 1998.
As Program Assistant of Graduate Fellowships and Special Programs, Marveline manages all AIGC graduate fellowships and the BIE Loan for Service programs. She also manages the Accenture American Indian Scholarship, Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship and the All Native American High School Academic Team which provides funding for high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students.
Marveline is obtaining her Bachelor's of University Studies Degree specializing in the Sociology and Native American Studies areas at the University of New Mexico.
You may reach Marveline via e-mail at marveline@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext.111, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Sharon Becenti, Receptionist / Clerical Assistant (Diné)
American Indian Graduate Center
Sharon is bringing experience from Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) where she worked as a receptionist for the Academic Advisement program.
Sharon has an Associate Degree in Office Administration and a certificate in Medical Assistant from CNM. She is currently attending the University of New Mexico to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology.
You may reach Sharon via e-mail at sharon@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext.101, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Christa Moya, Director of Financial Aid / Student Services (Diné)
American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship Program)
As the Director of Financial Aid and Student Services, Christa manages and directs all aspects of student services and financial aid operations. She also supervises Outreach, Academic Empowerment, Leadership and Alumni Relation programs for the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (AIGCS) and the Gates Millennium Scholars Program (GMSP). Her passions include developing innovative approaches to delivering programs and services to GMS Scholars, as well as, assisting scholars with exploring positive educational experiences through program support, outreach, and advocacy.
Christa’s passion for making opportunities available to American Indian students is clear when she states, “I love to see students reach their unrealized potential and to make a difference in the lives of people around them; not only in their local communities but all across Indian Country.”
Christa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of New Mexico. Christa also has a Masters Degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico.
You may reach Christa via e-mail at christa@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 884-7007 ext.110 or toll free at 1-866-884-7007.
 Velda J. Begay, Coordinator of Financial Aid (Diné)
American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar Program)
Velda joined AIGCS in 2009. As Coordinator of Financial Aid, Velda serves as a liaison between students and educational institutions. Other duties include reviewing and processing graduate and undergraduate scholarship applications and financial aid and supporting documents to determine eligibility.
She graduated from the University of New Mexico earning two degrees: a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management from the Anderson School of Management and a Bacholor of Arts Degree in Native American Studies. She also attended San Juan College and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Microcomputer Applications in Business and a one-year certificate in Business Administration.
Velda has worked several years in the public sector. She enjoys helping people. During her higher education experience, she became aware that few Native American students attended college. Her goal upon graduating was to find employment where she could make a difference by helping more Native American students continue their education.
You may reach Velda via e-mail at velda@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 884-7007 ext.117 or toll free at 1-866-884-7007.
 Linda J. Niezgodzki, Program Assistant
American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar Program)
Linda joined AIGCS in 2009. As Program Assistant, Linda assists with Student Document Intake, Renewal Process and Special Projects. Linda comes to AIGCS with years of Office Management background.
You may reach Linda via e-mail at linda@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 884-7007, ext.115 or toll free at 1-866-884-7007.
 Nathaniel Lorenz, CPA, Controller
American Indian Graduate Center
Nate joined AIGC in 2009 and brings an accounting background from both a public accounting/auditing and a corporate reporting perspective. He has served several years as a public accountant where he was first introduced to AIGC. He has been part of the 2006 & 2007 financial audit engagement of AIGC while working at Meyners + Co. and has been a financial analyst with Comcast Cable for northern New Mexico.
Nate has a MBA in Accounting from University of New Mexico's Anderson School of Management. As well as his schooling in accounting, Nate has a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of New Mexico and has lived in New Mexico for 27 years.
Nate is active in the management of an Albuquerque based non-for-profit bagpipe band where he enjoys teaching students and playing the bagpipe at local performances.
You may reach Nate via e-mail at nate@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584, ext.119 or toll free at 1-800-628-1920.
 James C. Gabbard, Accounting Assistant (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes)
American Indian Graduate Center
James has a business and accounting background, having taken courses at Haskell Indian Junior College (Lawrence, KS), George Mason University (Fairfax, VA), and the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM). James joined the staff of AIGC/AIGC Scholars in February, 2003.
Prior to joining AIGC, James served as Office Manager for an American Indian-owned small business. He was also employed with the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs for over 14 years. James is a member of the Wichita, Caddo and Delaware Tribes of Oklahoma; however, he is proud to consider Albuquerque, New Mexico, his home.
You may reach James via e-mail at james@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584, ext.118 or toll free at 1-800-628-1920.
 Susan Duran, Executive Assistant / Development Associate (Narragansett)
American Indian Graduate Center
Susan joined AIGC in January, 2004, following over five years as Executive Assistant to the Director of All Faiths Receiving Home in Albuquerque.
Although she has worked in various settings for over twenty years, including government, public and private corporations and owning her own business, Susan has found she prefers the team spirit and personal commitment of a non-profit environment. She has lived in Albuquerque since 1971 and holds a B.A. degree in English.
You may reach Susan via e-mail at susan@aigcs.org or by phone at (505)881-4584 ext. 107, Toll Free 1-800-628-1920.
 Leander Bekaye, Receptionist / Development Assistant (Diné)
American Indian Graduate Center
Leander is of the Mexican Clan and born for Tangle People Clan. He joined AIGC in June, 2006.
You may reach Leander via e-mail at leander@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext. 109 or Toll Free at 1-800-628-1920.
 Adele Begay, I.T. Support Technician (Navajo)
American Indian Graduate Center
Adele joined the AIGC staff in February of 2005. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Networking Technology from Central New Mexico Community College.
You may reach Adele via e-mail at adele@aigcs.org or by phone at (505) 881-4584 ext. 103, or Toll Free at 1-800-628-1920.
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