A friend remembered.
Ammar Al Fayiz lost a valiant battle to cancer on February 3, 2015. A native of Saudi Arabia, Ammar and his family came to Idaho so that Ammar could pursue a degree in Energy Systems Technology (ESTEC). During his brief time in Idaho, he had a tremendous impact on his fellow students and instructors.
Ammar grew up in Saudi Arabia and was raised by hard working, supportive parents. He followed in their footsteps, receiving his first degree from the College of Technology at Dammam in 2003. After working for eight years as an inspector and crew leader for Modern Industries Company/Proctor and Gamble, he decided to come to the United States in 2012 to further his education at his own cost until he could receive a scholarship from the Saudi government.
Ammar was positive and cheerful, but his education journey was not easy. After studying English in Dallas, Texas, Ammar was diagnosed with cancer. He spent the next year receiving treatments and continuing his studies in English before he was accepted into the ESTEC program at ISU.
In addition to the challenges of academic study, Ammar supported his wife and two daughters while receiving cancer treatments. During his time at ISU, Ammar and his wife welcomed a baby boy to their family. Despite the cancer, he studied very hard and was optimistic about his prognosis. He maintained a 3.98 GPA and made the Dean's List.
Following a brief visit to his family at the end of 2014, Ammar learned that his cancer had returned. He went to Houston for treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center to continue his brave fight. After a month long hospital stay, Ammar passed away with his family by his side.
Though his life ended far too early, Ammar is a continuing example of strength and an inspiration to many students who are striving to achieve their own dreams despite incredible odds. The Ammar Al Fayiz Memorial Scholarship has been established in memory of Ammar, his courageous character, and his devotion to his family and studies. We hope that it will benefit many students like Ammar in the years to come.
Ammar was very hardworking student and a top-performer in my class. As Ammar’s instructor, I believe he had the desire and drive to be successful in any related employment setting he chose. Ammar was an inspiration to anyone he worked with, both student and faculty alike. People like Ammar Al Fayiz do not come around very often in life. When they do, they should be cherished, and when they leave, they should be remembered. It was an honor to know Ammar, to work with Ammar and to call Ammar my friend.
- Mike Fort, instructor at the ISU Energy Systems Technology and Education Center
Ammar was a fine young man, a good and caring husband, proud father, and an extraordinary student. Establishing a scholarship to recognize and honor the memory of such an outstanding man who saw education as a path to prepare him to improve the lives of others is very fitting and I unequivocally support the idea.
- Lawrence H. Beaty, instructor at the ISU Energy Systems Technology and Education Center
How your gifts will be used.
The Ammar Al Fayiz Memorial Scholarship endowment will create a permanent, self-sustaining scholarship. Endowment assets are invested. Each year, a portion of the value of the fund is paid out to support the scholarship and any earnings in excess of this distribution are used to build the fund’s market value. In this way, an endowment fund can grow and provide support for its designated purpose in perpetuity. Establishing an endowment fund allows you to create a permanent legacy of support honoring Ammar.
Honor the life of Ammar Al Fayiz
The world lost a brave and generous person when Ammar passed away in February 2015. As his instructors will attest, Ammar was dedicated to his family, studies, and building friendships. In honor of his memory, We are establishing the Ammar Al Fayiz Memorial Scholarship fund that will be awarded to an international student at ISU who demonstrates the same quality of character as Ammar: hard work, a passion for learning, community service.
We hope that you join us in honoring Ammar's memory by contributing to the Ammar Al Fayiz Memorial Scholarship fund. Your donation will provided financial assistance to international students who are pursuing their dream of obtaining a degree at ISU. Seventeenth century Englishman, Robert South, once said, "If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives”.
Thank you for considering a donation in support of the Ammar Al Fayiz Memorial Scholarship.
How to make your gift:
You can make your gift to honor Ammar Al Fayiz and support the scholarship in his name in the following ways:
Online - using the the form below.
Phone - call (208)282-2994
Mail - ISU Foundation, 921 S. 8th Ave Stop 8050, Pocatello, ID 83209-8050
ISU Employee Payroll Deduction - Return this form to the Foundation
Wire transfers and other options - Please contact Kallee Valentine at (208) 282-2994 or valekall@isu.edu.