Celebrating Native Grads Across Indian Country

May 15, 2025 | Blog, Featured Post, Good News, Graduation, Student Success

graduates and regalia
The American Indian College Fund is celebrating Native graduates across the country!

We know it takes hard work and dedication to complete your education journey, whether a high school diploma, a GED, a certificate program, or any number of college degrees. Setting a goal, studying, and steadily working towards it while juggling the demands of family, community, cultural practices, and more are not easy—even if you all make it look easy!

Whatever your path, whatever your journey—whether you are continuing to a new job, beginning college, entering new phases of your life, or expanding your knowledge and responsibilities in your current role, congratulations on investing in yourself!

We hope you will share your success with others to inspire the next cohort of up-and-coming Native students by posting graduation photos of you rocking your mocs as you celebrate your achievements and your cultures in style on Facebook or Instagram.

Tag us in your photos @NativePathways and be sure to use the hashtags #NativePathways and #EducationIsTheAnswer.

We wish you every success as you step onto your new path! We know each and every one of you will use the gifts the Creator gave you and your education to do great things!

Recent Blog Posts

Dr. Cynthia Lindquist Joins American Indian College Fund as Chief Strategy Officer 

Dr. Cynthia Lindquist Joins American Indian College Fund as Chief Strategy Officer 

Dr. Cynthia Lindquist, Spirit Lake Dakota Tribe, whose Dakota name is Ta’sunka Wicahpi Winyan (Star Horse Woman), joined the American Indian College Fund as its Chief Strategy Officer on March 2. Dr. Lindquist holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. She served as president of Cankdeska Cikana Community College (CCCC) for 21 years and previously sat on the College Fund’s board, making her familiar with the organization’s work. Under her leadership, CCCC’s physical campus quadrupled in size; student enrollment, persistence, and completion rates more than doubled; and 20 years of audits were conducted with no findings. She also oversaw the transition of managing the Spirit Lake Tribe’s Head Start and Early Headstart programs.

American Indian College Fund Names Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald, President of United Tribes Technical College, its 2025-2026 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year

American Indian College Fund Names Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald, President of United Tribes Technical College, its 2025-2026 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year

Congratulations to Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald on being named the College Fund’s 2025-26 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year. Dr. McDonald shares how healing, humility, learning, and evolving have not only shaped his mindset as president of United Tribes Technical College but a life dedicated to others.

Inspired Women Inspire Us

Inspired Women Inspire Us

Every year, the American Indian College Fund honors, recognizes, and celebrates notable women and their contributions during Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). But the women who shape our lives, communities, and world deserve recognition that extends far beyond a single month.