In Memory of Karen Whiting

Oct 6, 2017 | Blog, Inside the College Fund

Karen WhitingLakota people believe that the place we go to on our spirit journey is a beautiful place where our ancestors welcome us. The College Fund team lost a beloved colleague earlier this week when Karen Whiting, our Human Resources Manager, died unexpectedly. Karen was a gracious, caring, and professional individual. We are hearing many stories of how she helped others especially by reaching out to connect with each person on a personal level. We know that Karen’s relatives and friends welcomed her with love when her spirit went to them.

Karen leaves behind a loving family and lots of friends. We welcome your prayers and good thoughts as she continues her journey and for strength and peace for her family and friends.

Karen loved working at the College Fund. Education mattered to her because it meant that our students could have better lives. She saw that with her own experience and in her own family.

We will miss her.

Recent Blog Posts

Empowering Students, Building Nations: Reflections from the 2025 CSSI Convening/CNSS Conference

Empowering Students, Building Nations: Reflections from the 2025 CSSI Convening/CNSS Conference

This year’s convening was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when partners align with purpose. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the American Indian College Fund (the College Fund) have long worked in close collaboration to uplift tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and this joint convening stood as a shining example of that ongoing partnership in action.

Our Work Is Not Finished

Our Work Is Not Finished

Thank you to all those who called and emailed your elected officials on behalf of Native students and Native higher education prior to the passing of the Bill Beautiful Bill. Know that we will continue to champion our tribal students and institutions and ask you to stay the course with us.