The College Fund Remembers Dan Wieden

The American Indian College Fund staff, the students, and the many faculty and staff at the tribal colleges it serves are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, Dan Wieden, co-founder of the international award-winning advertising agency and longtime College Fund supporter, Wieden+Kennedy.

Wieden+Kennedy became the pro-bono agency of record for the College Fund for more than 30 years, with the relationship continuing today. The iconic agency developed the College Fund’s smart, edgy, and stylistic public service announcements (PSAs) and its most recent visibility campaign, This is Indian Country. The agency’s work was instrumental in highlighting the importance of higher education access for Indigenous students and support of tribal colleges and universities which serve Native communities, while helping to create greater visibility of Native people and bringing their voices into the national conversation. The PSAs over the years have highlighted the importance of Native scholars’ and graduates’ voices, cultures, languages, and traditions for the survival of their communities and as the foundation for all of humanity’s survival.

Dan Wieden won many awards for his creative work during his lifetime but was most proud of being known for championing diversity in the advertising industry, work he was acknowledged for in 2011 by ADCOLOR, which bestowed its Catalyst Award on him in 2011. Also widely known for his role as a philanthropist, in addition to his support of the American Indian College Fund, Dan was known for his support of many causes close to his family and community in Portland, Oregon.

Our condolences go out to Dan Wieden’s family, friends, and his entire community. His creativity and spirited support will be missed.