FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Manoj Patil, President, Little Priest Tribal College
402.878.2380
president@littlepriest.edu

Winnebago, Neb. – November 9, 2023 – Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC) is mourning the loss of former Interim President and Board member Mr. Louie LaRose of Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Mr. LaRose was also a current Tribal Council member. Louie LaRose passed away on November 7, 2023.

Mr. LaRose was an icon in the tribal college movement as stated in the Tribal College Journal published in August 2003. President Patil said “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Louie LaRose. He was instrumental in the formation of the college and a great advocate of the Tribal Colleges & Universities. Personally, he has talked to me many times about the significance of the accreditation and again stressed the importance of college’s mission to the Winnebago tribe during our 25th year anniversary celebration. It is a big loss for the college and the entire community.”

LPTC Board Chair Lynelle Blackhawk said “The Winnebago community has lost a phenomenal Tribal leader. Louie was an inspiration everywhere and well respected for the work he has done across Indian Country. His advocacy for higher education was admirable and he spent years contributing to the continued success of LPTC. I am happy he was able to attend our 25th year anniversary in September as well as seeing our future expansion plans for the college. I am certain we can continue his good work and the importance of what LPTC means for the Winnebago Tribe.”

Funeral information will be shared on college’s Facebook page. For more, please contact President Patil at (402) 878-2380 extension 154.

About Little Priest Tribal College:
Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC) is an educational institution established by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska to fulfill the goal of its namesake, Chief Little Priest, “Be Strong and Educate My Children.” The college philosophy is to prepare its students to succeed in a multicultural world by emphasizing quality education of the highest level, humanistic values, and life skills. LPTC has been approved by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and has been accepted for full membership in the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). LPTC is also fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). For more information on Little Priest Tribal College, please visit: https://www.littlepriest.edu/