Syracuse University's 12th Annual Indigenous Graduation Reception

Submitted by Holly Pyke

Syracuse, NY - On May 2, 2015, Syracuse University held the 12th Annual Indigenous Graduation Reception at the Syracuse University Skybarn Building, in Syracuse NY. This event was held by the Syracuse University Office of Multicultural Affairs. It is a celebration of the hard work and dedication to study that all the Indigenous students at SU have. It is an acknowledgement of the "Promise Scholarship" which enables members of qualified tribes and bands the ability to attend Syracuse University. The students must live on the reservation, be members of a qualifying tribe or band, and also have good grades in order to qualify for the scholarship.

This year there were 13 undergraduates celebrating their graduation, and also 3 graduate students who obtained masters degrees. At this time, there are no scholarships available for post-graduate work, although the Native Student Program supports all native students.

The native student program at SU consists of two dedicated Assistant Directors: Regina Jones, and Neal Powless. This program was designed to assist Native students to get accustomed to life at a big university. The Native Student program is there to assist Students with this transition, to provide support, and provide counselling and tutoring if necessary. The program is geared to assist indigenous students by providing a successful transition and a positive learning experience.

The thirteen undergraduates were from various parts of Indian Country including Onondaga, Akwesasne, Tonawanda, Tuscarora, Six Nations, and even from Michigan. The list includes: Michael Jacob Abrams, Michael S Abrams, his wife, Nicole Abrams, Rachel Benedict, Ciera Fauzey, Gimaans Goeman, Kyle R Henry, Chad Leading Fox, Elaina Powless, Kristen Pyke, Stacey Michelle Ramirez, Chelsea Redeye, and Sierra Thomas.

Included in this year's class of undergraduates, three are from Akwesasne. They are Rachel Benedict, Kristen Pyke, and Sierra Thomas. Rachel Benedict opened and closed the ceremonies with the traditional "words that come before all else". In a first ever, Kristen Pyke was named as valedictorian of the native students, and as part of the ceremony gave a valedictorian speech. Kristen also received an award from the Onkwehonwe Alumni Association for her outstanding work the last two years.

Overall, the Syracuse Promise Scholarship is a great benefit for those students enrolled, and this year 75 students from Onkwehonwe land have participated, the largest number of participants since the program started 9 years ago. This is the twelfth annual celebration of native student graduation at Syracuse University.

Congratulations to all those students who have worked to attain their goals.