The Cherokee Nation recently presented the Rogers State University Native American Student Association with a contribution to help the campus organization in its efforts to advance awareness of Native American culture and history.
Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Chad Smith presented the $5,000 check to Dr. Hugh Foley, Native American Student Association adviser and RSU professor, and Jaime Clark, organization vice president and an RSU student.
The gift will be used to help the student organization present events for the campus and the community during the 2009-2010 academic year. The contribution also will enable the group to send several students to a leadership conference, Foley said.
“The Native American Student Association at Rogers State University is a well-established group,” Smith said. “It is important to the Cherokee Nation to support the good work of our youth, especially work that encourages partnerships and benefits the entire community.”
Rogers State University, located in Claremore, remains the only public university in the Tulsa area where students can live on campus.
RSU offers 35 bachelor’s degrees and 24 associate degrees. RSU students are able to take Cherokee language classes and can earn a minor in Native American Studies. The university also has campuses in Bartlesville and Pryor.
“The RSU Native American Student Association does a significant amount of work for the community throughout the year,” said Cara Cowan Watts, Cherokee Nation tribal councilor representing Rogers County. “RSU students and faculty work diligently to provide culturally accurate activities for individuals to learn hands-on about Cherokees and other local Tribal communities.”