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- By Native News Online Staff
Sitting Bull College (SBC) has received a generous $75,000 donation from Starion Bank of Mandan, North Dakota, in support of its Scholarship Endowment. SBC President Dr. Tomi Kay Phillips accepted the contribution on behalf of the college.
The donation comes as part of Sitting Bull College’s ongoing Scholarship Endowment Campaign, which launched on December 1, 2024. The campaign aims to raise $16 million by 2030, with an annual fundraising goal of $3 million or more over the next six years.
On December 2, 2024, Dr. Phillips met with Starion Bank CEO Craig Larson and Chief Banking Officer Lee Weisbeck (Region 1) to strengthen ties and discuss the importance of supporting SBC students. During the meeting, Dr. Phillips emphasized the critical role scholarships play in helping students access quality education while upholding the college’s mission.
Sitting Bull College is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The college offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees in specialized fields, and master’s degrees in Environmental Science, Curriculum and Design, and Business Administration.
Approximately 90% of SBC students rely on financial aid. Scholarships and grants not only help students afford education but also contribute to the regional economy, as students spend more locally while attending SBC.
The college serves a diverse student body, with 91% identifying as Native American, 8% as white, and 1% as Black or African American. The average student age is 30. Additionally, 75% of SBC graduates remain on the Standing Rock Reservation after completing their studies, while 25% settle outside North Dakota. The college is home to students from 17 Native American tribes.
Sitting Bull College continues to expand educational opportunities for students while fostering community growth and economic development through its scholarship initiatives.
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