Speaker dedicated to higher education

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

A proponent of American Indian rights who helped pave the way for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver told participants at the Eagle Spirit Acheivement Awards on June 25 that higher education is a way to better themselves.

Keynote speaker Frederick Boyd Boyd worked extensively on the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver bill in the early 1970s. He has spent most of his life protecting and preserving Indian rights.

Boyd shared his experiences in procuring the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver so that Native people could pursue a higher education and improve not only their lives, but the lives of their families and communities.

He also served in the U.S. Army's 25th infantry division as a scout during World War II. He was awarded the bronze star medal in recognition of his meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy.

"I was waist deep in the worst jugle swamps infested with crocdiles, spiders, and snakes, with death all around me," Boyd said. "The heat was unbearable. I told myself that if I ever got home, I would make the world a better place."

These Saginaw Chippewa Tribal students were honored for their 3.5 gpa or higher average at the Eagle Spirit Achievement Awards.

Sharon Avery, Central Michigan University; Elizabeth Bennett, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College/Mid-Michigan Community College; Tonia Bleuer, SCTC/MMCC; Terry Bonnau, SCTC/MMCC; Mary Bukowiec, Northwood University; Charla Burton, SCTC; Kristina Cannoy, Kirtland Community College; Denise Cantu, SCTC; Nicole Chamberlain, CMU; Sharon Cole, SCTC; Kayle Crampton, SCTC; Mindy Durfee, Davenport University; William Girffus, Kirtland Community College; Estella Halliwill, SCTC; Rose Henry, SCTC/MMCC; Sybil Hunter, U of M; Ronald Johansen, SCTC; Gloria Larson, Muskegon Commuinity College; Tracy Mays, SCTC; Frances Mena, SCTC; Dawn Meredith, Savannah College; Angela Mitchell, SCTC; Carmen Otto, University of New Mexico; Jacqueline Pego, SCTC; Sheridan Pelcher, SCTC; Mary Perez, SCTC; Alice Ricketts, SCTC; Lee Ann Ruffino, SCTC; Shawn Sawmick, SCTC; Michael Schramm, Gateway Community College; Christopher Sineway, SCTC; Connie Sprague, SCTC; Andrew Wagner, New Hamshire Tech; Cara Valdez, Oakland Community College; April Vorhees, U of M; and Lanette Zaleski, SCTC.