Page 16 - 2024 November Report

ENTREPRENEURSHIP SCHOLARSHIP MEETING REPORT (3)
It was mentioned that there is a need for people at TCUs who focus on fundraising and financial stability. Salish Kootenai College conducts an annual meeting that brings together financial administrators for training and workshops.
It is hard to compare investment portfolios because of the differences in size, but there are benchmarks that can be reviewed regularly. Good stewardship of the investments is also a selling point to a potential donor. You’ve got to build credibility.
Fort Lewis College added that instead of having their discussions about endowments, they focus on community building and support. Again, the legacy building aspect of endowments. Steve Elias said “[They are] asking for money FOR your people. Not just asking for money from your people.” Also, in addition to looking to tribes for support, they look at vendors who work with tribes, like construction companies and food vendors.
INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL SHARING
Representatives from each school reported on activities since last year’s meeting.
Some schools struggle to have students apply for the scholarship. It was shared that prior and current scholarship recipients are the best advocates for new students to apply to be a Johnson Scholar on the campus. They are increasing awareness of the scholarship through flyers and sharing the opportunity with professors on campus.
Many schools commented on issues with the rollout of the new FASFA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid—last year. This delayed the schools’ offering of financial awards to the students and resulted in last-minute decisions about students’ attendance.
Fort Lewis College celebrated the success of its AIBL chapter, which was named Chapter of the Year. The University of Arizona expressed its congratulations and aspirations to claim the trophy next year!
NON-SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Levi Esquerra is the first Senior Vice President for Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement at the University of Arizona. Levi shared a lively presentation on non-scholarship initiatives his department has led. Levi serves as a point of contact for Native issues and as a liaison between the University and tribal governments as well as regional and national tribal organizations. Levi was joined by Dr. Bill Neumann, Professor of Practice in MIS at the Eller College of Management.
Levi shared that the land acknowledgement he prepared for the University was ultimately approved. They had a Land Acknowledgement Statement Celebration at the 2023 Football Game Home Opener.
Some of their successful initiatives include:
• Micro-campus Entrepreneurship Program Partnership with Native Forge
• AIBL National Conference Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition
• Arizona Native Entrepreneurship Workshop at the AIBL Chapter Gathering
Page 14 November Report