Sonoma State Receives $1.5 Million For Endowed Chair In Native American Studies From Graton Rancheria

Sonoma State University is pleased to announce that the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria has gifted the University $1.5 million to establish an Endowed Chair in Native American Studies, one of only two in the University¹s 42 year history.

An endowed chair is a faculty position that is funded, in perpetuity, from the earnings on the gift. Throughout the 23 campuses of the California State University only a small number of endowed chairs exist.

"We are extremely pleased with the generosity of the Tribe and its decision to invest in the academic excellence of the students and faculty of Sonoma State University," said Ruben Armiñana, president of SSU. The purpose of the endowed chair is to foster understanding of the Native American culture and communities of California.

"An endowed chair is a prestigious position that attracts nationally-recognized scholars. Their presence on campus acts as a catalyst for academic excellence in teaching and research," said Eduardo Ochoa, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

"The faculty of the School of Arts and Humanities, in which the Native American Studies program resides, are very excited to have received this gift from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. An endowed chair not only improves the quality of education for our students but adds to the overall academic prestige and excellence to any campus fortunate to receive one," said William Babula, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities.

"This gift demonstrates the tribe¹s commitment to serve the needs of the American Indian community and the entire student body at our campus. During these harsh economic times, this gift will provide us with a critically-needed funds that will significantly strengthen course offerings for our students," said Edward Castillo, Coordinator of the Native American Studies program at SSU.

Additionally, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria has gifted a $20,000 endowed student scholarship fund that will provide educational opportunities for the students of Sonoma State University. Endowment funds are managed by the Sonoma State University Academic Foundation.

Media Contacts: Susan Kashack, SSU Director of Communications, (707) 664-2122, susan.kashack@sonoma.edu

Jeannette Anglin, Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria Tribal Secretary and Chair of the Education Committee, (707) 566-2288