Cal State San Bernardino's new student union might bear the name of a revered tribal leader thanks to a $3 million donation from the San Manuel Indians.

On May 13, Cal State Board of Trustees may approve naming the center the Santos Manuel Student Union in honor of the namesake of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Santos Manuel led the Serrano Indians of the San Bernardino Valley to safety during a month- long campaign by settlers to kill all Indians in 1866.

The university approached the tribe about the donation in exchange for the naming rights to the building, said Cal State San Bernardino President Al Karnig. Such solicitations are common practice in college fund-raising.

"This is part of a very, very long partnership that we've had with them," Karnig said. "It's quite a remarkable gift."

The San Bernardino campus is expanding its existing student center from 40,000 square feet to 84,000 square feet. Officials said the university will break ground on the project next fall, and the building should be ready within two years.

A third of the tribe's money will pay for an expansion of the union's cross-cultural center, which offers multicultural programs for students and the community. The other $2 million will be placed into endowment and used for student scholarships and internships, said Karnig.

"The tribe truly believes that education is key," said Jill Eaton, tribal spokeswoman. "The tribe understands the importance of continuing education and wanted to provide an environment where students can come together and exchange cultural and educational experiences."

Aside from the $1 million donation from the tribe, the $15 million union expansion is funded by student fees.