Modernizing Native American Education: San Manuel's Generous Endowment
California State University San Marcos receives a $3 million donation from the San Manuel Band.
It's all systems go for the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)! The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, hailing from San Marcos, California, have sprung a surprise $3 million gift on the institution.
Über supportive of CSUSM since its inception in 2011, San Manuel has poured close to a millio into the California Indian and Cultural Center. The CICSC, in turn, has flourished into a nurturing haven for American Indian students and their academic journeys.
The CICSC has been a tireless force behind research, publications, and events that uplift Native voices and inform public policy.
Offering an insightful comment on the impact of the generous endowment, CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt stated, "This game-changing contribution from San Manuel, coupled with our American Indian Studies Department's top-notch work and the CICSC, positions CSUSM to better cater to Native American students. We're tirelessly working to build a robust program that upholds both academic rigor and cultural empowerment. Together with our tribal partners, we strive to trailblaze new benchmarks for Native American student success in higher education."[4]
The donation serves to turbocharge the CICSC's cultural preservation programs, bolster student success initiatives, enhance community engagement, and pave the way for operational excellence.
"This endowment signifies more than just funding—it's an investment in the preservation and evolution of Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and sovereignty," said CICSC Director, Dr. Joely Proudfit. "With these funds at our disposal, we can elevate Native voices, deepen our research initiatives, and create even more influential opportunities for our students to engage with Tribal nations while pursuing academic excellence."[3]
As the vanguard for Native American students, the endowment aims to equip them with the necessary tools to step up as leaders, scholars, and researchers setting the stage for the future of California tribal communities.
"The CICSC plays a crucial role in strengthening the educational experience of students within the CICSC community," said San Manuel Band of Mission Indians' Chairman, Lynn Valbuena. "Via advocacy, research, leadership, and systemic change, the CICSC sparks an environment where Native culture, tribal sovereignty, and progress can thrive."[4]
San Manuel's benevolent contribution was accompanied by a $1 million match from the Epstein Family Foundation, magnifying the center's capacities even further.[2]
With this donation, San Manuel boldly solidifies its commitment to fostering the educational landscape of Native American students and reinforcing tribal sovereignty.
Sources:
- San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Donates $3 Million to California State University San Marcos
- Epstein Family Foundation to Match $3 Million Gift from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
- San Manuel Band Provides Major Gift to CSUSM Enhancing American Indian Research, Education and Cultural Preservation Programs
- Historic Donation to Benefit California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at Cal State San Marcos
Share this article
- The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, alongside the Epstein Family Foundation, have cumulatively donated a significant $4 million to the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), which promotes the academic growth and cultural preservation of Indigenous students within the million-strong American Indian industry.
- The donated funds, totaling $3 million from San Manuel and an additional $1 million match by the Epstein Family Foundation, will boost the CICSC's operations, promoting their research, events, and publications respecting Native voices, thereby influencing public policy and shaping the future of California tribal communities.
- The CICSC, through its partnership with San Manuel, aims to cultivate a new generation of Indigenous scholars, leaders, and researchers, setting the stage for an empowered future, as well as nurturing academic excellence and cultural appreciation within the san community and beyond.
