AKWESASNE, NY – Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has announced the Minerva White Graduate Scholarship, an endowment scholarship created through the tribe’s Community Development Fund. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to students in pursuit of an advanced degree that pays homage to the dedication of Minerva White in bringing equal educational opportunities to the community.
An intimate ceremony honoring White’s contributions and naming of the scholarship was held in the Tribal Council Chamber.
In 1977, White earned an honorary Ph.D. from Clarkson University. Almost a decade later, she graduated with distinction from St. Lawrence University, and also earned an honorary Ph.D. from the State University of New York. White pushed for the development of education outreach programs such as Upward Bound, Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Special Services, and the Masters in Education course previously offered by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.
White received the Regents Medal for Excellence from the New York State Regents and the North Country Citation Award from St. Lawrence University and the State University of New York. In addition to her awards, White achieved success pushing New York State to change laws prohibiting Native American participation on school boards. She remains a strong proponent of finding ways to strengthen education in the community.
“We are honored to name our new initiative for students seeking advanced degrees, the Minerva White Graduate Scholarship, all made possible through the Community Development Fund,” wrote Tribal Council. “Her contributions, along with many others, paved the way for Native Americans seeking higher education opportunities and representation at all levels. We hope this new scholarship program helps Mohawk scholars reach their goals in obtaining advanced degrees in the vital areas that Akwesasne needs. We applaud Minerva and all our students who are working hard to help build a better tomorrow.”
