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The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation Presents Fund with $25,000

American Indian College Fund President and CEO Rick Williams, center, accepts the check from Cody Martinez, Tribal Treasurer, and Daniel J. Tucker, Tribal Chairman.

El CJON, CALIF. (Oct. 8, 2009)—The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in California hosted their annual golf tournament, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009, on two of the three Sycuan golf courses. Two beneficiaries gained donations and recognition in support of education for Native American Students.

The American Indian College Fund was presented with a $25,000 check for the Sovereign Nations Scholarship Fund Endowment at the annual event. The endowment supports American Indian students at tribal colleges and mainstream universities from associates-level to advanced degrees.

“In these economic times we feel honored to have the support of so many of our vendors and neighboring tribes to be able come together this year at our annual golf tournament to provide this donation to the American Indian College Fund," Daniel J. Tucker, Tribal Chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, said. "We strongly encourage our Tribal youth to pursue continuing education and hope that this contribution can be the foundation for a brighter and better future for our Native community."

Soaring Eagles, an educational group sponsored by the Southern California American Indian Resource Center, was also a beneficiary of the tournament. The Soaring Eagles program teaches grade-school children the art of Powwow through dance, song and Powwow tradition.

About the American Indian College Fund

With its credo “Educating the Mind and Spirit,” the Denver-based American Indian College Fund is the nation’s largest provider of private scholarships for American Indian students, providing more than 5,000 scholarships annually for students seeking to better their lives and communities through education at the nation’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities. For more information about the American Indian College Fund or to make a donation, visit www.collegefund.org.