Cowlitz Indian Tribe Presents $1 Million Gift to Clark College
For Immediate Release
February 14, 2024
VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Cowlitz Indian Tribe has bestowed a $1 million gift to Clark College that will empower the college to uplift its commitment to excellence, innovation and equity. Dr. Karin Edwards, Clark College President, announced the gift during her State of the College address on February 14.
The Cowlitz gift aligns with President Karin Edwards’ goals and the college’s new strategic plan.
"We are immensely grateful for the Cowlitz Indian Tribe's visionary and generous support," said Dr. Edwards. "This historic gift will empower us to drive innovation, address pressing needs, and create a campus environment that aligns with our commitment to equity. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe's contribution will have a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the community at large."
The Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s gift reflects a shared vision for fostering education and community development and is allocated to support three pivotal initiatives at Clark College:
- Launching the Clark College Innovation Fund. This initiative will serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking projects and transformative ideas within the campus community. The Innovation Fund will empower dedicated faculty, staff, and students to turn visionary concepts into reality, fostering student-faculty research expeditions and the development of cutting-edge curricula in high-demand fields. The tribe's contribution will act as a matching gift to generate additional support for the college.
- Bolstering the Clark College Greatest Need Fund, which traditionally supports a wide range of requests across the college. From emergency grants for students to sponsorships and program needs, this fund provides critical support where it is needed most, ensuring the college can swiftly respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
- Driving broad fiscal investment in Clark College. The largest part of the gift will be used for this initiative, directed by the college president. It aims to support campus enhancements and culture-building over the next five years. Aligned with Clark College's new equity-centered strategic plan, these funds will be used for transformational impact, benefiting students and the broader community.
Timi Marie Russin, Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Manager, said, "We are thrilled to partner with Clark College and Clark College Foundation in advancing education and innovation through our $1 million gift. This collaboration aligns with the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation's community development and education commitment. Clark College's vision resonates with our values. We are excited to witness the transformative impact this gift will have on students, faculty, and the broader community."
Calen Ouellette, CEO of Clark College Foundation, said, "The Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s gift is a game changer for Clark College and Southwest Washington. It invests in our future and how Clark College will continue to meet and exceed the needs of the students and community members. The tribe’s visionary support empowers the college and foundation to launch the Innovation Fund, address critical needs, and transform our campus culture. We thank them for their bold investment in education throughout the region, propelling us all toward a brighter future."
Since 2017, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe has donated approximately $28 million to its local community and the state of Washington as a whole.
For more information about how to contribute to the Clark College Foundation, visit the Clark College Foundation donations page.
About Clark College Foundation
Founded in 1973, Clark College Foundation (CCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, independently steering transformative partnerships and investment with Clark College. Committed to educational advancement, CCF annually directs substantial resources to scholarships, awards, and financial aid, boasting a cumulative contribution surpassing $85 million to Clark College since its inception. As a trailblazer in educational fundraising, CCF holds national acclaim and remains a dynamic force, shaping the future of education through strategic philanthropy.
About Clark College
Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.
About Cowlitz Indian Tribe
The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is a growing force in community building in the Pacific Northwest. The Cowlitz Reservation neighbors Ridgefield, Washington, and is home to ilani, the Pacific Northwest's premier gaming, dining, meeting, and entertainment destination. The mission of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe is to preserve and honor the legacy of its elders and ancestors by empowering a tribal community that promotes social justice and economic well-being, secures aboriginal lands, respects culture and sovereignty, and fosters justice, freedom, and mutual welfare.
Since 2017, The Cowlitz Indian Tribe has donated approximately $28 million to its local community (Clark County, WA via the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Clark County Fund) and the State of Washington as a whole (via the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Statewide Fund). The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is committed to building mutually supportive and long-lasting relationships with the organizations, communities, and people supporting the vast philanthropic and charitable activities within the State of Washington. Although all charitable activities are eligible for support from the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation, focuses such as art and culture, environmental justice, education (K-12 schools, universities, secondary schools, trade schools, etc.), and social services receive an emphasis in consideration for funding.
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For additional information (media inquiries & photo requests):
Calen Ouellette, President, Clark College Foundation
T: 360-992-2301 E: COuellette@SupportClark.org
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2243 E: mhefflin@clark.edu