For the students and faculty of the College of Menominee Nation (CMN), the opening of the new Green Bay campus represented far more than simply the addition of another building. It symbolized growth, progress, and a strengthened commitment to providing culturally relevant higher education. This new campus, a tangible embodiment of the Menominee Nation’s dedication to its people, is not just a place of learning; it is a space where individuals are nurtured, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
The grand opening celebration, held on October 27th, was a vibrant tapestry of tradition and aspiration. Students, staff, educators, and government representatives gathered to mark this significant milestone. The air resonated with the powerful rhythms of honor songs performed by the drum groups Straight Across and Wind Eagle, their music a tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Menominee people. Dave Grignon, the cultural preservation officer, offered an invocation in the Menominee language, grounding the event in the rich heritage of the tribe.
The atmosphere was one of pride and optimism as guest speakers took to the podium, each highlighting the transformative power of higher education and acknowledging the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the Menominee Nation. Their words painted a vivid picture of the challenges overcome and the bright future that lay ahead.
Against the backdrop of the college seal, CMN President Verna Fowler delivered a powerful address, reflecting on the remarkable journey of the Menominee people. She spoke of the hardships faced, including poverty and the devastating effects of the termination policy, a federal initiative aimed at dissolving tribal sovereignty and assimilating Native Americans into mainstream society. President Fowler emphasized the extraordinary achievement of establishing a respected institution of higher education in a relatively short period, particularly given the tribe’s historical economic challenges.
"It was really no small feat that one of the poorest Indian tribes in the state of Wisconsin and, according to the 2000 Census, [in] the 13th poorest county in the United States has established in less than 13 years an institution of higher education that is already known internationally and is recognized for its quality of education," Fowler proclaimed, her words echoing the collective pride of the Menominee Nation.
The need for the new Green Bay campus arose from the college’s rapid growth and increasing enrollment. The original Green Bay site, established to serve students in the area, had quickly become overcrowded. In the spring semester of 2005, the site served 120 students, primarily members of the Oneida tribe of Wisconsin. By the fall semester, enrollment had surged to 168, straining the existing facilities to their limits.
Katherine Hall, the interim site coordinator, described the challenging conditions at the former location. "We were really cramped," she explained. "We had five people crawling over one another in one little office, and the classrooms were jammed."
Recognizing the urgent need for expanded facilities, the college administration listened attentively to the concerns of its students. Hall noted that students expressed their needs through listening sessions and suggestion boxes, making heartfelt pleas for a larger and more accommodating learning environment. These pleas were not ignored; plans for a new facility were already underway, but the students’ immediate needs accelerated the process, underscoring the college’s commitment to student well-being.
The new campus offered a significant upgrade in terms of space and resources. It featured more classrooms, a vastly expanded computer lab, and a spacious commons area, providing students with ample room to study, collaborate, and socialize. The students of the College of Menominee Nation expressed immense pride in their new campus, recognizing the transformative impact it would have on their educational experience.
Gina Gregor, the student government president, vividly recalled the limitations of the old site. "I was at the old site," she said. "There were two classrooms and no windows. It was way too small to suit the needs of a growing student body." She emphasized the importance of the new campus in leveling the playing field for CMN students. "We can compete with bigger colleges now because we have the space. We have the facilities we couldn’t offer at the old site. It’s nice to see, from the time I started to now, how CMN has grown."
Beyond the physical improvements, the new campus fostered a stronger sense of community and belonging. Many students emphasized that the location, the sense of community, and the expanded services all contributed to a high-quality educational experience.
Shannon Hill, a Green Bay resident and Oneida tribal member, spoke about the importance of personal connections with fellow students and faculty. "For me, it wouldn’t matter where classes were held, as long as it involved the same people I’ve met here at CMN," he said. "It’s a neat place, and I’m learning a lot here. It’s not only educational. It’s spiritual."
This feeling of community and spirituality was a pervasive theme throughout the grand opening celebration, reflecting the core values of the College of Menominee Nation. Students and staff alike emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and culturally sensitive environment where students can thrive.
Janet Malcolm, the administrative assistant at the Green Bay campus, articulated the philosophy that underpins the tribal college’s approach to education. "The school is Native based. Your culture is here; your people are here. If we sent our young people [who] haven’t had much experience with the world, if we send them into bigger cities with bigger schools, they could get lost so easily. They could get lost emotionally and spiritually. But here it’s the same community with the same values, and I think that helps keep everything together."
Maintaining this sense of community, particularly in the face of expansion and growing enrollment, is a top priority for the college. Hall emphasized the importance of providing individualized support to students, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
"We have a high number of first-generation students," she explained. "That means they have not come in watching their parents, older brothers, and sisters get their degrees. They might be the first one in their families. Therefore, they may not come in with a lot of experience or confidence. So having that smaller, one-on-one interaction with faculty then gives them a better chance to use this opportunity for a good academic education."
The expansion of the Green Bay site is a testament to the success of the College of Menominee Nation in providing accessible and relevant educational opportunities to its students. Much of the college’s growth has been driven by word-of-mouth referrals, a testament to the positive experiences of its students.
"If you have a good experience here, it’s common sense that you’re going to share your experience with friends and family," Malcolm said.
Tina Webster, the student quoted at the beginning of this article, echoed this sentiment. "I have a cousin who comes here now," she said. "She came all the way from Phoenix to come to school here. She had a scholarship to go there, but she decided to come to CMN."
When asked why her cousin chose to attend CMN despite having other options, Webster smiled and replied, "I told her we were all here, and it’s a good place, and she should come and join us." This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the essence of the College of Menominee Nation: a place where students are welcomed, supported, and empowered to achieve their dreams within a community that values their culture and heritage. The Menominee Nation’s new Green Bay campus is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a symbol of hope, opportunity, and the enduring strength of the Menominee people. The impact of the Menominee Nation’s new Green Bay campus is already being felt throughout the community. The opening of the Menominee Nation’s new Green Bay campus is a significant achievement. This article highlights the importance of Menominee Nation’s new Green Bay campus.