Coca-cola provides scholarships for Native Americans
on the Hill

Growing up on an American Indian reservation in Fort Defiance, Ariz., Brian Yazzie watched the members of his community go without adequate health care simply because they could not communicate with local medical professionals.

"Back home, there are still people who don't speak English, but use our native tongue," said Yazzie, a member of the Navajo Nation. "When they go to the hospital, the doctors only speak English."

Yazzie, 24 and a student at the University of Kansas, plans to become a pharmacist and return to the reservation to help bridge that communication gap. Thanks to the Coca-Cola Native American Scholarship Program, he has just received the financial support he needs to pursue a bachelor's degree in pharmacy at KU.

Established by the Coca-Cola Foundation through a $30,000 gift to the Kansas University Endowment Association, the Coca-Cola Native American Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to three students who transfer to KU from Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence.

"At The Coca-Cola Company, we believe the promise of an education encourages us to pursue our dreams," said Helen Smith Price, executive director, The Coca-Cola Foundation. "Our hope is that the Coca-Cola Native American Scholarship Program at the University of Kansas will provide students like Brian with opportunities to give back to their communities."

Because Haskell doesn't have many degree programs, students whose interests are outside those programs must transfer to other universities to complete their bachelor's degrees. Haskell students, who are accustomed to paying just $105 per semester for tuition, books, room and board, often face financial hardship when they transfer to other schools.

"This support will assist these students in completing their educations at KU without the burden of additional loans," said Kathleen McCluskey-Fawcett, senior vice provost at KU. "We greatly appreciate the Coca-Cola Foundation's commitment to the education of Native American students."

Yazzie said the extra money would make school "so much easier."

"I was so happy to receive the scholarship," said Yazzie, who works as an academic tutor at Haskell to help make ends meet.

In addition to Yazzie, Christopher Drymon of Northpoint, Ala., and Felicia Impson of Supai, Ariz., also will receive Coca-Cola Native American Scholarships. Drymon, a member of the Navajo and Osage nations, wants to earn his bachelor's degree and master's degree in math at KU. After graduation, he would like to work with a government agency practicing code breaking.

Impson, a member of the Havasupai Nation, is working toward a degree in social welfare. She plans to combine a master's degree in social welfare with a law degree, then pursue a career with Indian Health Services.

Native Americans are currently underrepresented at KU, said Janet Murguia,c¹82, j¹82, l¹85, executive vice chancellor for university relations. "With the help of this scholarship program, we plan to see an increase in the number of Haskell students who continue their education at KU," she said. "We welcome the special perspective and culture they bring, which serves to enhance the University.

"We are grateful to the Coca-Cola Foundation for helping KU provide a first-rate education and tremendous opportunities to this very important group of students," Murguia said. "Through its generous gift, the Coca-Cola Foundation is helping KU take great strides toward increasing the diversity of its student body."

The mission of The Coca-Cola Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the community and enhance individual opportunity through education. The foundation supports educational programs primarily within three areas: higher education, classroom teaching and learning,and International education. Its programs support scholarships for aspiring students, encourage and motivate young people to stay in school, and foster cultural understanding. Since 1990, the foundation has contributed more than $100 million to education. Coca-Cola's gift counts toward the $500 million goal of KU First: Invest in Excellence, the largest fund-raising campaign in KU history. KU Endowment is conducting KU First on behalf of KU through 2004 to raise funds for scholarships, fellowships, professorships, capital projects and program support. KU Endowment is an independent, non-profit organization serving as the official fund-raising and fund-management organization for KU.