The College of Menominee Nation is getting a huge financial boost in the form of a $10 million gift, Nov. 25, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
KESHENA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The College of Menominee Nation is getting a huge financial boost in the form of a $10 million gift.
Such a large donation is a big deal for any college or university, but for a smaller institution like the College of Menominee Nation, it’s transformative.
“For us, as a tribal institution, we often operate on pretty limited budgets. A lot of our funds are federally mandated,” College of Menominee Nation President Christopher Caldwell said.
The money was gifted by the MacKenzie Scott Foundation. CMN was chosen for its success as a Tribal college and its impact on underserved communities.
Caldwell said the money may be used in a number of important ways. The college’s board of directors will work collaboratively to find the best uses.
“Finding that balance of investing for the future, but also working today to help build and support what we need today for that future as well,” Caldwell said.
Whether it’s enhancing or adding programs, supporting staff or providing more resources to students, there’s a long list of options.
“For a small college trying to meet the immediate community needs, but also the surrounding communities that we serve, can sometimes be a very daunting task, and I think a resource like this just helps us dive into it deeper,” College of Menominee Nation Chief Academic Officer Geraldine Sanapaw said.
Sanapaw said a majority of the college’s students are Pell Grant recipients, meaning many of its students have great needs. Students believe the gift says a lot about the direction and values of the Tribal college.
“It’s just a testament to how well CMN has done for our students to begin with,” Emerald Otradovec said. She’s a junior and the vice president of student government at CMN.
Otradovec said news of the financial gift flooded her social media. She hopes the money will be used for aesthetic improvements, but also to further the college’s cultural and diversity programs.
“I think the college, in general, already helps so many students, and coming up here it’s just, it’s very warming anyways, to begin with. So, I think it’ll help further that as well,” Otradovec said.
The college hopes the $10 million will bring a positive economic impact to the community for years down the road.
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