In his 2010 annual report message, Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and CEO of Oneida Nation Enterprises revealed that in just ten years nearly a third of eligible Oneida Nation members had earned college degrees. This accomplishment was once only a dream. Expanding and growing the Oneida Nation’s solid economic base was a vision he knew possible if the Oneida People were given the right tools. Education is the one such tool he knew was necessary to break that age old cycle of poverty and dependence that gripped the Oneida for so long.

“We believe education is a benefit that knows no bounds, and is a key to our self-determination,” said Halbritter. “The success of our enterprises today allows us to create educational opportunities for everyone from our youngest generation to our Elders.”

To date 40% of Oneida members have taken advantage of the scholarship program that is funded by the revenues generated through the Nation’s many enterprises which includes the thriving Turning Stone Resort Casino in Central New York State. The Nation also has a chain of convenience stores, an award-winning 3D animation/HD cinematography studio, the Indian Country Today Media Network and three marinas, as well as recently announcing it was financially backing, “First Allies,” a feature theatrical film about the Oneidas role as the first ally of the colonists during the American Revolution.

Kathy Kuhl, Wolf Clan, started her higher education path in 1993, at Mohawk Valley Community College (Utica, NY) where she earned her associate’s degree. She went on to enroll in other schools in New Mexico and Oklahoma where she obtained a bachelor’s degree. Now, in 2011, she is headed back to Oklahoma to tackle her master’s degree. “It is totally awesome,” said Kuhl. “If it hadn’t been for the Nation allowing me and giving me the chance to go back to college, I wouldn’t have been able to go. If people do not go to college and get a good education, they’re not going to get a good job. The Nation has helped us do this. ”

There are many more success stories like Kuhl’s among the Oneida Nation members, including her own family. Several siblings have utilized the scholarship program as have her three adult-age children.

Samanta Meta, Turtle Clan, always liked and did well in history. After getting an associate’s degree in art studies, she shifted to history where she obtained her bachelor’s degree at St. John Fisher College. After taking a year off, her history interests took her to Florence, Italy where she obtained her masters in art history, all made possible by the Oneida Nation Scholarship program. “If it wasn’t for the program, I would have tons and tons of student loans,” said Meta. “I don’t know if I could have gone to school without the program. I’m the oldest of three in a single parent home.” Like Kuhl, she also has siblings that have taken advantage of the program, a brother and a sister who are still in school pursuing their degrees.

Jim Patterson, Bear Clan, has taken advantage of the college funding and has earned his bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College (Syracuse, NY) and is planning to further his education by attending the college’s new two-year physician’s assistant program this fall.

“Once I get my physician’s assistant schooling behind me, I’ll go on for more education,” said Patterson in a 2010 Annual Report story. “I see myself working in a hospital setting and having contact with patients. I might even go on to become a doctor.”

The list of schools that Oneida Nation members are currently attending is growing and include: Arizona State; Boston University; California State University at San Bernardino; Coastal Carolina University; Florida Gulf Coast University; Little Big Horn College, Montana; Medaille College, NY; New York Law School; University of Rochester; St John Fisher; University of Colorado; Ithaca College, Rochester Institute of Technology and Syracuse University.

Halbritter concluded his annual report message by saying that: “We have a responsibility handed down from our ancestors to be caretakers for our descendants. We are to never lose sight of our most important task: creating a better future for the faces of the yet unborn.”