Scholarships Awarded to Local College Students

Sacramento, Calif. – The United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC) recently awarded $82,500 in scholarships to 25 local college students at its 8th Annual UAIC Native American Scholarships Award Dinner.

 “The United Auburn Indian Community is thrilled to invest in the dedicated students of our community,” said David Keyser, Chairman of UAIC. “All of the students selected for this year’s Native American Scholarships Awards are highly motivated and very deserving of the awards. The Tribe hopes these contributions will assist students as they continue their educational careers.”

 The scholarship recipients were comprised of 17 students from the area’s community colleges and seven Indian students enrolled in four year college programs.

 UAIC also awarded a scholarship to Vanessa Esquivido, a five year college student who is currently working on her Doctorate in Native American Studies at UC Davis.

 Bob Cayton, UAIC’s Community Giving Committee Chair, served as emcee for the night and introduced the Executive Director of the American River College Foundation, the President of Sierra College and the Foundation Director of Sierra College during the event.

 Josef Fore and Doug Rey, Community Giving Committee members, also assisted with the distribution of the scholarship checks. 

The United Auburn Indian Community created the Community Giving Program in 2004 and owns and operates the successful Thunder Valley Casino.  A federally recognized Indian tribe, the United Auburn Indian Community is a sovereign government, making the establishment of its philanthropic fund even more unique.  The Tribe receives no tax advantage for making a charitable contribution to any group. Since its inception in, the Community Giving Program has provided over $8.6 million to nonprofit organizations supporting needs in education, health, arts and humanities, environment, community development and social services.