Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) has announced the creation of the Sandy Bird Memorial Scholarship. The family has committed to $500, each fall semester, for the next five years.

The Sandy Bird Memorial Scholarship was established at LCOOU to honor a woman and Lac Courte Oreilles tribal member who during her life had given tremendously in selfless service to this community. Her impact as a nurse at the tribe’s health center touched the lives of all tribal members, as she often went far above and beyond the call of duty. From giving personal care to tribal members in their homes, to driving them to Duluth for medical appointments on her own time, to simply giving medical guidance and care to all who entered the clinic, Sandy was always passionate about her role and responsibilities. It is hoped that this scholarship will encourage other Native people to pursue a career in nursing and give back to their community.

The scholarship will help reduce the barriers of tuition and textbook costs for LCOOU students. This reduction in barriers supports the university’s mission to provide Anishinaabe communities with post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture, and history of the Ojibwe.