Madison Reporter

Brothers Gavin and Mason White Eagle are among the first beneficiaries of the University of Wisconsin–Madison's new Tribal Educational Promise Program. This initiative, announced by Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin in December 2023, provides financial support to cover the full cost of an undergraduate degree for state residents who are enrolled members of federally recognized Wisconsin Indian tribes.

The program covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and other educational expenses. It is available to current students as well as incoming freshmen and transfer students. The White Eagle brothers are two of 73 undergraduates participating in this inaugural year.

“The Tribal Promise is our commitment to ensuring that Indigenous students have the opportunity to receive a top-notch education here at UW–Madison,” said Carla Vigue, the university’s director of tribal relations. “But it’s also a way to get Indigenous students to bring their talent, their voice, and their unique perspective to campus. UW–Madison is a better place because of it. I am so proud of our commitment to support these exceptional students.”

Gavin and Mason grew up in Auburndale, Wisconsin, and are enrolled members of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Both parents work for the Ho-Chunk Nation; their mother is a supervisor at a casino while their father teaches the Ho-Chunk language.

Gavin has always aimed high academically. “Ever since middle school, my thought process was, I’m only going to pick the biggest and best school in Wisconsin, and that meant UW–Madison,” he said. He is now a junior majoring in legal studies and communication arts.

Mason followed his brother's footsteps but initially had some doubts about his acceptance into UW–Madison. “I needed a backup plan because I’m not as smart as Gavin,” he admitted modestly. However, both brothers excelled in academics and athletics during high school.

As first-generation college students, they acknowledge the significance of the Tribal Educational Promise Program. Gavin sees it as an important step forward for UW–Madison: “To know there’s financial help like this is great... It’s a hopeful sign for the future.” Mason adds that graduating debt-free will be a significant relief.

Both brothers aspire to be role models for other Indigenous students considering higher education at UW–Madison. “We want to be good role models and good representatives of this new initiative so that it is here for other Native students when they need it,” Gavin stated.