2021-2022 Graduates

Trinity Guido (Delaware Nation, Caddo, Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, and Fort Sill Apache) from Anadarko, OK is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Health and a Minor in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Indigenous Community Planning and a Pre-Medicine concetration. 

Personal Statement:
I am graduating with my Bachelors in Community Health and a Native American Studies Minor with a Pre-Medicine concentration. I am so excited to be graduating and to pursue Medical School!

Favorite NAS class:
"My favorite NAS class was Indigenous Community Planning because of the diverse discussions from my classmates and Dr. Harjo. I learned from a peer perspective for most topics."

Favorite NAS memory:
"Being able to take Kiowa language classes because of the significance of being on a campus that offers one of my tribal languages. It felt really good to feel represented in that way."

Favorite OU memory:
"Being involved with Gamma Delta Pi and student life in general. This organization gave me so much leadership experience that I will always be grateful for."

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS freshmen:
"Take as many classes as you can in NAS because it’s a privilege to be at a University that offers this many classes led by Native instructors."

Larry Myers (Cherokee Nation) from Oklahoma City, OK is graduating with a Master of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History, and Culture and Tribal Governance and Policy. After graduation, he has started a consulting business (Analytical Indigenous Solutions) and his goal is to help advise Indigenous communities on economic and infrastructure issues.

Personal Statement:
"As a first generation college graduate I have a Bachelors degree in Administrative Leadership, a Masters in Museum Studies, a Masters of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law, and a Masters in Native American Studies. All from the University of Oklahoma and the University School of Law."

Favorite NAS class: 
"Critical Indigenous Theory. The professor and the subject matter of the course compelled me to use my education to advocate for Indigenous issues and help develop Indigenous communities."

Favorite NAS memory: 
"The first cedaring ceremony at the first of the semester group dinner was an impactful and moving experience. From that day on, I looked forward to breaking bread with my NAS family and having Warren Queton bless me for the new semester experience."

Favorite OU memory:
"My favorite memory will always be the first time my grandfather brought me to the OU campus. I was about 13 years old and at the time more probable of going to prison than attending university. My grandfather went back to school and received his high school diploma after retiring from the City of Oklahoma City police force after 50 years of service."

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS freshmen:
"Honor your community by being true to yourself, respectful of others, and empathetic to the life stories of those people around you. Always remember who you are and where you come from."

Kendrick Sweezy (Arapaho/Navajo) from Greenfield, OK is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Tribal Governance and Policy. After graduation, he plans to continue working for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Gaming Commission and help his tribal government towards a positive tomorrow.

Personal Statement:
"Dous/Yahtahey! My name is Kendrick Sweezy. I am from the Naasht'ezhi Tabaaha or "Zuni Edgewater" Clan, born for the Greasy-Leggings Band. My maternal grandpa (Chei) is Ta'chii'nii or "Red Streak Running into Water" clan. My paternal grandpa is from the Blue Sky People, "Southern Arapaho". I am half Navajo and Half Arapaho, enrolled with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. I have four (4) sons, Ahren-13, Alexander-10, Orion-9, and Zephlyn-6. I have been full-time employed for 14 years with the C&A Gaming Commission. I will graduate with 2 bachelors this Spring 2022 Semester: Bachelor of Arts in Public & Non-Profit Administration, and B.A. in Nat. American Studies."

Favorite NAS class:
"Spring 2005 NAS 4803-Nat. Amer. Sovereignty, with Dr. Bread. Dr. Bread's native perspective on how to view the world in an academic context helped me embrace and strengthen my own perspective of the world. He greatly influenced my thinking, "Change your view point by 5%", look at it from a different way. As for a more contemporary course offering, my Spring 2022 Internship with the OU Native Nations Center. The community of surrounding the University, the Norman community, and state/federal interactions that affect our viewpoints and understanding of our lives. Dr. Brian Burkhart, Mrs. Evelyn Cox, Ms. Kasimir Mackey, and Dr. Raina Heaton have been very accommodating and understanding of my FT work schedule, course load, and personal lives that the Internship has been an absolute pleasure to experience. It's also allowed me to look at other possible places of employment if I decide to 'shop' around."

Favorite NAS memory:
"The NAS Tailgates are very casual and chance to enjoy OU football and food. I took my sons for the Fall 2019 event. They still remember this event due to Sooner Schooner tipped over. It's a great memory to have with OU, NAS, Colleagues, and my sons."

Favorite OU memory:
"Being able to see the OU AISA, GDP, SNAG, and other student organizations being able to represent the American Indian Student population at these events on campus, throughout the year, and conferences. It helps support this contemporary slogan of our Indigenous People, "We Are Still Here"."

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS freshmen:
"Enjoy your college stresses, the homework, the papers, the project/presentation deadlines. But also, enjoy the friends and family you will make along the way. Many of my friends I made at OU are still apart of my life and its a great way to become more knowledgeable about other's cultures/traditions. 20-30-40 years from now, you're gonna 'miss' the classes and friends when 'adulthood' is knocking. The bills, mortgage, car payment, kids health, etc."

Cornelia Vann (Cherokee Nation) from Tulsa, OK is graduating with a Master of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in History and Culture. She earned her BA in Native American Studies at OU, with Magna cum Laude distinction in May of 2019.

Personal Statement:
"I am an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation and first-generation college student who raised a family before starting on my journey to achieve a higher education. As an adult learner I understand first-hand the obstacles that life can bring for Native Americans who have the desire to attend college. I care deeply about the Native American community and my life plan is to use my advanced college education and personal testimony to encourage others that with desire and dedication the dream of a higher education can become a reality. Wado."

Plans After Graduation:
"I truly feel that the prayers of my tsalagi ancestors have brought me to where I am at today. First, my plans are to enjoy life and with that said I whole heartedly know that all the rest will fall into place. My primary goal is to work with and for the Native American community and advocate in a respectful way that we are more than worthy to have all the good things that life has to offer. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to have made it this far with my educational goals. I fully know that my advanced education in the discipline of Native American Studies will open doors and allow me to be the kind, and caring advocate that is needed in the community."

Favorite NAS class:
"I enjoyed every minute of the Cherokee language class at OU! In the Cherokee language “tsalagi nigohilv” means I am Cherokee every day and being able to say that is something that I am very proud of and next to my heart."

Favorite NAS memory:
"To be in the presence of others who are goal oriented and want to make a positive change for the Native American community through the attainment of higher education."

Favorite OU memory:
"I challenged myself to prove that the underrepresented can break social norms in academia and applied for the Honors College and was accepted. I went on to graduate Magna cum Laude from OU in 2019. A reminder of this is when I look at my undergraduate diploma and it has Bachelor of Arts Magna cum Laude and think, “wow that is really me." I set my academic standard high and worked hard to earn this distinction not only for myself but to demonstrate to others that with desire and hard work they can do the same."

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS freshmen:
"Always remember the reason why you are in college and, no matter what, always remain focused on your goal to graduate."