Nine visitors from the Red Cloud Indian School, which is located on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, recently had an audience with President Frederick W. Clark Jr.
The students were at BSU to participate in the Bridge Program, which brings to campus inner-city youth from Brockton, New Bedford and Boston. Last year, the program was expanded to include groups of students from Red Cloud.
Through the Bridge Program, the visiting students spent two weeks participating in classroom instruction, as well as activities that were both fun and instructional.
President Clark welcomed the visitors to his office and told them about himself and his family. Then he asked if they’d enjoyed their time at Bridgewater. They did, albeit after overcoming a bit of homesickness.
“I liked it a lot,” said Jennifer Red Shirt. “I got to relax and meet a lot of people. Plus there were a lot of activities. Everything was really fun here. I’ll probably apply here.”
During his talk with the students, the president asked how many were planning to go to college after graduating from Red Cloud. Every young hand went up.
President Clark, impressed, told them, “Our objective is we hope you apply somewhere. If you decide to come to Bridgewater, that’s great for us.”
Accompanying the students was Professor Joyce Rain Anderson of the English department, who has played an integral role in the BSU-Red Cloud partnership. Jillian Smith, ’13, G ’15, was also present, having spent the past year teaching at Red Cloud. The Abington resident recently accepted a full-time job at another Native American school in South Dakota. Current BSU student Lanise Miranda Alves, ’17, worked with the Red Cloud students both at their own school and while they were on campus taking part in the Bridge Program.
As the Red Cloud students were leaving the president’s office, one of them was overheard saying, “I don’t want to go home.” It seemed to be a sentiment shared by many of her peers. (Story by John Winters, G ’11, University News & Media)
PHOTO CAPTION: Seated front (left to right): Taylor Charging Crow, Alicia Maria Muñoz and Elizabeth Richards. Middle row (left to right): President Clark, Jillian Smith, Stephanie Kills Back, Jennifer Red Shirt, Malia Fallis, Kimberly Felix and Lanise Miranda Alves. Standing in rear (left to right): Morgan Two Bulls, Dr. Joyce Rain Anderson and Talia Slow Bear.
