Hilbert expands college options

     A partnership between the Seneca Nation and Hilbert College will make higher education opportunities more accessible to college-bound Senecas and help improve their chance for academic and job success. It’s the only agreement of its kind that the Seneca Nation has established with a Western New York college.

     The Seneca-Hilbert Educational Partnership is set up so the college will offer an open-admissions policy for all eligible Senecas. Under the agreement, any Seneca who possesses a New York State high school diploma or GED will be admitted to Hilbert as a full- or part-time student.

     Sister Edmunette Paczesny, Ph.D., president of Hilbert, said it’s “the college’s intent to work with the Seneca Nation to educate its members and offer students a chance to earn a college-level degree that will allow them to realize their career potential. We’re attempting to perpetuate a real interest in higher education that will benefit the student on a personal level and the Seneca Nation as a whole.”

     Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., president of the Seneca Nation of Indians, added “this partnership is another critical step in the Seneca Nation’s journey toward self-sufficiency. By removing obstacles for higher education, we’re giving our people the tools they need to succeed and make lasting contributions to our community.”

     Applicants from the Seneca Nation will first be evaluated using Hilbert’s standard admissions guidelines. Should a Seneca not meet the criteria, the applicant will then be accepted to the college based on having earned a high school diploma or GED. Although it’s primarily geared to traditional-age applicants, non-traditional Seneca students are also eligible to attend Hilbert through the partnership.

     Carrie Haynes, director of education for the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Territory, points out, “We wanted to find a way that will encourage Seneca students to aim higher by obtaining the college education and skills required to be future leaders and fulfill the Seneca community’s growing employment needs in many fields.

     “The Seneca Nation is expanding at a rapid pace right now,” she added, “making the Hilbert partnership all the more important in helping provide educated professionals to meet our job demands. We’re encouraging Seneca students to take part in this valuable, rewarding opportunity.”

     To further enhance the chance for academic success, Senecas who attend Hilbert under the partnership will be closely monitored and advised during their first year of study by the Hilbert Academic Services Center. Special assistance, such as tutoring, will be provided as needed by the center.

     “The individualized nature of Hilbert’s learning environment was a strong drawing point for the Seneca Nation to establish the partnership and certainly the college’s location was seen as an advantage as well,” said Haynes. The idea for the partnership originated with George Johengen, Hilbert trustee emeritus who, during his tenure as principal of Lake Shore High School, became aware of the number of Seneca students who went on to college.

     Efforts are already under way by Hilbert and the Seneca Nation Education Department to make students in the Gowanda, Lake Shore, Salamanca and Silver Creek school districts aware of the educational partnership.