Anita Hanson takes the helm as the new president of the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

A special moment on Monday at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, as they officially welcomed in their new president.

The Inauguration Ceremony for Anita Hanson included an opening pipe and drum ceremony. The Chair of the Minnesota State Board of Trustees administered the oath.

And Hanson officially has been handed the Presidential Staff, which has an eagle feather specifically for her attached to it.

She was appointed the new president back in June. “It is a great privilege to lead this special institution, working alongside the talented staff and administrators,” she shared.

Hanson told the crowd she asks alumni she meets about their experiences. She recalled one story, when the woman said, “I absolutely loved my time at the college. Everyone should have to attend a tribal college. I learned things I’d never known about Native American culture, and it made me a better person.”

Hanson was hired in 1994 as a part time counselor. She’s held a variety of other leadership positions since then. She’s an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe.

Many leaders from across MnSCU attended Monday’s ceremony.