WINNEBAGO, Neb. — A landmark moment unfolded today as Little Priest Tribal College proudly unveiled its new $6 million Louis LaRose Memorial Building, a project that not only reshapes the campus but also reflects a renewed commitment to educational opportunity, cultural pride, and long-term growth for the Winnebago Tribe.

More than 200 people, including students, tribal elders, faculty, alumni, and community members, attended the ribbon-cutting event and public tours, which showcased the facility’s modern laboratories, classrooms, student spaces, and potential to transform STEM learning in the community.

A Needed Upgrade

‍“The last building was built in 2012, and the majority of the buildings are old,” said Little Priest Tribal College President Manoj Patil. “So, we wanted to construct a contemporary state-of-the-art science facility and promote STEM education in a three-floor IT building.”

This long-awaited project is a direct response to the college’s growth, both in student enrollment and in the scope of its academic offerings. The new facility will house essential programs in chemistry and biology, along with general classrooms, offices for faculty and staff, a student lounge, and a kitchenette area to encourage both learning and community gathering.

“This is a historic occasion because we have doubled our property valuation from a current $6 million to $12 million by building one building,” Patil emphasized.

A Vision for the Future

‍President Patil also highlighted that this project is just the beginning. Little Priest Tribal College recently broke ground on a $1.3 million carpentry building, expanding its hands-on vocational programs. Looking ahead, the college has set ambitious plans to build out a 10-acre campus over the next 10 years — a vision that will transform the physical and academic landscape for future generations of students.

“We see this as not just an investment in facilities, but an investment in people, in opportunity, and in the long-term prosperity of the tribe,” Patil noted.

Honoring a Legacy

‍The new building honors the memory and legacy of Louis LaRose, a revered figure in the Winnebago community known for his leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy for Native education and self-determination. Naming the facility after LaRose reflects the college’s commitment to carrying forward his legacy by ensuring that today’s students have access to the tools, resources, and spaces they need to thrive.

A Boost for the Community

‍For the Winnebago Tribe, the new building represents far more than an expansion of classrooms; it’s a beacon of progress and self-empowerment. Community members at the event expressed excitement that the college continues to grow its offerings, attract top educators, and give Native students the chance to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — fields that have historically been underrepresented among Native populations.

Local leaders and elders at the event also spoke about the importance of creating spaces where cultural values and cutting-edge education can coexist. They emphasized that while the new building houses modern equipment and labs, it is also grounded in the tribe’s traditions, language, and connection to the land.

Looking Ahead

‍With the Louis LaRose Memorial Building now open, Little Priest Tribal College is poised to enter a bold new era of expansion, innovation, and community impact. Future projects, including the planned carpentry center and long-term campus development, aim to make the college not just a hub for education, but a centerpiece of opportunity and cultural resilience for the entire Winnebago Nation.

Originally reported by News Channel Nebraska.