Dartmouth launches Tribal Sovereignty Institute with $5 million gift

Dartmouth has launched the Dartmouth Tribal Sovereignty Institute to support tribal nations in advancing their economic, cultural and environmental priorities through collaboration, research and leadership development. President Sian Leah Beilock announced the institute July 27 during the Tribal Leadership Academy welcome breakfast, according to Dartmouth News. A $5 million gift from Tom and Gina Russo, who graduated with the class of 1977, will endow the institute's executive director position and provide long-term leadership for the initiative.

Dartmouth said the institute has secured $5.5 million toward its $15 million fundraising goal and has begun a national search for its inaugural executive director.