Alumni Spotlight: Kathy “Animibatoo-ikwe” Baker, business faculty
About you:
Aanin Kathy Baker indizhinikaaz zhaaganaashi mowin. Animibatoo-ikwe indizhinikaaz Anishinaabe mowin. Makwa indoodem. Odaawaa zaaga’iganing indoonji-baa. Jiingwan endaayaan.
Kathy Baker is my name in soldier’s talk. Animibatoo-ikwe (running away fast woman) is my name in the original people’s talk. Bear is my clan. Lac Courte Oreilles is where I’m from. Meteor is where I live.
I graduated from Birchwood School in 1981 and got married the same year. I have been married to the love of my life (Rocke) since 1981. Yes, that is his real name. We have 3 children (Amber Riedell (married to Matt Riedell), Kitty Jefson, and Cody Baker). They all live in the area. We were blessed with 9 grandchildren (Destiny, Jasmin, Hailie, Baby J, Blake, Colin, Deacon, Chloe, and Conor). We have one great granddaughter (Oaklee Mae).
I have had several jobs throughout my adult life, but all of them involved business in some aspect. I have been a housekeeper, waitress, cook, supervisor, department manager, office manager, Career Service Coordinator, Financial Aid Counselor, and most recently, faculty. It was my dream once I started my bachelor’s in business to become a faculty member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. This dream has become a reality. I started going to the University back in the 90’s. It took me a long time to finish. I am currently in the master's program and plan to complete this fall semester and participate in the graduation ceremony in the spring.
Why did you decide to pursue a higher education degree with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University?
In the beginning, I started to attend LCO due to convenience, but after attending I realized what a diamond it really is. I was excited when I received my associate degree. When the bachelor's degree was offered, I jumped at the chance. At this time, it was a pilot program. Once the master’s was offered, I again jumped at the chance. It was at that time I realized the dream of teaching could be a reality. I wanted to give back to the Community college/College/University that gave so much knowledge to me. I want to pass my experience and knowledge to others.
What does it mean to you to attend college in our local community?
I did not get to meet my biological father (Alfred Trepania) until I was 28. It was shortly after that I decided to attend LCO. I grew up not knowing my culture or anything about my ethnicity. I have always had a thirst for knowledge. This was instilled in me by my mother who recently passed away. I chose LCO to learn more about my culture as well as get a degree to advance my career. It wasn’t until I got my bachelor's degree in business that I decided to pursue the teaching aspect. I bring both experience as well as my degrees.
What does it mean to you to attend a Tribal University?
Attending a tribal university has opened my eyes to the culture and the roots of my ancestors. I have gained not only head knowledge, but spiritual knowledge as well. It is a safe learning environment for anyone who feels they don’t quite fit in anywhere else. It is for those who think they aren’t “good enough”. It is a safe environment for anyone who wants to get their degree. If the university does not have the degree you wish to pursue, it is a great starting point for anyone who wants to get a taste of the higher education experience.
How did attending Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University affect your career and/or next College success?
The university encourages you to reach for your dreams, no matter what they are. They will help you realize your dream. I didn’t come to the university thinking I would become a faculty member right away. I just wanted to better myself with a degree in the business field. I thought perhaps I would become a director or manager of a tribal entity. Once I attended college/university I was encouraged by my professors and staff to pursue my dream of faculty. Of course, there were nay-sayers among family & friends, but those voices were drowned out by those that believed in me. President Russell Swagger was one person who did not quit believing in me. At first, I was intimidated to talk to him, but once I got to know him, I realized that he wanted what is best for all the students, faculty, and staff. He was approachable and ready to listen. He never thought he was above us; he was one of us. The staff and teachers are here to help all students, you just must be brave enough to approach them. They are all kind and ready to help in any way they can.
What advice would you give someone who is undecided on starting college?
Don’t give up!! Go for it! Ask for help or advice. Even if you think that you may want to pursue a different avenue than what LCOOU can offer, this is a great place to start. The University has several cooperative agreements with other colleges/universities that you can pursue your degree in whatever you want. You are the maker of your destiny, and you can do it!
Other?
One of the biggest assets LCOOU possesses is the financial aid help. They do not do loans, so they help you pursue your degree with grants/scholarships. Although as a tribal member I had several opportunities for grants/scholarships there are just as many opportunities for those that are not Native American. It takes some work to pursue these opportunities, but it is well worth not having the debt that loans cause. Also, LCOOU is affordable. If you make a cost comparison, it is well below the cost of many other colleges/universities. I was able to get all my degrees without any debt. This was through professional development from my workplaces as well as grant/scholarships. I was not eligible for state/federal aid so grants/scholarships were my only avenue, but I did it.