BHSU names two campus areas in honor of local American Indian leaders

Bordeaux
DeCory

Black Hills State University will name a Residence Hall and a Center in honor of two influential South Dakota leaders upon receiving approval from the South Dakota Board of Regents today.

Crow Peak Residence Hall, the newest residence hall on campus which opened in 2015, will be named Lionel R. Bordeaux Residence Hall recognizing the accomplishments of one the longest-serving college Presidents in the U.S.

Lionel R. Bordeaux is a BHSU alum from the Class of 1964. Less than a decade after his graduation from BHSU, Bordeaux began his role as President of Sinte Gleska University on the Rosebud Reservation in Mission, S.D., now serving in that role more than 40 years.

Jackson noted that Bordeaux has championed civil liberties, human right, Native rights, and higher education for people in South Dakota and throughout the world.

"Lionel Bordeaux stands for service, education, humility, strength, perseverance, and justice. With this naming, Bordeaux's influence will inspire students at BHSU for generations to come," said Jackson.

The BHSU Center for American Indian Studies will now be known as the Jace DeCory Center for American Indian Studies in honor of DeCory's commitment to students and role as an educator in the American Indian community. Associate professor emeritus DeCory retired from a 33 year teaching career at BHSU this month.

Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., BHSU President, said DeCory is one of the most highly respected professors at BHSU.

"Professor DeCory's role as a leader within the Native community is strong. She has been the soul of the American Indian Studies program at BHSU and an amazing influence on not just Native students but all students," said Jackson.

Formal naming ceremonies for the Lionel R. Bordeaux Residence Hall and the Jace DeCory Center for American Indian Studies will be held this fall.