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CLOQUET, MN – It is with great sadness that Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College brings news that college president Lester Jack Briggs died on Sunday, December 16, 2001, at his home in Cloquet. Brigg's unexpected passing was a shock to his family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances across the United States. President Briggs, 53, had been battling a chronic illness for a brief period of time. Lester Jack Briggs was the first and only president in the history of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Mr. Briggs accepted the college presidency in 1989 after working as founding co-director of the institution during 1987 and 1988. The college he worked to establish and provide leadership to since 1987 is truly unique in the United States; it is the only co-governed tribal college and state community college in the nation.

During his tenure as president, enrollment at the college has rapidly increased from fewer than 200 students in its early years to more than 1,000 students in the most recent semester. Mr. Briggs provided the vision to advance the college from its humble beginnings in rented classrooms of an unused elementary school to the modern, architecturally stunning campus facility that was built in 1992. Subsequent facilities include an on-campus residence hall, and the planning for a $7.5 million classroom and library expansion scheduled to begin in 2002. A recent community perception survey indicated overwhelming support for the college. Respondents to the survey considered the college a great asset to the community and region it serves.

Throughout his lifetime and professional career, Mr. Briggs focused his efforts on increasing educational opportunities for American Indian people, and on building bridges of understanding between the Indian and non-Indian communities. He credited his respect for knowledge and his commitment to serving others to his strong Ojibwe roots. Mr. Briggs, an enrolled member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, was a respected leader in both the Indian and non-Indian communities.

A wake for President Briggs will be held at the new Sawyer Community Center beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral services at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 21, at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Interment with gravesite services will be held Saturday, December 22, at Forest Hills Cemetery in International Falls.

The family prefers memorials to the Jack and Debbie Briggs Scholarship Fund at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, 2101 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720.

(Editor/News Director note: Complete obituary follows.)

Niigahnii Gwuhne'yaush (Leading Feather) Lester Joseph Briggs, Jr. (Jack) Lester Joseph Briggs, Jr., (Jack), 53, of Sawyer/Cloquet/ International Falls, began his journey to the spirit world, Sunday, December 16, 2001, at his home, surrounded by his family and close friends.

Jack was born September 18, 1948, to Lester Joseph and Rhoda Cecelia (St. John) Briggs in Duluth, Minnesota. The family moved from Sawyer, Minnesota to International Falls in 1950. Jack was an enrolled member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Jack and his wife, Debbie, lived many years in International Falls, where Jack graduated from Rainy River Community College and later from Bemidji State University. Jack was currently the president of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

In 1987, Jack was asked to come to Cloquet to direct the vision and development of Fond du Lac Community College. In 1989, Jack became the first president of the college, and was the only president in the history of the college. Jack's leadership and personal touch was vital to the outstanding success of the college, and the difference he made in so many people's lives will remain unmatched.

Prior to working at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Mr. Briggs served as regional director for the Arrowhead Community Colleges System's Services to Indian People Program, Indian Education Coordinator for Independent School District #361 in International Falls, and American Indian student advisor and planning advisor at Rainy River Community College. Before his career in education, Jack was proud of his construction work with the late Frank T. Baron, general contractor.

Mr. Briggs was active in community service, participating as a member of numerous national, state, tribal, and local advisory boards. He recently completed a term as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Indian College Fund, and was Treasurer of the Presidents' Council of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.

Mr. Briggs was twice named American Indian Administrator of the Year by the Minnesota Indian Education Association, and received the Distinguished Service Award from the president of the Arrowhead Community Colleges. He earned an undergraduate degree at Bemidji State University, and was candidate for a doctorate at the University of Minnesota. Jack also completed a certificate program through the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard University.

Jack loved to hunt and fish on Rainy Lake, and spend time with his family, especially his kids and grandbabies. Jack also loved his students and extended family in Indian Education across the nation.

Jack was preceded in death by his father, Lester; a sister, Margaret; and a brother, David. He is survived by his wife Debbie; mother, Rhoda of International Falls; his children, Jodie of Minneapolis, Angela (Paul) Schwartz of International Falls, Charity (Orlando) Gallardo of Denver, Colorado, Benjamin (Trisha) of Cloquet; Makoonse (Kathy) of Palm Bay, Florida; nine precious grandchildren, Alex, Madison, Anah, Megan, Gabriella, Alejandra, Ariana, Chesna, and Mateo; two brothers, Stephen (Diane) of International Falls, Thomas (Judy) of Lacrosse, Wisconsin; two sisters, Janice (David) Paczkowski, Kathy (Chris); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A wake will be held at the new Sawyer Community Center beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral services at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 21, at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Interment with gravesite services will be held Saturday, December 22, at Forest Hills Cemetery in International Falls.

The family prefers memorials to the Jack and Debbie Briggs Scholarship Fund at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, 2101 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street in Cloquet. (To sign the guest book and offer an online memorial tribute, visit Northland Funeral Home.)