Alumni support Eufaula Dormitory students in Oklahoma
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Joe Martel, an alumnus of the Eufaula Dormitory in Oklahoma, provided a barbecue dinner for current students, staff, and tribal leaders at the annual back-to-school celebration.
Martel, who owns Jo-Jo’s BBQ, has supported the dormitory for three years, motivated by a desire to give back to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Dr. Kaila Harjo, the MCN Secretary of Education and Training, explained that Martel attended the dormitory from age 10 until graduation and also served in the United States Marine Corps.
Harjo noted the dorm fosters a sense of identity and belonging for Native students, helping them succeed in education and life. She also highlighted the importance of alumni like Martel and Representative William Lowe in expanding resources for students. Harjo shared that longtime staff member Francile Burnham, who recently retired after nearly 40 years at the dormitory, remembers multiple generations of students, including Harjo’s mother. The dormitory recently expanded to a seven-day residential program thanks to supplemental budget support.
Harjo sees this change as improving students’ well-being and strengthening their connection to the Eufaula Public School District. She and others at the dormitory view their work as creating a supportive, family-like environment for students to thrive.
