American Indian College Fund Launches John Gritts Native Arts Memorial Scholarship for IAIA Student

The American Indian College Fund has announced the creation of the John Gritts Native Arts Memorial Scholarship, a four-year award established with the support of his wife, Page Lambert, to honor his lifelong advocacy for Native education.

A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Gritts passed away in October 2025. Known for his steady and humble approach, he dedicated his life to helping Native students access higher education—guiding them through admissions processes, encouraging persistence, and reminding them they belonged in the academic spaces they worked hard to reach.

“Having started my career at Black Hills State in the student services and financial aid field, you can’t help but know and see what students need,” Gritts once said.

The scholarship will support a student attending the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Designed for students pursuing the arts, the award provides $3,000 annually for four years.

Gritts’ connection to IAIA runs deep. He attended the institution from 1966 to 1968 and remained a dedicated supporter of tribal colleges and universities throughout his life. He often spoke about their critical role in Native communities.

“I enjoyed hearing stories and learning how tribal colleges and universities were doing. To me, they just keep moving to the next level. They’re cornerstones on the reservations… they do a wonderful job educating their students,” he once shared.

In addition to his broader advocacy, Gritts spent part of his career working with the College Fund. The new scholarship reflects his enduring belief that Native students should not have to face financial barriers alone.

“The best time, of course, is graduation—whether at Black Hills State or at a TCU. When the students walk across the stage and then say thank you, that is all it takes. You cry like a baby,” Gritts said.

Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, emphasized that the scholarship continues Gritts’ legacy of service.

“We are honored to remember John through supporting a student on their educational journey,” she said. “We best honor his fierce advocacy for students by helping a student overcome financial barriers to achieving their college dreams, while also recognizing and honoring his artistic talents which he so generously shared to deepen that remembrance.”

Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), president of IAIA, highlighted Gritts’ lasting impact on the institution.

“John Gritts devoted his life to expanding opportunity for Indigenous students, and his connection to the Institute of American Indian Arts—as a former student, staff member, and longtime supporter—remains a meaningful part of IAIA’s history,” Lowe said. “We are deeply grateful to Page Lambert and the American Indian College Fund for establishing this scholarship in his honor. This gift will support an IAIA student in pursuing their creative and educational journey, while carrying forward John’s enduring belief in the power of Indigenous education to transform lives and communities.”

Students interested in applying for the John Gritts Native Arts Memorial Scholarship can visit the College Fund’s website to complete an online application.

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