Spring Break
Chief Leonard of Miami tribe passes away at 82
Margaret Watters
Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: Front Page
Most of Floyd Leonard's professional life was focused on his appreciation and belief in the power of education. He began his teaching career in a rural, one-room schoolhouse in Missouri as he worked his way through night school towards his undergraduate degree. Leonard served as an elementary school principal for 14 years and an assistant superintendent for 20 years.
Leonard held a Bachelor of Science degree, a master's degree in education and a master's in education specialist from Pittsburg State University. In 2005, Miami awarded the chief an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in education, meaning that Miami waived the traditional degree requirements of study because of his experience and influence.
His daughter-in-law, Etsuko and two grandchildren, Wesley and Mika, are all Miami alumni.
According to Burke, Leonard was always proud that Miami held the name of his tribe and worked patiently with the university to promote a close relationship. Under Leonard's leadership, huge strides have been made to advance university-tribal relations.
In 1991, Leonard and Miami administrators collaborated to establish the Heritage Scholarship, awarded to students from the Miami tribe. The scholarship has helped recruit 56 tribe members to attend the university.
In 2001, the office of student affairs, with the cooperation and support of the tribe and university, established the Myaamia Project. Myammia is designed to research the native Miami language and culture and continue to expose Miami students to the culture for which their university is named.
"I think his support in helping establish the Myammia Project and his strong support of education at all levels is his lasting contribution from both the university's and the tribe's perspective," Joseph Leonard said.
According to Burke, as the university reaches it's bicentennial, it is even more important for Miami students to be aware of the history and events that gave way to the university's founding.
Leonard held a Bachelor of Science degree, a master's degree in education and a master's in education specialist from Pittsburg State University. In 2005, Miami awarded the chief an honorary doctor of humane letters degree in education, meaning that Miami waived the traditional degree requirements of study because of his experience and influence.
His daughter-in-law, Etsuko and two grandchildren, Wesley and Mika, are all Miami alumni.
According to Burke, Leonard was always proud that Miami held the name of his tribe and worked patiently with the university to promote a close relationship. Under Leonard's leadership, huge strides have been made to advance university-tribal relations.
In 1991, Leonard and Miami administrators collaborated to establish the Heritage Scholarship, awarded to students from the Miami tribe. The scholarship has helped recruit 56 tribe members to attend the university.
In 2001, the office of student affairs, with the cooperation and support of the tribe and university, established the Myaamia Project. Myammia is designed to research the native Miami language and culture and continue to expose Miami students to the culture for which their university is named.
"I think his support in helping establish the Myammia Project and his strong support of education at all levels is his lasting contribution from both the university's and the tribe's perspective," Joseph Leonard said.
According to Burke, as the university reaches it's bicentennial, it is even more important for Miami students to be aware of the history and events that gave way to the university's founding.
Be the first to comment on this story