Celebrating 25 Years of Growth and Service
We at the Hopi Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) are thrilled to announce and kick off our 25th Anniversary Celebration campaign! Since November 20, 2000, the HEEF has made its mark on Hopitutskwa, as the HEEF is now one of the longest-running charitable organizations affiliated with a tribal government in the United States. In celebration of our humble Hopi non-profit organization’s 25th year of growth and service, the Hopi Education Endowment Fund is launching a year-long campaign, unveiling a special commemorative HEEF 25th anniversary logo, as well as a variety of community events to follow.
The HEEF 25th Year Anniversary event will take place on November 7, 2025, at the Upper Moenkopi Community Center, aligning with the HEEF Annual Board Meeting scheduled for November 8, 2025. This signature event will launch a series of celebratory activities culminating on HEEF’s inception date, November 20. The anniversary campaign is designed to honor 25 years of service, highlighting the organization’s historical milestones, and engage supporters of the HEEF who have helped shape our incredible legacy into what it is today.
Throwback to the 2000s
With the hiring of Dr. LuAnn Leonard as the HEEF’s founding executive director and an influx of many other talented HEEF staff members, a philanthropic culture began to form. This initial team, along with the board, set the stage for a funding source that will continue into perpetuity for Hopi students pursuing higher education.
During our history as the HEEF, there was a time on the Hopi Tribal Council when uncertainty loomed as the Peabody Coal Mine, our primary revenue generator, would potentially be closed as a source of funding. Recognizing education as a high priority for the people, the Hopi Tribe provided a secure source of funds through Ordinance #54. This community investment helped to pave the way and establish the Hopi Education Endowment Fund with the historic first gift in 2000 of $10,000,000 towards the endowment.
HEEF 25th Year Anniversary Commemorative Logo
The organization has introduced a special commemorative 25th year logo, which will be featured this year on staff clothing, online graphics and artwork material, retail items, and more. Featuring a clean outline and bold font, the logo's color palette combines the current College Navy and Legacy Blue from the organization's original logo, created by former HEEF Marketing & Special Events Manager Sam Tenakhongva.
Why the 2000s?
As the Internet pop culture revolution began to take hold of the world’s technological landscape, the early 2000s era was transformational and integral for reaching new heights for the HEEF as well. Many of our Hopi students had popular items from this time period, including Scholastic Book Fairs, Pokémon cards, portable CD and MP3 players, Motorola flip phones, Apple Macintosh desktops used in elementary computer classes, and classic 2000s pop music, among others.
The new 25th Anniversary Commemorative Logo merges the past with the present, paying tribute to the original color scheme and design elements while utilizing the latest materials and technology to create a classic look in a modern way. This combination evokes a nostalgic early 2000s feel, blending rich Hopi tradition, customs, and contemporary aesthetics.
Whether you have supported our Hopi organization from the beginning or are new to our work, we welcome and invite you to celebrate our history of supporting Hopi students from 2000 to the present.
