Terry Medicine Crow invested 10 years in the Navy, and in return the government invested in his education.

Today he graduates from United Tribes Technical College.

Medicine Crow is one of 90 students graduating today from UTTC. The ceremony is at 1 p.m. in the Lone Star Arena at UTTC. The college is awarding degrees and certificates in 16 areas.

He's seen the world because of his experience in the military. He went to school part-time while he was serving and earned a degree. But when he was out, he had the GI Bill and decided to make use of it.

"It was one of the wisest investments," going into the military, he said. "(The GI Bill) helps with everything."

Now he is earning a degree in tribal management, learning the business end of how a tribal government is run. But he also took the opportunity to be an example to other American Indian youth. Medicine Crow, a member of the Standing Rock tribe, wants to be a role model to students. It's why he chose United Tribes over college someplace warmer. He went from being stationed in Honolulu to coming home to North Dakota when he prefers a warmer climate.

"I came back to school to be an example to the younger generation for the tribe," he said. "I like to be a role model."

He was involved in student government. He served as president and vice president of the student senate. He also was involved in the tribal management club and was site coordinator for the North Dakota Tribal Voter Education Project.

His leadership paid off. He earned $1,000 to continue his education. He was recognized as a 2006 Student of the Year through the American Indian College Fund.

To earn this recognition, he had to apply, write a biography and essay about why he chose a tribal school over other schools. He applied the previous year and did not get it. A person also is judged on their school and community activities, he said.

He will use this scholarship at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan. The university has a tribal management program that will accept his tribal management degree, he said.

After he earned his bachelor's degree, he plans to get his master's degree, preferably someplace warm, like Arizona.

"I'm excited and ready to move on to the next phase," he said.

If the weather doesn't cooperate, the graduation ceremony will be in the gymnasium of the James Henry Community Building. A reception in the cafeteria will follow the ceremony.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)