University of San Diego Honors Patricia Dixon
By Roy Cook

Miyeau. In celebration of California Indian Day the University of San Diego honored Ms. Patricia Dixon, Luiseno from Pauma Band on September 22 from 5-7 pm in the University Center, Forum B. She is a USD alumna, scholar, College educator, Tribal community active voice and learning innovator. Welcome remarks by Dr. Carlton Floyd, Associate Provost and Dr. Carmen Vazquez, VP of Student Affairs. Patricia Dixon is introduced by Dr. May Fu and Perse Hooper, Tribal liaison.

Michelle Jacob, Patricia Dixon, Perese Hooper and May Fu. (BC Lum image)

Patricia began with a slide show of relatives and early life on the Pauma Reservation. She spoke from her heart to a packed room of life-long friends, family and supportive colleagues. She reviewed the past 40 years of the American Indian program at Palomar College. I was honored to teach my first college course on the Pala reservation in the Mission classrooms under the auspices of Palomar College in 1971. Many in the room were my students. Patricia many times accompanied her Mother, Lorena to the California Indian Education Association meetings. She looked real cute zipping around in her Porsche roadster.

She has championed tribal rights on many levels and sought for a practical way to help preserve the Luiseño language for future generations. As the Education Committee Chair of the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians she was able to have the Pauma Band of Luiseno award $50,000 to Palomar College's American Indian Studies Department and the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC).
She recognized her Diegueno relations attending this evening and called upon Stan Rodguiez, Ipai, to sing Tipai songs and provided a prayer for the evening. Along with many beautiful bouquets of flowers she was honored and awarded with a Pendleton wool storytellers blanket by Michelle Jacob, Yakima and Teresa Gregor from Santa Ysabel Band of Diegueno.

She was further honored by the Palomar College American Indian student Association and faculty. Patricia took great pride to introduce her Mother, Lorena Dixon and Aunt, Florence Lofton. She beamed when she recognized her nieces and the next generation future potential for the Pauma Band.

A very special presentation was the Luiseno ceremonial songs sung by Chris and Charles Devers. Enthusiastic socializing and hugs from many happy attendees continued as some sampled the light repast and sought that special Kodak moment.

This was a fine special evening with very special friends and colleagues. Mehan.