Featuring Garan Coons, Jr., of Rosalie, Neb., who is majoring in Business Administration at Wayne State. A special segment of the Student Spotlight Series in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
Since he already owned a business before enrolling at Wayne State College, majoring in Business Administration was a logical choice for Garan Coons, Jr. Coons, a freshman from Rosalie, Neb., is this week’s subject of a special segment of the Student Spotlight Series, which honors Native American Heritage Month.
Coons, who is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, said there are many stories about how Native American Heritage Month came about.
“One story told to me by my dad is that the Native Americans like to honor the veterans,” said Coons. “At any powwow, they will have a flag song and victory song for all the veterans who served our country. Did you know Native Americans have the highest per capita in the military?”
“Another story is about how Thanksgiving came about,” continued Coons. “I was told the Native Americans helped feed the pilgrims that came over to the U.S. and ever since it snowballed into what we all call Thanksgiving, a time to get together with family you haven’t seen in a while and have leftovers for the rest of the week. But it’s also a month where we dedicate and recognize the rich culture and history Native Americans provide. If you have never been to a celebration or powwow, I highly recommend going to one!”
In November 2023, Coons and his family helped Wayne State celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a powwow dance and a brief discussion about Native American dancing and culture. Coons and his family performed several Native American dances. Coons’ father, Garan Coons, Sr., is a 2004 Wayne State graduate, and is currently the communications manager at KWTN Radio (“The Big Voice” 100.9 FM) in Winnebago, Neb. He is also listed on the Nebraska Arts Council’s roster of performing artists.
“My family has a lot to do with business,” said Coons. “My father and I founded the REZolution 360 photobooth business, and he used to own another business in Walthill. Business runs in my family, and my uncle, Lewis St. Cyr, earned his master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Wayne State in May.”
Coons’ major was an easy decision, and deciding to attend Wayne State was also an easy decision.
“Being so close to my hometown, Wayne State really helped with my college decision,” said Coons. “I also heard nothing but good things about the Wayne State business program, and that helped my decision as well.”
At Wayne State, Coons is active with the college’s Esports team (Overwatch 2), the Native/Indigenous Peoples Club, and the Future Business Leaders of America.
Coons will graduate in May 2029 and plans to expand his current business.
Fun Fact: “Before I could even walk, I was already on stage performing for a group called Brulé. They would do Christmas shows, and I would be the baby Jesus in the nativity scene. I have performed with Brulé my entire life.”