Distinguished Alumni Award

Melinda Coffin is the first member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe to hold the position of CEO of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. She brings an intimate knowledge of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal community and its culture and traditions as well as knowledge of the internal operations of Soaring Eagle’s gaming business to the table.

She began her career in gaming with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Gaming Commission Compliance department in 1996 and worked her way up through the organization, most recently serving as the director of guest experience for Soaring Eagle and Saganing Eagles Landing Casino & Hotel.

Under her leadership, Soaring Eagle Gaming launched sports betting and online gaming in 2022, including a multiyear national partnership with the Detroit Lions. Soaring Eagle Gaming chose to launch its own platform instead of selling its license, a milestone achievement.

Melinda is a certified Gaming Commissioner through the National Gaming Commissioner & Regulators. She earned both her undergraduate and MBA degrees from CMU’s College of Business. This year, she was recognized by Imagine This with the award for Native American Woman of the Year for her leadership, innovation and commitment to her community.

She is deeply involved in her community, serving on the board of directors for several organizations, and her spirit name is “Makoons Kwe,” meaning “Little Bear Woman,” reflecting her role as a healer and protector of her tribe.

The Central Michigan University Alumni Association is honored and proud to announce Melinda Coffin as the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award.