Commemorating 50 Years of Higher Education Excellence Diné College Commemorates its 50th Anniversary he have a long history of dedica- Diné College was the first college established by tion to education for their people. A few Native Americans for Native Americans. It set a days before his death in 1893, the great precedent for later tribally controlled colleges on headT chief, Hastinn Ch’il Haajiin (Manuelito) said, or near reservations. Diné College remains the old- “My grandchild, education is the ladder. Tell our est. In the following decades, 38 similar colleges people to take it.” and universities have been founded by other Indian For the past five decades, the Navajos have allocat- tribes serving over 70,000 students and community ed a relatively large proportion of their efforts and members. resources to improving educational oportunities for A major milestone in the development of Diné their tribal members. College was its attainment of accreditation by the The Tribe took a momentous step toward North Central Association (NCA) Commission educational self-determination of Indians by es- on Institutions of Higher Education in 1976. From tablishing Navajo Community College (now Diné its humble beginings in Many Farms, Arizona in College) in 1968. This landmark institution was an 1968, Diné has grown to now offer 8 Baccalaure- innovative means to meet the long unmet postsec- ate degrees, 19 Associate degrees, and 11 Certifi- ondary educational needs of Native Americans. cates. Hastinn Ch’il Haajiin (Manuleto)

2 Diné College at 50 - Ahe’hee’! be built. While many of those elders vajo Nation government and the Navajo are no longer here, their contributions people to confront and fight our modern to the growth of the will day monsters. always be remembered. As we look to the future there are Today, we have 8 bachelor degree, 20 many unanswered questions, but one associate degree and 8 certificate pro- thing is certain: Diné College will be grams, but that is not how we started. there, like we have been in the past, to In the last 50 years, our College has educate minds and arm our Navajo peo- grown in size and purpose. Our facul- ple with knowledge rooted in our Nava- ty has grown, our expertise has grown jo traditions. and our dreams have grown. We con- What are some of those ideas? One tinue to aspire to be the College that such area is the creation of a Diné Col- helps solve the challenges of our Na- lege of Law, a Navajo Sustainability Dr. Charles Monty Roessel vajo Nation. Institute, and a lab school to train Na- President of Diné College When our tribal college was first en- vajo immersion teachers. These are just visioned, it was to help educate our some ideas that the College is exploring. iné College is celebrating its people to find jobs and learn about Undoubtedly, there will be many more 50th anniversary in 2018. In their Navajo identity. It was hoped that as we pivot into our next 50 years. honoring our College, we are armed with this knowledge students Rest assured, a constant in the previ- alsoD exalting all of the students who would also help solve the challenges ous 50 years was a high quality faculty have graduated and attended our insti- facing the Navajo Nation. They were well-versed in their knowledge, teach- tution over the years. right. ing abilities and scholarship. To meet We further thank all the employees For example, in the early 1970s, the our goals, we will continue to rely on who have worked at the College. And Diné College Board of Regents com- our faculty to challenge and teach our finally, we say thank you to the Nava- missioned a study to explore alterna- students. Their commitment is matched jo Nation and our leaders who made tive revenues for the Navajo Nation. by our determination to be the best Col- these 50 years possible. The $8,000 investment in the study has lege in the country. One group of people that the College resulted in more than $2 billion gener- and the Navajo Nation will forever be ated by the Navajo Nation over the past indebted to are those Tsaile communi- decades. ty members who gave their land so the Throughout its history, Diné Col- first tribal college in the country could lege has been a partner with the Na-

Tachinee Scott Founding Fathers

From Tuba City, Arizona, Tachinee Scott, At Rough Rock, Arizona, around 1970, two Peterson Zah was tribal chairman in 1983. Ph.D., professor emeritus at California of Diné College’s “Founding Fathers,” Dil- “Diné College is a place of importance State University-Northridge, taught biolo- lon Platero, member of the Education Com- when it comes to education on the Navajo gy at Diné College in 1972. “Anybody who mittee and Director of Rough Rock Dem- Nation,” he said. Chairman Zah was instru- goes there will get a good education. It is a monstration School, right, sits with Alan mental in the creation of the College’s Cen- positive thing that Diné College now offers D. Yazzie, Chairman of the Tribal Council’s ter for Diné Teacher Education. bachelor’s degrees.” Education Committee. 3 Navajo Leaders Recognize Diné Former Diné College President Returns For College’s 50th Anniversary Speaker Series The proclamation references the start of Diné College in 1968 as Navajo Community College. In 1971, reads the proclamation, the federal Navajo Community College Act authorized “grants to the tribe for the construction, maintenance and opera- tion of Navajo Community College and that it be designed and operated by the Navajo tribe to ensure that qualified Navajo and other applicants have ed- ucational opportunities.” When the College was called Navajo Community Dr. Tommy Lewis College, classes were conducted in mobile homes President of Diné College in Many Farms, Ariz. The College later moved to 1992 - 1999 Greg Bigman, President of the Board of Regents, Nation Nation President , Board Tsaile. hen it came to making arrangements Member Theresa Hatathlie, Student Regent Felisha “Fifty years is quite an achievement,” President for the Navajo Community College/ Adams, and Diné College President Charles Roessel Begaye said upon signing the proclamation. “We’re Diné College Speaker Series, orga- hold the signed 50th Anniversary Proclamation. really proud to have a College of our own. “We still Wnizer Miranda Haskie, Ed.D, didn’t have to look he declared 2018 hear the (Diné College) name all over the country, very far. One of their own is a member of the as a celebration of “The 50th Anniversary and it reminds us of our legacy and our commit- Board of Regents at Diné College. It was a de- of Diné College,” at the Jan. 23 Winter ment to move forward.” cision that Dilkon, Ariz., native Tommy Lewis, CouncilT Session. The timing of the 50th anniversary is significant, Ed.D, made instantaneously. A proclamation was signed by Nation Nation Roessel said. The College was founded on the cen- Lewis gave a talk Jan. 30 about the history and President Russell Begaye, Navajo Nation Speak- tennial anniversary of the Treaty of 1868. While the challenges of the College during the 1990s. He er Lorenzo Bates, Diné College President Charles Navajo Nation prepares to commemorate 150 years was president from 1993 to 2000 after Augus- Roessel and Interim Chief Justice of the Navajo Na- since its ancestors returned from Hwéeldi, Diné tine Martinez resigned the post. tion Thomas J. Holgate. College is honoring its past and preparing for the “Navajo Community College/Diné College Among those attending the signing were Greg future, he said. put a mark out there for everyone to recog- Bigman, Theresa Hatathlie, Felisha Adams, Nel- “We established the first tribal college press and nize,”Lewis told about 50 audience members. son BeGaye and Tommy Lewis of the Diné College began working on a history of the treaty at 100 “I am very privileged and honored to have been Board of Regents. years,” Roessel said. “One of the first books we here.” “This is an acknowledgement of the 50th anniver- published was about the Treaty of 1868.”The main Although Lewis left the president’s position at sary of Diné College,” Bigman said. “Diné College, campus of Diné College in Tsaile broke ground Diné College in 2000, he said he still has fond which was originally called Navajo Community in April 1973 and there grew five additional cam- memories of the College’s “people and leaders College, was an experiment to other Native Amer- puses after that in Crownpoint, Chinle, Tuba City, who were instrumental in serving Diné Col- ican tribes who started community colleges them- Shiprock and Window Rock. lege.” selves.” And the students and instructors who’ve graced the College over the years remain an im- portant part of what represents the core of Diné Attending Diné College College, Lewis said. The Diné College Office of Recruitment Lewis mentioned people like Robert Roessel, is often the first contact that prospective Yazzie Begay, Charlie Benally, Guy Gorman, students have with the College. Peter McDonald and Peterson Zah, among oth- ers, noting that Roessel was a founding member Our job is to help students get situated of the College and its first president. MacDon- and sent in the right direction for what is Publication Credits: ald, a former chairman of the Navajo Nation, needed at Diné College. Among our many put together the first Board of Regents at the functions, we visit schools and provide This publication was developed and College and was instrumental in securing some information, conduct campus tours, as- designed by the Dine College Office of of its early funding. sists with student applications, provide Marketing & Communications. Lewis oversaw the name change from Navajo information about 8 Bachelor’s degree Community College, which was prompted by programs, 20 Associate of Arts and Asso- George Joe, Diné College the College’s offering of baccalaureate degrees. ciate of Science programs, 8 certificates, Director of Marketing & Communications “There are now eight baccalaureate programs and residential life, among various other Project Manager/Editor in 50 years,” Lewis mused. “That’s a tremen- topics. dous accomplishment,” he said, noting the Ed McCombs, Diné College College’s myriad of coursework in Navajo lan- Contact our office if you have questions Graphic Content Specialist guage and or would like us to visit your school or Layout/Design, Photography culture. provide a tour. “I knew a lot of these people,” Lewis said Bernie Dotson, Diné College of the early leaders. “They were good people. [email protected] Public Relations Officer People who were looking and thinking years [email protected] Writer/Editor ahead.” 4 Diné College Back When... Dedication of Navajo Community College’s Tsaile Campus was Big News The April 1971 issue of the Navajo Community College Newsletter reported on a big event in the history of the first tribally controlled college in the .

Theodore Tsosie, Charley Benally, Navajo Medicine men, Rep. Wayne N. Aspinal D-Colo., and Navajo Tibal Chairman Peter Mac- Donald participated in the traditional ground blessing for the Tsaile campus on April 13, 1971.

“Few people will remember what I say at this dedication but I believe all people will long remember what the Navajo People accomplished here.”

— Peter MacDonald Chairman, Navajo Tribe

This cornstalk sculpture is located at the Tsaile campus and stands at the spot where the original seed was planted, at the time of the founding of the College. The location is in front of the Library.

5 6 “The prayers were started many years ago to insure the growth and strength of Navajo Community College. This is the only col- lege where all knowl- edge comes together— both Indian knowledge as well as the knowl- edge of the world... It is unique because this knowledge is not offered anywhere else... We must preserve the traditional ways of the Navajo people. Navajo Community College can help us do that.”

—Allan Harvey

“We want education for young people so they will know who they are and where they came from. They should learn respect for nature and others. They should de- velop their knowledge.”

—Mike Mitchell 7 Dr. Ned Hatathli First Navajo President of Navajo Community College 1969-1972

“Dr. Ned A. Hatathli of Navajo Community College at a news conference in Washington, D.C. in 1972, was asked what makes a tribal college different and after some thought, replied: “FOR ONE THING, WE DON’T TEACH THAT COLUMBUS DISCOVERED AMERICA.”

8 Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkvliet, Ph.D. A Nostalgic Look at Navajo Community College Diné College President 2000 - 2003 Navajo Educator Don McCabe Frets That He’ll Be Cut Off at the Cross-Cultural Pass By Linda Witt, July 17, 1978 McCabe stiffened academic programs (“our meat and potatoes”), but, attempting a balance, main- Donald McCabe tained Navajo studies (“the salt and pepper”). “Students should know the values that made the President of Navajo Community College n recognition of the 50th Anniver- 1972 - 1979 Navajos great and develop that strength of charac- ter here.” sary of Diné College, I extend my A much-decorated Army sergeant in World sincerest best wishes on this happy War II (he fought at Bastogne in the Battle of the Ioccasion. It is an honor to have served Bulge) and Korea, McCabe postponed his college as Diné College’s 13th and first female days until he was married and had gone through a president from 2000 to 2003. My com- series of jobs. Finally, in 1965 at the age of 40, he entered the University of New Mexico and went mitment to Diné Colleges’ education- on to be the first Indian to graduate from the UNM al, philosophical, spiritual and cultural business school. His doctorate was in education goals and relevance helped me to nav- administration. igate three challenging, and ultimately With wife Florence and daughter Patricia, 14 successful, years. onald A. McCabe, 52, straddles two cul- (son Bill, 18, will be a Stanford junior in Sep- I listened to and learned from a broad tures. He is the great-great-grandson of a tember), McCabe lives in a four-bedroom home legendary warrior, Barboncito, who helped which, like almost every other structure on the spa- spectrum of Diné College constituents negotiateD the Navajo Indian nation’s first treaty cious campus, is octagonal-shaped, like a Navajo and created a healthier work environ- with the United States. Don McCabe also has a hogan. “We love the dust, sagebrush, everything,” ment. Faculty and staff worked very Ph.D. from Stanford University. So when he took they declare, though sometimes they feel an urge hard to consider and balance decisions to over last year as president of Navajo Community to drive four hours to Albuquerque for pizza and improve and strengthen Diné College’s College in Tsaile, Ariz., he was not surprised to be Chinese food. core curriculum, business operations, caught in the academic cross fire. On occasions, too, McCabe finds the job of a At issue was the purpose of the 10-year-old, college president frustrating. Trustee and faculty campus facilities, and students’ experi- 2,400-student, multicampus school. Was it to pre- meetings at NCC tend to be rancorous, and his ences. pare young Navajos for survival in the white man’s $30,000-a-year job always seems to be in jeopardy. Points of pride in our shared experienc- society? Or should it direct its energies to preserv- Still, he projects a profound inner calm. “I used to es brought forth opportunities in which ing the ethnic identity of a proud tribe now number- have a hair-trigger temper, but I found that doesn’t the Navajo Tribal Council appropriations ing 150,000? pay,” he says. “If you lose control of yourself, to Diné College were more than quadru- The quandary springs from the dismal history of you’ve already lost the battle.” Indian education, which McCabe knows firsthand. pled; our reaccreditation to the Higher His father, he says, was part of the first generation Learning Commission was secured; and of Indian children “kidnapped by the BIA [Bureau skilled administrators were hired and re- of Indian Affairs] and herded off to mission schools tained. in the early part of this century.” The elder McCabe I am especially proud of the generous became so Americanized he refused to teach his children anything Navajo. “Learning all that is not gifts of R.C. Gorman’s personal library going to put one slice of bread on your table,” he’d collection and works of art, now housed say. Most of the young McCabes (eight boys, three in the R.C. Gorman Special Collections girls) dutifully set off for college degrees. wing of the main library. But Navajo Community College was founded in Diné College’s invaluable contribution different times—the “flower child era when black to creating access to higher education was beautiful and red was even better,” says Mc- Cabe. “Every federal agency was throwing money across the Navajo Nation is very im- into ethnic things, and if you were an Indian they portant to our tribe’s future. May Diné smothered you in it.” The result was education- College walk in Beauty as it grows and al disaster at NCC where, McCabe now marvels, transforms in the next 50 years! Go War- “the only requirements were three credit-hours of riors! Navajo language and six of Navajo history—no Warmest regards, social studies, math, science.” Students graduated from the junior college after amassing 64 hours, but Left to right: Chairman Raymond Nakai, Guy Gor- — Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkvliet, Ph.D. discovered that other schools refused to accept their man, Chairman Peter McDonald, and Chairman credits. Peterson Zah. 9 School of Business and Social and School of Arts, Humanities and English

Behavioral Science Associate of Arts, Fine Arts

Associate of Arts, Business Administration Carlon P Ami II, TS** Troy Tso,TS Jessiah Lynn Willeto, TS **

Felisha Adams, TS*** Rena Mae Endischee, TC Heather Janice Olsen, CH **

Lahomah Allisyn Bahe, TS Mamie Hamilton, SR Querida J Tallwood,TS Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts

Rochelle Lynn Bahe,TS Charmayne Lynn James, TS Mariah E Thomas, TS Janaya J Begay, SR Rayn Bennett-Begay, TS Colby Dalton, TS Treva Begay, TC Rosanna Wynne Jenkins, TC VJarad Tohannie, TC Jeremy J Begay, TC *** Sage Arlena Bond, TC Ameraiah Franki Joe, CP Xandria Adero Begay, TS Nethaline Joe, WR Jimmisa T Tsinnijinnie, TS Karen Sharen Begay, SR Autumnrain K Chee, SR Lucinda B Largo, CP Kayla Toni Ariana Bluehorse, SR * Andrea Elisa Nez, CH Krystal Vicenti, TS Ashley Mai Curtis, TC Mitchell Roy Nakai, SR Terri Lynette Yazzie, TS LeAndra Dawn Desiderio-Bia, CP Jo Ann B Nez, TS School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Associate of Arts, Computer Information System

Ian Howard Tom, TS Associate of Science, Biology

Wade Anthony Cadman, TS Tyler L Begay, TS Kaylin Kelsey Harvey, TS Associate of Applied Science, Business Management Brittany Raye Begay, TS Kylynn Brown, TS *** Jordan Gayle Mescal, TS ** Devon Begay, TS Aaron Charley, TS Letanya R Thinn, TS Julian Jay Perry, TS Tina L Roanhorse, TS Areana Draper, CH

Associate of Science, Environmental Science

Associate of Applied Science, Office Administration

Filvert Henry Kinlichee, TS Alexandra Thompson, TS Renee Yazzie Begay, CH Dovanna Etcitty, SR Georlinda Tsosie, TS

Associate of Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences Associate of Science, General Science

Ephraim Jacob Avery, TS Aaron Charley, TS Letanya R Thinn, TS Harlinda Heidi Acothley, TC Jeremy Jack Francisco, TS Vanessa Ann Stash, SR ** Devon Begay, TS Jordan Gayle Mescal, TS ** Leisha T Yazzie, TS * Laurel J Antonio, SR Irene Nizhoni Gertrude, TC *** Cody S Taylor, TC Tyler L Begay, TS Terri Jean Mitchell, TS * Urian Jacob Yazzie, TS Karen Sharen Begay, SR Shannon Lynnise Gorman, TS Jolinda T Tsawatewa, TC Dominique Ashley Nez, TS Shynell R Begay, TS Darian Henry, TC Troy Uentillie, TS Tara Dawn Begay, TC Ashlyn Jim, TC Denise Ellen Vecenti, TS ** Associate of Science, Health Occupations Xandria Adero Begay, TS JoHansen Slim Jim, TS Hope Whitehair, TS Cassondra Westina Begaye, CH Perry Lewis, SR Jacie Hawk Whitethorne TC Herrisha A Acothley, TC Atheina D Claw, TC Eldrida Lewis, TS Anthony Leo Benally, SR ** Bryan Joseph Roessel, TS Lorencita Willie, TS Leander Bahe, TS Josephine Curley, TS Adrianne R Mitchell, CH, Kayla Toni Ariana Bluehorse, SR * Tashina R Ross, SR Eric Paul Yazzie, TC Devon Begay, TS Aubrey Marie Denny, TS Ernestina Anna Nez, TS * Kristia Burns, TC Persia S Sloan, TC Quintera Lynn Yazzie, TS Eric Sam Begay, TS Areana Draper, CH Ninovia Quintana, TS * Santiago Flores, TS Holly Smith, CH Steavic Stuart Yazzie, CH Suniti Leora Begay, TS Marita Cheyenne Etsitty, TS Marqia Aerial Sandoval, CH Tyrone Francis, TS Keannah Lily Speen, TS Vanessa E Begaye, TS Niomi Francis, TS Cheyanna Hewey Shepherd, TS * Colin Ien Benally, TS Charmayne Gene, TS Iris Tohannie, TC Associate of Arts, Social Work Lemix Benally Jr, TS Kameron Taylor-Phillip Granger, TC *** Juanina Marie Tracy, TS Ashleigh Rae Bennett, TS Lesley T Gravatt, TS Yannabah Tsinnijinnie, TS Laurel J Antonio, SR Rachelle Lyna Dia, TS * Vanessa Ann Stash, SR** Crystal Beno, CH Rael Rae James, TS Megan Tsosie, TS Joyce Maria Hoskie,CP Charlissa Bilagody, TC ** Melanie R John, TS Pattie Tuttle, TS Davina Billy, TS Monica Kristen John, SH ** Felicia Dominica Williams, TS Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration Alicia Jean Blackhat, TC Cheralynn Johnson, SH Anastasia Yazzie, TS Amber Courtnie Kee, TS Briana Jean Yazzie, TS Felisha Adams, TS *** Teresita R Bizadi, TS * Ronald D Silversmith, TS * Shawna Marie Begay, TS Jasmine M Jishie, TS ** LaWanda Raelene Watchman, TS

Sonya Marie Begay, TS Ilene Nez, TS Associate of Science, Mathematics

Lawrence Johnnie Alfred Jr, TC *** Kayeona D Teller, Tsaile Loren Kahn Yazzie, TS Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Curtis Badonie, TS Bryant N Jones, TS Eulane Shirley, TS Associate of Science, Pre-Engineering

Sheldon Begay, TS Kristin Kay Mitchell, TS Derrina Leanne Wauneka, TS Daniel Lee Allen, TS Tiko Jyrell Tsinnijinnie, TS * Loren Kahn Yazzie, TS Johnnie Emerson Bia Jr, TS Ermas Reachelle Parrish, TS *

Associate of Science, Public Health, Health Education Socio-Cultural School of Diné Studies and Education Stephanie Benally, WR * Jeri Gertrude Garfield, SR Kayla-Rae N Wakeland, TC Bernadean Gamble-Little, TC Marqia Aerial Sandoval, CH Associate of Arts, Dine Studies

Bachelor of Science, Biology Irene Nizhoni Gertrude, TS *** Shannon Lynnise Gorman, TS Troy Uentillie, TS Clarissa Renae Hanks, TS Tisha Lynn Vecenti, TS Darrell Yazzie Jr, TS Associate of Arts, Early Childhood Education Adrian Tsosie, TS Darren Tommy Wagner, TS ** Jamie Alice Yazzie, TS *

Diedra Benally, WR Sheryl Lynn Benally,TS Terrilynn Tso, TS Certificate, Public Health (in conjunction with the University of Arizona)

Associate of Arts, Education Lynn Dean, Chinle Andreana Jim, CH * Krishanya Smith, TC Jeri Gertrude Garfield, SR Marqia Aerial Sandoval, CH Kayla-Rae Wakeland, TC Kaylee Renata Begay, SR Dominique Sarah James, TS Jordan Ryan Steele,TS Eric Goldtooth, TS * Angel Mariah Mark, TS Sharon Welch, TC *** Adult Education Graduates Chad Ryon Mescal, TS* Johannah H Barber Myron E Curley Lusita R Nez Certificate, Navajo Cultural Arts Nicole T Begay Tony J Dayzie Edmen Peshlakai Reihanna D Begay Tylerson L Doctor Cody Reed Ephraim Anderson, TS *** Waycee Kyle Harvey, TS Brent D Toadlena, TS Nicholas R Bizardi Jamie Jones Aaron Begay, TS Farrah Fae Mailboy, TS Quanah O’Brien Yazzie, TS TS - Tsaile Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education TC - Tuba City CH - Chinle Tihannah Carroll, TS Brandon Ryan Dinae, TS Ethan Charles Tom, TS ** WR - Window Rock Jacqueline Jean Chief, TS * Aretina Mitchell, TS * Rackell Werito, TS * SR - Shiprock Denise Denny, TS Shirleen Tabaha, TS Daris Yazzie, TS CP - Crownpoint - Veteran

10 www.dinecollege.edu Native Son Returns As Diné College Dean of Diné Studies and Education Longtime Diné s a young col- was also the Dean of Students at Navajo Technical College lege student, University in Crownpoint, N.M., and the Superin- Administrator, Lawrence Isaac, tendent of Schools in Shonto, Ariz. Jr.,A helped Diné College Isaac graduated from Diné College and was the Teacher Says through some of its grow- College’s first student body president in 1968 during ing pains. the administration of Ned Hatathli. He served six ‘it’s time’ Today, Isaac, a doctor- years in the Marines — and remembers the senti- Don Denetdeal retiring after al recipient in education ments surrounding the Vietnam War. 29.5 years from the University of Ar- “We are honored to have someone like (Dr. Isaac) izona, returns to the Col- back at Diné College,” Diné College Provost Dr. lege in a new role to help Geraldine Garrity said. “He brings a wealth of edu- again. cation and experience to the job.” Dr. Lawrence Issac Isaac, a Black Mesa, Isaac said he’s the perfect person to carry out the Ariz., native and former U.S. Marine, was recently College’s mission of Native American instruction. named this week as Diné College’s Dean of Diné He said he’s a role model, saying years ago he at- Studies and Education. tended boarding school in Riverside, Okla. “It’s great to be back,” Isaac said. “This is where “What we want to do at Diné College is educate it all started for me. I’m very grateful at being back through coursework,” Isaac said. “I’m talking about at (Diné College).” strengthening Diné philosophy and education and Isaac said he’ll work on strengthening curriculum keeping the emphasis with that.” and, administratively, adhering to Diné College’s Isaac assisted in the formation of Diné College’s Don Denetdeal strategic goals — such as furthering Diné identity. satellite campus in Kayenta in 1997 and was the He said he won’t be teaching, but said he plans to Kayenta’s campus director for a short while. Later, help out on the teaching side as much as possible. he was a grant writing and proposals consultant in Isaac’s job stints over the years include serving Tucson for a number of years. on Denetdeal said he’ll spend as an educational consultant in Kayenta, Ariz. He his free time tending to odd jobs around his home on the NavajoD Nation near Klagetoh, Ariz., Dr. Martin Miguel Ahumada President of Diné College 2015-2017 things that he wasn’t able to do due to I know in my heart that the Founders of Diné schedule demands. College were also pragmatists who wanted the He started at Diné College in 1989 institution to continue being “relevant” with the as an academic advisor at the Ganado changing times—such as by coping effectively Center, worked at the Window Rock with the fact and force of “change.” Center as the site director and ultimate- They would therefore be very proud to see how ly took the faculty job at Tsaile teach- the College has evolved into an increasingly ing Navajo Indian Studies classes. multi-purp ose or comprehensive institution of- “I really enjoyed teaching Diné fering a constantly expanding and enhancing set Studies classes, teaching the subject of academic programs—and ultimately embrac- areas with a focus on Navajo points of ing new initiatives to fulfill the all-important mis- view, Navajo interpretations, Navajo sion of nation-building. reactions and pro-actions,” Denetdeal n pondering the historic moment that Diné said.” College (then Navajo Community Col- They would be just as proud to see how the Col- lege is endeavoring like never before to prepare “It’s time. I wish the College well lege) was founded—a half-century ago—I and hope the College doesn’t lose Iam reminded of Victor Hugo’s poignant words: truly global citizens who are anchored in their focus on Navajo traditional knowledge. “Greater than the tread of mighty armies is an Navajo identity. It is no accident that Dr. Charles “Monty” Roes- The students need to know issues af- idea whose time has come.” fecting the great Navajo Nation. When These words capture the magnitude and sel, who is the son of Diné College’s Founding President, is now keeping his own appointment they (students) leave the College, they splendor of the vision and courage befitting the must have the tools needed to be proac- Founders of American’s first Indigenous institu- with destiny by laying the foundations for the next half-century of the institution’s historic journey. tive and be equipped with solutions to tion of higher learning—who kept their appoint- problems — they should not be part of ment with destiny. the problem.” It is because of them that I have the privi- We celebrate that additional blessing today!

lege today to serve as the Founding President

of one of American’s newest TCUs: San Carlos

Apache College. It is because of them that all of — Dr. Martin Miguel Ahumada

us are more empowered today to pursue the right to self-determination and justice for our Indige- nous communities. 11