THE MAGAZINE OF THE NORTHERN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION The Player Tourism guru and NAU alumna Karen Churchard, ’81, helps the Super Bowl touch down in Arizona

SPRING 2007

Room Mates NAU’s new conference center and hotel are a marriage of town-and- gown resources p. 12 All in her Mind Philosophy professor Julie Piering talks shop about Plato, Socrates and playing third base p. 14

ALSO: Warren Buffett hosts NAU’s CBA in Omaha and shares his wealth of knowledge. p. 16 In this Issue

 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com First & Goal After 21 seasons at the Fiesta Bowl and a Super 8 Bowl coup, playmaker Karen Churchard, ’81, leads the offense for Arizona tourism.

FEATURES Where to Meet Next year, NAU’s 1 ever-expanding2 campus adds a conference center and hotel.

The Obstacle is the Path 1 Richard4 A. Wood professor Julie Piering talks about her passion for philosophy and how today’s students may be tomorrow’s deep thinkers.

Thoughts A mystery novel conjures images of Flagstaff— 4 a reminder of the connections we have with our mountain campus.

Links A Message from the President, Looking for 5Mr. Goodell, Volunteer of the Year, Alumnus of the Year, A Branch Grows in Yuma and more.

Journeys NAU’s CBA students travel to Omaha 16and meet Warren Buffett. DEPARTMENTS Connections Linking up with former Lumberjacks 18and meeting some future ones.

Memoirs They will be 21 missed.

▲ Gila River Primroses —Photograph by George Stocking

Cover Photo Karen Churchard, ’81, photographed at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.—the site of the 2008 Super Bowl. —Photograph by Michael Mertz

naualumni.com I Spring 2007  NAThoughtsU SPRING 2007 PINE

Publisher, Molly Williams Managing Editor, Krista Perkins, ’98 [email protected] Editor, Anne Walden Mysteries [email protected] recently finished reading a mur- NAU Alumni Association der mystery set in Flagstaff, National Board of Directors which surprised me when it first President, Sam Leyvas, ’97, Phoenix Ireferred to NAU. San Francisco Street, Vice President, Clifford E. (Kip) Alexander III, ’94, Flagstaff Snowbowl and other familiar land- Immediate Past President marks were showcased throughout the Rhian Evans Allvin, ’94, Vail, Ariz. Treasurer story and made me stop and think about John M. Clark, ’77 & ’81, Oracle the many different ways Flagstaff reso- parliamentarian Barbara McCloud, ’78, Phoenix nates with people. It can be a home- or Marc Atonna, ’95, Tempe college-town, a vacation spot, even a Mike Beatty, ’77, Prescott backdrop for mystery and adventure. LaTrice Brewster, ’92, Tucson Wayne L. Connelley, ’76, Phoenix Adventure is a common thread in this issue of PINE. You’ll meet Karen Churchard, Joy Gaeraths, ’98 & ’05, Chandler ’81, whose dynamic career has taken her to the pinnacles of college and professional Ira Greenspan, ’71, Phoenix José E. Herrera, ’96 & ’01, Gilbert football, the Fiesta Bowl and the Super Bowl. Read how this dynamic advocate for Debra Himes, ’75, Gilbert Gerald P. (Jerry) Marchal, ’60, Fountain Hills Arizona tourism keeps the ball in the air (pg. 8). Julie Piering is a new NAU professor Yvette Martin, ’92, Phoenix specializing in an intellectually challenging and rarefied field not usually dominated Dick Nothstein, ’59 & ’63, Palmerton, Pa. Kimberly Ott, ’82, Flagstaff by women—philosophy. Join us as she offers a fresh angle on the status and direction Marvin Peterson, ’61 & ’70, Redding, Calif. of philosophy and ethics in modern culture (pg. 14). Paul J. Peterson, ’00, Phoenix Heidi Shoen, ’72, Flagstaff On pg. 12, NAU’s 21st-century campus continues its startling metamorphosis with its Daniel Slayton, ’78 & ’91, Flagstaff new conference center and hotel. And it was the financial adventure of a lifetime for some Gary Tom, ’71 & ’75, Fredonia, Ariz.

of our alumni-in-residence (a.k.a. students) when they met the world’s second-richest Ex Officio man, Warren Buffett (pg. 16). As always, check out what your fellow alumni have been up NAU President, Dr. John D. Haeger to in Connections, and remember those who are gone in Memoirs. Vice President for University Please remember to send us updates on you and your classmates. We truly enjoy Advancement, Molly Williams NAU Athletics Director, Jim Fallis sharing your accomplishments with your fellow alumni and friends. I leave you now lifetime member, Dr. Joseph C. Rolle, ’41 with a note from our PINE editor: lifetime member, Robert E. Crozier Jr., ’53 & ’71 Body President, Eric Norgard Krista isn’t just paying lip service to the idea of alumni connection when she asks NAU Office of Alumni Relations you to submit your life updates. I know that when I receive my alma mater’s alumni DIRECTOR, magazine, I read it backwards, flipping straight to the class notes section. That’s how Neil Goodell, ’76 & ’96 ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR, I found out a guy I went out with sophomore Krista Perkins, ’98 communications, year has since founded his own religion, and Anne Walden that one of my closest college girlfriends not Volunteer and Student Programs, CORRECTION Beth Bourget, ’02 only works for a luxury California spa resort, In the fall 2006 PINE article on climate research- reunions and Events Coordinator, but can get me honkin’ room rate discounts. Beth Martin ers, “Feeling the Heat,” George Koch of NAU’s Administrative ASSOCIATE, Judith Burk Think of your Connection as an answer events coordinator, Toni Fox Department of Biological Sciences was incor- to the burning question, “What has NAU Reunion and events coordinator, Erin Bertelsen, ’01 done for me lately?” After all, 90,000 read- rectly identified as an associate professor. He is ers who read the PINE backwards can’t all a full professor. Publishing Consultants Editor, Leigh Flayton be wrong. Art Director, Lisa Altomare NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES Prep specialist, Julie S. Fong Production manager, Laura Marlowe To submit address and name/marital status V.P./CREATIVE SERVICES, Beth Tomkiw Krista Perkins, ’98 changes, call the NAU Office of Alumni Relations Account supervisor, Robyn LaMont ’96 Managing Editor McMurry CEO, Chris McMurry, ’87 toll-free at 888-628-2586 (888-NAU-ALUM), PINE is published twice annually by McMurry, or email [email protected]. 1010 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85014. For more information about custom publishing, call McMurry at 888-626-8779. All editorial content © 2007 NAU Alumni Anne Walden Association. All rights reserved. PINE is a registered Send your letters to the editor to: trademark of NAU Alumni Association. Editor PINE Vol. 8, No. 2. Box 6034 Flagstaff, AZ 86011-6034  Spring 2007 I naualumni.com Or email [email protected] sPriNg 2007 LinksNAU

NAUAA Dwight PINE Patterson (1934) Alumnus of the Year Award Connection Sam S. eading this issue of We plan to increase our Borozan, PINE, you will discover existing health professions ‘57 B.S., ‘61 M.A., further proof—not programs, including the ‘67 M.A. Rthat you need any—of the physical therapy program At home on the playing unbreakable connection in Flagstaff, and expanding field and in the class- between NAU and its graduates, the doctorate in physical who continue to give back to the therapy in Phoenix. We also room, Sam Borozan has been institution in innumerable ways. Dr. John D. Haeger, NAU President will extend dental hygiene a familiar face at NAU for more Neil Goodell, who has two in Phoenix and nursing in than 50 years. As a student, he NAU degrees, is returning to Flagstaff to serve as Tucson, Prescott and Yuma. was a founder of “Mom and our new alumni director. Welcome home, Neil. We Our statewide endeavors are answering the Dad’s Day.” As an administrator, look forward to working with you. call to make higher education accessible and he was recognized with the With so many alumni contributing in so many affordable to all of Arizona, with our institution ways, it is difficult to select a few to be honored. providing high-demand programs to satisfy ASNAU Outstanding Faculty/ Yet we have chosen some for special recognition. workforce development needs. Staff Award, and as the 1991 Congratulations to Scott Coor, Sam Borozan, Soon we will open a state-of-the-art facility Homecoming Dedicatee. Harold and Marion Elliott, and Karen Churchard. at Interstate 17 and Greenway Road in Phoenix. Sam’s involvement in the It will be a wireless, full-service location for up Scott, for example, arranged for a group of lives of NAU student-athletes students to meet business legend and philanthro- to 3,000 students, with classrooms, advising, includes his endowment of pist Warren Buffett. If you stay attuned to univer- administrative offices, a cafeteria and more. three diverse scholarships. sity happenings, you will discover new initiatives With so many inspiring accomplishments that may impress you even more. and strategies it is easy to be proud of An NAU Athletics Hall of Fame The institution is moving forward to address the Northern Arizona University and easy to be inductee and former chair, he state’s severe shortages in health professionals. a proud graduate. also donated scoreboards to three Lumberjack facilities. Above all, he has enjoyed a NAUAA Jeff Ferris (1936) Volunteer of the Year Award 51-year mission as a coach and Scott Coor, ‘76 B.S.B.A. referee, culminating in a spot Not only did Scott and with a donor for naming the Mr. Buffett (p. 16). The NAUAA in the Arizona Softball Hall of his wife Debbie make a CBA building. congratulates Scott for trans- Fame. The NAUAA congratu- significant personal gift to the Thanks to Scott’s vision, CBA forming the valuable dynamism lates Sam for all he has done College of Business Admini- students and faculty embarked of his own successful career into to realize the academic and stration’s building campaign, on “the ultimate field trip:” a measurable momentum for the athletic potential of Arizona’s but Scott also stepped in as visit to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. future of the university. future leadership. campaign co-chair, organizing to meet with the company’s fellow alumni into a gift-giving renowned CEO, Warren coalition that raised more than Buffett, including a $50,000 for a classroom in the company tour and lunch new CBA building. Scott also followed by a Q&A spearheaded the initial meeting session with

Award Winners (left to right) Sam Borozan, ‘57 B.S., ‘61 M.A., ‘67 M.A. Scott Coor, ‘76 B.S.B.A. and wife Debra, Harold Elliott, ‘49 B.S., ‘51 M.ED., Marion Elliott, ‘52 B.S, ‘57 M.A., and Karen Churchard, ‘81 B.S. 5 NALinksU

NAUAA Dr. Cliff Harkins (1932) Distinguished Citizen of the YearAward Karen Churchard, ‘81 B.S. Getting Their After 21 years with the Fiesta Bowl organi-

zation, Karen Churchard was treat for river rats and newbies alike, last September’s San Juan River trip offered geographical appointed Super Bowl Bid wonders and natural beauty for even the most jaded eyes, commentary by NAU anthropologists/ Coordinator and became archaeologists and a elder, and some unexpectedly gourmet perks (rack of lamb, crème instrumental in the Valley’s Abrûlée). Now the NAUAA Lifelong Learning program is pleased to announce an encore outing, in con- junction with NAU Outdoors and the NAU Anthropology Department. successful campaign to host The 2007 San Juan River program, scheduled for June 8-10 with the evening of the 7th spent in Bluff, the Super Bowl in 2008. Utah, will again follow the spectacular three-day route to Mexican Coordinating everything Hat. Both beginners and aficionados will experience a customized from hotels to rental cars itinerary under the supervision of professional guides and academic For information and for the game, practice sites study leaders. And again, the cuisine will be top-notch—“not the reservations, please and pregame festivities, same old hot dogs and protein bars,” smiles organizer Toni Fox. email [email protected] or call 888-628-2586. Churchard clearly talked to Think champagne chicken, bruschetta...and a view to die for. the “right” people along the way. The big game is pro- jected to have a $400 million A Branch Grows in Yuma impact on the Valley. Although they’re already accustomed to for the challenge of branch campus expansion: extreme sunlight, folks at NAU-Yuma may “The possibility of developing an interdisciplin- Churchard is now execu- wish to celebrate the dawn of a new day. After ary engaged campus that serves students and tive director of the Arizona receiving approval from the Arizona Board the community through experiential learning is Tourism Alliance, ensuring of Regents, the longtime NAU-Arizona very exciting,” says Rodin. “There are lots of the future growth and success Western College affiliation has been officially ways we can focus the applied research exper- designated a branch campus. In addition, tise of the faculty in areas of local need.” of state tourism. She is also NAU President John Haeger has named The NAU-AWC partnership has been indispensable to educational Krista Rodin as Yuma’s new associate vice cited among best practices for university and initiatives as a director for president and campus executive officer. community college partnerships. Now, with the Valley of the Sun Chapter- The president noted that the change of the its new status, the branch campus can seek position title from executive director reflects the federal designation as a Serving National Football Foundation renewed commitment by NAU and the Yuma Institution, which would qualify it for addi- and College Hall of Fame, community to grow the campus. “NAU-Yuma is tional funding. Both the University of Arizona and a member of the NAU a significantly different campus,” Haeger says, and have applauded School of Communication “and we must develop pro- this latest stage in the evolu- grams that serve the students tion of NAU-Yuma. Advisory Council. The NAUAA there.” Rodin, whose last The NAU-Yuma campus applauds Karen for her indom- position was vice provost for was established in 1988 with itable strength, savvy and university outreach at the 509 students. Today’s enroll- dedication to the prosperity University of Connecticut and ment is nearly 700. For more previously served in deanships information on this unique of Arizona’s citizens. (For and professorships at UConn, university partnership and more on Karen’s experiences, St. Joseph’s College and the its programs, please visit see p. 8.) University of Utah, is ready www.nau.edu/nauyuma/.

 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com NAUAA Joe and Marie Rolle (1941/1950) Spirit of NAU Award Harold L. Mr. Goodell Elliott, y the time you read this, had separate wings, the arrange- ‘49 B.S., ‘51 M.ED. new NAU Alumni Director ment made for some interesting Neil Goodell, ‘76 B.S., ‘96 times. Kudos to the administra- and Marion L. BM.ED., will be at home in his Old tive team back then; they were Dick Elliott, Main turret office—when he isn’t extremely insightful.” ‘52 B.S, ‘57 M.A. meeting alumni and board, interfac- In Related News: “My wife, Annie, The Elliotts’ love for ing with university administration, and I attended NAU together. NAU became apparent and saving the world one tailgate We met on a family camping trip before they graduated. Harold at a time. When we asked Neil for when I was in 9th grade...it was some reflections on the university love at first sight. We were high lettered in football and Marion and his own personal philosophy, school sweethearts, and recently was a member of Cardinal Key. Neil Goodell, ‘76 B.S., he demonstrated both calm profes- ‘96 M.ED. celebrated our 30th wedding Decades later, their legacy sionalism and charming candor: anniversary.” (With more than 15 includes sterling careers in the Everlasting Memory: “I was in grade school years of experience working in higher education, Yuma educational community when my brother, Rex (’67 & ’68, B.S., M.A.ED.), Annie is now with the NAU Provost’s office.) and awards from the Yuma uni- graduated from NAU, so my family attended Advise and Consent: “When I was in the PR/ as many home football games as possible. One journalism program, Professor Ray Newton was verse as well as the Arizona Homecoming, he gave me a Lumberjack sweat- a very influential mentor. We’ve kept in touch; in state government. shirt that I proceeded to wear until it was in shreds. fact, he encouraged me to pursue my NAU mas- Even though they reside in I was soooooo proud of that shirt—my mother ter’s degree, and I listened to him, as always.” both Yuma and Prescott, the finally had to rip it off my back.” The Wisdom of Teetering: “I have always con- Elliotts rarely miss an NAU Coed Comfort: “I later lived in SAC Dorm, which sidered myself competitive. One of my mottos is: event in either community. is now McConnell. It was the university’s first If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up Both continue to frequent coed residence hall, and though men and women too much space.” the campus—Marion as a three-time president of the NAU Foundation Board, and ‘66 Gets Its Kicks Harold as a past president ailed as “the first graduating class of the Alumni Association of Northern Arizona University,” Board. The Elliotts also have the Blue and Gold Class of 1966 established seven scholarship Hconverged on Flagstaff Homecoming weekend funds for visual arts and arts to celebrate the 40th year since their flip of the tassel. As we watched them enjoy their reunion education in NAU-Yuma and perks, from tours of the radically transmogri- Watching the parade from Hotel Weatherford. NAU-Yavapai. The NAUAA is fied campus to their beaming introduction at proud to bestow upon Harold Homecoming halftime in the Skydome, we couldn’t help wondering whether these children of the ’60s and Marion Elliott the Spirit were hipper than thou. They certainly knew how to have fun, and could probably teach today’s students of NAU award for their educa- a thing or two. tional excellence and spiritual Attending the ruby anniversary (and perhaps painting the town red), were Ron Black, Diana Ziede beauty, and a wit and warmth Bunger, Ruth Schiavo Clarke, Bob Davies, Diane Edens Davis, Patti Blair Fordney, Mary Crawford Graham, Jim Hart, Jack Hay, Terry Cornett Hay, Gary Kreger, Frank Moody, Patrick Mount, Dewey that blankets the state from Powell, Chuck Pilon, Ron Simonsgaard, Susan Simonsgaard, Betsy Gregg Suter, Diana Chafey Flagstaff to Yuma and beyond. Wagner, Dick Wagner, David Wear, Dennis Wilson and Don Wilson.

naualumni.com I Spring 2007  First &

or most of us, playing in the pros is a dream. thought, ‘Wow, if I can get paid for doing that ...’ ” So, a But Karen Churchard, ‘81 B.S., has been sports-minded public relations major was born. working with the big boys for years, with a While working for the journalism/mass communications career trajectory that has led to prominence department under the tutelage of professor Ray Newton, Gin multimillion-dollar footballo circles and Karen proved Pasteur’sa axiom that chance favors the pre- l landed her a key role in Arizona’s tourism industry. pared mind. “News of internships would come through Ray’s F office,” she says, “and I learned that the Fiesta Bowl was Events Happen looking for an intern.” Soon, with her B.S. and event smarts in Karen’s love of sports goes beyond regular participation— hand, she was off to the Valley of the Sun. it goes as far back as her father’s involvement in Little League. “I absolutely knew what I wanted to do,” she says. Hatching a Phenomenon “I always kept score for the baseball teams, even at NAU.” In 1981, the Fiesta Bowl hadn’t yet become the mega-event But in high school, although she was a cheerleader, another of today, but it was on the cusp. Karen began her internship vocation emerged. the fall before the bowl’s New Year’s Day debut. “I was always doing events,” she says, “running the dif- “At first there were only four full-time staff and me,” ferent dances.” Later, at NAU, Karen was distracted from Karen says. “But I hit my stride with the ‘old-timers,’ and her intended photojournalism major by a public relations saw the bowl’s first huge growth spurt. The 1982 game, USC intro class. “I learned more about special events and vs. Penn State, was a big deal—not only were there two huge

8 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com After 21 undefeated seasons at the Fiesta Bowl and a Super Bowl coup, playmaker Karen Churchard, ‘81,

by Anne Walden leads the offense for Arizona tourism Photography Goalby Michael Mertz “Besides the obvious impact, teams, a Pac-10/Big 10 matchup like the Rose Bowl—but we also had Heisman brings a huge Trophy winner Marcus Allen. After the game that the Fiesta Bowl just blossomed. By the time I left, and the bowl was in the amount of visibility internationally BCS National Championship Game rotation, there were probably 35 full- time staff.” that you could never buy, showing As the Fiesta Bowl took off, Karen’s job followed, dramatically expanding and how beautiful our state is.” changing its focus. Her role as events intern matured into supervisor, and finally athletic department and an alumni Super Woman and vice president of operations, overseeing department. With just the band alone, Tourista Extraordinaire all special events, staff and volunteers. you’re dealing with the director and After 21 years of coaching everyone from “My responsibility was team and game staff, their volunteers, the band, cheer- backers to linebackers, Karen briefly operations,” she says. “I worked directly leaders, cheerleader staff. And then flirted with the idea of retirement. But with the teams on logistics such as hotels, there’s the parade. I can’t even guess opportunity hadn’t lost her phone num- did the team hospitality, worked with how many thousands are involved ber, and she was tapped for the Super ASU on the stadium and with the City in that.” Bowl Bid Committee, charged with the of Tempe on police and public transpor- Karen’s mantra for dealing with all mission of bringing the über-game to tation.” Karen even wrote the definitive these disparate groups—from NCAA the Valley in 2008. With her proven Fiesta Bowl team manual, a necessary officials to beer vendors—is deceptively skills in logistics, negotiation and incen- tool for survival. simple: “Prepare, prepare, prepare.” tives, it’s possible that other cities never “It went over every single detail for the Of course, things don’t always go as had a chance. teams,” she says, “because many of their scripted, but that’s part of the job (see Weighing in on the Super Bowl’s support staffers don’t travel with them.” sidebar). Her other advice, particularly expected effects, Karen says, “Besides As Ops chief, Karen found herself to NAU undergraduates, is, “Learn to the obvious economic impact, the game dealing with “a cast of thousands and write. I remember feeling in college brings a huge amount of visibility inter- thousands. There are 2,500 volunteers that I wasn’t a very good writer, but nationally that you could never buy, for the Fiesta Bowl, along with regular over the years I’ve certainly used what showing how beautiful our state is—and and seasonal staff. Each team has an I learned—and more.” our Valley. Restaurants, transportation and hotel taxes will be very significant. In fact, our resort hotels are usually Rubbing Elbows already full during that time of year, but with the bowl an even greater majority lthough reticent about name-dropping and dish, of hotels will be sold out overall.” Karen told us about a few of the famous folks she Karen’s preoccupation with the met in the big bowl business: well-being of Arizona’s economic pros- A perity didn’t end with the successful Vice President Al Gore: “Very special. He came in for the bid. In her current position as execu- Tennessee/Florida State national championship.” tive director of the Arizona Tourism Alliance, she has been entrusted with Luis Gonzales: “He was grand marshal of the Fiesta Bowl nothing less than shepherding the the year the D’Backs won the World Series. Everything you’ve momentum of the state’s entire tourism industry. The alliance’s mission is “to read about him is so true. He was concerned that I was going increase awareness of tourism and to get in the way of the Colorado buffalo, a live mascot, say- strengthen Arizona’s economy” through ing, ‘If you get hit by that buffalo you’ll be on ESPN forever— 1) educating elected officials, busi- and that’s not the way you want to get on ESPN.’” nesses and the public about the benefits of tourism; 2) influencing government Garth Brooks: “We met with him in Las Vegas because we action related to tourism by advocating were trying to convince him to be our grand marshal. I’m for tourism policy; and 3) facilitating not a big country fan, but I was really taken aback by how partnerships between various stake- wonderfully down-to-earth he is.” holder organizations that benefit from tourist expenditures. Photo Top Left; Charley Gallay, Getty Images Entertainment, Bottom Left; Peter Kramer, Getty Images Entertainment Images Getty Kramer, Peter Left; Bottom Entertainment, Images Getty Gallay, Charley Left; Top Photo

10 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com Although the importance of state tourism would seem to be a given, there are roadblocks. “Some people feel the state shouldn’t be providing monies for ‘marketing,’ ” Karen says. “But our argument is we are generating taxes from nonresidents. People come here to enjoy our great state. If they eat at a restaurant or stay at a hotel, about 3 percent of that tax money goes back to the Arizona Office of Tourism. Essentially, tourists are paying taxes that in turn pay for services in areas such as public safety and education.”

Laurels, and a Few Perks Although Karen has maintained her ties with NAU as a member of the School of Communication Advisory Council, she never expected to be applauded by her alma mater for doing work she loves. In 2006, the NAU Alumni Association recognized her with one of its highest honors, the Dr. Cliff Harkins (1932) Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. “It was so humbling,” Karen says. “At first I was so amazed I didn’t even tell anyone.” The Truth Behind Murphy’s Law Fittingly, the award was presented to aren’s favorite anecdote about staving off potential disaster goes Karen at halftime of the Homecoming back to one of the appearances of the Tennessee Volunteers football game on the 50-yard line, in marching band. front of a cheering crowd. “Their band director, a very revered and meticulous individual, made me Professor emeritus Ray Newton, who K rather nervous,” she says. “I had already given him incorrect mathematical nominated his former student for the information [on the size of an American flag] that affected their routine. He was Harkins award, agrees that Karen’s con- tributions can’t be valued too highly. rightfully upset, and I apologized profusely, but I couldn’t make the flag shorter. “Professors are among the luckiest “In the same program, the Air Force Academy Wings of Blue were to para- people,” he says, “for they are privileged chute into the stadium. These guys are training for combat, so their timing is very to help educate and perhaps direct stu- particular. Now, the Tennessee band has a famous routine where they march up dents into careers that can affect people and down the field, playing “Rocky Top.” So, after the opposing team’s band had in a positive way. Karen Churchard is performed, the Vols were getting ready to start. I turned my head to say some- an exceptionally talented and highly thing, and the Air Force guy is standing out on the field, signaling to the helicop- motivated person, with a commitment ters. ‘What are you doing?’ I said. ‘I didn’t tell you to start the jumping.’ He said, to quality and excellence no matter ‘I didn’t know there were two bands.’ I said, ‘There are two teams! Why wouldn’t what the challenge. Because of her there be two bands?’ ongoing dedication, much of Arizona “I didn’t know what to do. But I thought, these guys are trained—if they can has benefited.” jump into a war, they can certainly figure out how to land safely. So, the band Karen is certainly grateful as well, for her extraordinary experiences is at one end of the field, the Air Force guys land and suddenly the band turns with thousands of people—and for a and marches toward them in a body. The whole stadium was screaming. They few extras. thought it was the coolest thing ever.” “As part of the bid committee,” And what of the eminent band director? she grins, “I actually got to go to three “I went up to him, ready to apologize again, and he said, ‘That was great! Super Bowls.” Can I get a tape?’” All in a day’s work. ≤

naualumni.com I Spring 2007 11 he construction cranes At the groundbreaking ceremony in stretch their tapering sil- October, Regents President Robert Bulla houettes over the burgeon- referred to the partnership as “a unique entre- ing NAU skyline. Over the preneurial effort.” He lauded this “model of last few years, new and distinction in a highly competitive market- renovated buildings have proliferated on the place” with a “ripple effect [that] will be Tmountain campus, providing innovative realized by all local businesses.” learning environments. One ideological thrust Flagstaff Mayor Joe Donaldson agreed, of the new buildings has been fostering inter- predicting “significant positive impacts on disciplinary collaboration. Now, as the result education, tourism and economic develop- of a dynamic fusion of stewardship and inno- ment throughout the greater Flagstaff area.” vation, NAU’s new conference center and A 160-room hotel built by Drury adjacent hotel complex will emerge to meet the expan- to the conference center will provide on-site sive demands of the Flagstaff community. accommodations to conference-goers— NAU President John Haeger is proud to always an asset for participants, especially in note the origin of the conference center and chilly or monsoonal Flagstaff weather. Drury, hotel complex, the fruit of an extraordinary which recently ranked No. 1 among peer partnership among NAU, the city of Flagstaff hotels in a J.D. Power & Associates survey, is and Drury Southwest Hotels. an organization very much in step with NAU’s Where “This is a unique enterprise model ideals. Drury Southwest President Dennis of engagement that crosses traditional Vollink recently drew an analogy between the boundaries,” Haeger says. hotel provider and the university. to “Just as NAU takes pride in educational excellence,” he says, “we take a lot of pride in our pursuit of excellent cus- tomer service.” Vollink com- pliments the “overwhelming support and enthusiasm” that Drury has received from the Flagstaff community. “We believe our hotel will meet the needs of conference Both Flagstaff* and the university have center attendees, business travelers and Next year, long lacked state-of-the-art meeting facili- vacationing families looking for top-quality NAU’s ever-expanding ties large enough to attract outside groups accommodations at a great value.” Meeton a consistent basis. NAU event coordina- Speaking of NAU’s academic mission, the campus adds tors are hard-pressed whenever an RSVP Drury partnership will provide an unprece- a conference center list tops 250; current collective meeting dented incentive for the university’s School of space in the city totals only around 21,000 Hotel and Restaurant Management students. and hotel square feet. The new facility will offer undergrads the In 2005, having foreseen both economic opportunity for indispensable fieldwork in a development opportunities and incentives modern, real-world facility. for visitors and students, the university and With construction under way and a grand city entered into a partnership with Drury opening scheduled for early 2008, the confer- to develop the complex. This project repre- ence center and hotel complex will offer new sents a major symbiosis between town and dimensions to the NAU/Flagstaff community— gown—as approved by the Arizona Board 42,000 square feet of measurable benefit. of Regents, the total estimated cost is $18.5 Relief is just a site away. ≤ million including a $2 million investment from the city. Projected return on investment is equally impressive, with anticipated mar- ket exposure bringing 53,000 new people We invite you to host your next per year to campus and the community. The conference here. For more information by Carla Andrews-O’Hara estimated annual economic impact on the visit www.meetinflagstaff.com or and Anne Walden region is $7 million. contact Jane Kuhn at 928-523-7723.

12 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com Clean Rooms All Drury hotel construction projects incorporate environmentally friendly speci- fications, as follows: * Building and appliances must be energy efficient. * Exhaust equipment must supply fresh air into each rental unit as well as public areas. * Poured concrete construction (a renewable resource). Following the precedent of other new NAU campus buildings, Drury has regis- tered with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Council, with the goal of being certified for the Flagstaff project.

Vitals Living Large: The hotel will feature 160 rooms. Happy Feet: The conference center will measure 42,000 square feet. Dining Room: There will be room to host 800 people at a sit-down dinner. Down to Business: The ballroom in the main conference center can convert into five meeting rooms. (Nine other conference rooms are in the center and hotel.) Drive-In: The new parking garage will house 344 spaces. Can You Hear Me Now?: The facility will be wireless.

naualumni.com I Spring 2007 13 NAQU & A

The Obstacle

Richard A. Wood Why, of all subjects, philosophy? Unlike many other fields and profes- professor Julie As a youngster, I thought for sure I’d be a lawyer. I sions, philosophy has remained largely a still love philosophy of law, but I don’t think I have male-dominated field. To what would you Piering talks the patience for memorizing codes. The challenge attribute this? about her passion presented by philosophical concepts to thought in Part of it is a legacy of our own history with for philosophy general is what really got me interested. regard to education. The idea that women could and today’s deep I fell in love with teaching philosophy in grad get a specialized college education is relatively school. It is a mutual engagement with the stu­ recent. There are philosophical treatises that are thinkers dents; we’re all involved in the same enterprise fairly appalling, and certain philosophers (such by Krista Perkins, ‘98 of trying to figure this stuff out—so it feels impor­ as Rousseau) have perpetuated the problem. My tantly collaborative. guess is that women have not been as equal in the Philosophers don’t agree with each other; field because of a historical accident, as opposed there isn’t one single answer to these questions. to anything about the discipline of philosophy We are always, unfailingly engaged in question­ itself. You see a lot more women in philosophy ing and we delude ourselves if we think we’re today than there were even 50 years ago. going to get the final answer. Philosophy allows

us to change our minds. Mertz Michael by Photograph

14 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com Female philosophers haven’t always been framework and the conceptual vocabulary to recognized by their peers. Do you think this begin making sense of all the questions and ideas is a function of their ideas or their gender? they already have. Rewarding By and large there just haven’t been that many Deep women who were considered professional phi­ How is being the recipient of the Richard A. losophers. Thus, one can look to the Modern Wood Philosophy Professorship different Thought period where women weren’t philosophers from a traditional professorship? The Richard A. Wood professionally, but were in dialogue with philos­ What is expected of any professor is about the Philosophy Professorship ophers and had something important philos­ same. But because this position was created in was established in 1998 ophically to add. In such ages, literature and memory of a cherished professor I feel a special to honor the achieve- correspondence are two places where one can kind of responsibility to that kind of devotion. ments of Wood, a senior find the women’s voice. In studying Descartes, There is something so beautiful about a group of faculty member in the for instance, his female correspondents often alumni honoring their teacher by setting up a leg­ Department of Philosophy. write critiques of his philosophical position that acy for future students. There is something very are better than the formal critiques. Happily, selfless, generous and downright philosophical Funded with gifts primar- their contributions are being recognized more about that! ily from members of the and more often. Alumni Advisory Board What do you think the role of the 21st cen- in philosophy, along with Do you have any personal heroes in the tury philosopher will be? And what do you other alumni and friends, field? think it should be? this position is awarded to There are plenty, but I would have to say Philosophy and philosophers are at their best “a highly regarded teacher Socrates. He struggled to live a philosophical when they act as diagnosticians, when they use of philosophy whose life. In Socrates’ trial, as represented by Plato the skills of logical analysis to make better sense methods and manner of among others, you get an image of Socrates of the complex world around us. But when they teaching will do honor to defending not his particular life, not his physical try to involve themselves in prognosis, philoso­ the professional life and life, but his way of living. To my mind there is phers tend to miss the mark. For example, when a thought of Dr. Wood.” something quite heroic about that. political thinker like Marx claims that commu­ nism is inevitable, it is misleading to look back at George Rudebusch, Is there a paper or publication you’ve his prediction and think he got it right, and this chair of the department completed that you’re most proud of? can undermine some of his other ideas. when this professorship I don’t know if I could pick one since I like them was established, says, for different reasons. I tend to be more proud of What are the philosophical debates or “The efforts of many, seeing students grow and succeed than any paper questions that keep you up at night? especially Elaine Morrison, or publication I could write. It strikes me that certain ideological and/or theo­ ‘73, were instrumental in retical positions can have very concrete social and getting this professorship How do you get students excited about political effects. All too recent history demon­ established. ... My impres- what you teach? strates that Enlightenment ideals and utopian sion was the classroom I operate under a principle—maybe misguided— dreams can become unmitigated nightmares. I was where Dick could that these topics are just fundamentally inter­ wonder, then, what philosophical positions we challenge each student’s esting. If I can relay why I think these ideas are currently hold that we would do well to critique. some of the most important things to think personal philosophical about, the students tend to get excited. We dis­ What do you think people would find sur- views about life ... I believe cuss issues students have always thought of prising about you? he loved students to the but never had the vocabulary to articulate. The I played third base for a champion kickball team extent he could make intro classes start to give them the intellectual called the Marquis de Sod. them really think about their beliefs and ended up making sure they rec- There is something so beautiful about a group of alumni ognized values they held that they didn’t even know honoring their teacher by setting up a legacy for future how to express. Decades students. There is something very selfless, generous and later, students say meet- downright philosophical about that! ing Dick was life-changing ‘‘ for them.” ‘‘ naualumni.com I Spring 2007 15 NAJourneysU

MPop Quiz: What do thesea pithy sayingstte have in common? Tripr costs weres partially funded * “I don’t look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars by alumnus Keith Newlin, ’79, that I can step over.” president of Sierra Vista, Ariz., * “You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as based Pioneer Title Co. you don’t do too many things wrong.” The CBA students had ample * “The business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than opportunity to feast on words of Ready and waiting to begin the long simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective.” wisdom from the tycoon. They journey to Omaha. also found any stereotypical Answers: 1) They all imply that success is often achieved assumptions about multibillion- through simplicity and common sense. 2) They all sprang from the aire Buffett changing, as he was nimble yet pragmatic mind of Warren Buffett. revealed to be “normal, “hum- ble” and “humorous.” According Last fall, 41 students and two to CBA dean Mason Gerety, faculty members from the NAU “Those students are still walk- College of Business Adminis- ing 12 inches off the floor. They tration spent four hours with came back and reported to our Buffett, the world’s second National Advisory Board and richest person, at Berkshire I was so proud of them. The Hathaway in Omaha, Neb. students didn’t talk to the Although Buffett speaks with board about the great invest- about 2,000 college students ment advice they received; each year, NAU was the first instead they discussed what Arizona university to make the they learned about life.” Mr. Buffett welcomes students Kelly Ribelin and Todd Frein cut—thanks, in part, to alumnus For more on the CBA’s cut- after donning his brand new Scott Coor, ’76, (see p. 5), who ting-edge programs, visit www. NAU jacket. established the link with Buffett. cba.nau.edu or call 928-523-3657. The journey, and the lessons, begin.

Forty-one NAU business students join business tycoon Warren Buffett (center) for the tour of a lifetime.

16 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com Holding court with students Jade Wallin and Roy McAfee. NAU CBA alum Scott Coor shows Trendwood’s line at Nebraska Amber Richardson, Furniture Mart. Christine Fimia-Moe, Kelly Ribelin and Matt Gehl prepare to dig in.

Buffett owns Borsheim’s (left). Gorat’s is his favorite local restaurant.

Weston Dudley NAU’s CBA and Dillon students in Elston decked Nebraska out in business Furniture Mart. attire.

naualumni.com I Spring 2007 17 NAConnectionsU Lumberjacks

Submissions to Connections are published in order of receipt and are edited for length; accompany- The Wild ing high-resolution photographs are welcome. Bunch 1960s of 1946, David A. Will, ‘61 B.S.ED., ‘64 M.A.ED. After 40+ years in together California as a practicing speech pathologist, David is back in his again in hometown of Prescott, Ariz., “living in the family home that we’ve been 2006! restoring for several years.” Keen-eyed After finding this great onlookers may have seen him in NAU’s 2006 Homecoming parade, photo of his mom at driving a pristine white ‘57 Chevy. NAU, captioned “Gals on Campus,” John Abbott got Bob Davies, ‘66 B.S., retired after more than 40 years in electron- the ladies together for a ics/aerospace as director of quality reunion lunch and “actu- assurance for several Phoenix area ally re-created the adven- firms. WifeGerri Medlock Davies, ture with the old car.” “What ‘68 B.S.ED., is retiring after 10+ years teaching in the Chandler a ride,” say the ladies. “The School District. Bob adds, “We’re car didn’t make it—but now enjoying our seven grandchil- we did!” dren and our cabin in Christopher Creek—and I’m proud to be (left to right) John’s celebrating 40 years as a member mom Marie L. Stelin, of NAU’s first graduating class.” ‘73 B.S.ED., ‘74 M.S.,

John Schreiber, ‘67 B.S., recently Martha Jean Smock retired from an almost unprecedented Cvetkovch, attended, 35-year run as an Arizona State Parks Joyce McLain Peters, ranger. Starting with Fort Verde State attended. Park in the ‘70s, John later aided in the master planning and unveiling of both Slide Rock State Park and Red Rock State Park. As manager of Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in his hometown of Flagstaff, he was instrumental in refurbishing the exte- Charles Stone, ‘72 B.S.ED., Rick Cable, ‘76 B.S.F., is a regional Eunice S. Hoffman, ‘74 B.S., rior of the mansion and visitor center. recalls that in the Air Force, he often director for the Forest Service, which ‘78 M.ED., writes, “Life after flew over Flagstaff and Sedona. makes him one of the most senior retirement can get exciting.” Since Steven D. Richardson, ‘69 “Invariably I would have an almost foresters in the U.S. government. retiring from the University of Florida B.S., writes that since graduating spiritual experience and visions that According to James A. Allen, associate in 1996, she has volunteered as a from Oregon Health Science Dentist said, ‘Someday you are going to live director of NAU’s School of Forestry, nurse and educator for 10 mis- School, he has been a practicing in that beautiful place.’ We made that Rick recently visited with profs and sion trips in Mississippi, Honduras dentist in Coos Bay, Ore., for 27 years. dream come true.” Chuck and his fam- students, met with students in the and the Dominican Republic. “I’m ily lived in Flag for five years, and he “Tree House” (the SoF learning com- proud to be an NAU graduate and 1970s was thrilled to attend NAU in the same munity) and spoke to a packed house glad I’ve had the opportunity to Jim Apperson, ‘71 B.S., is work- class as his daughter. On a sad note, at the Northern Arizona Chapter of use my education to help others.” ing for the Arizona Governor’s office his beloved wife died of lymphoma on the Society of American Foresters. as deputy director of the Office of Feb. 3, 2006. “Thanks,” writes Chuck, Strategic Planning and Budgeting. “for being a part of my family history.”

18 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com Darryl Lytle, ‘79 B.S., and and Programming. Since joining Katie Coyle, ‘92 B.S.ED., and Shirley Smith Lytle, attended, ITD’s planning division in 1998, he re- Sean Kelly, ‘93 B.A., ‘03 M.A., recently celebrated their 25th engineered the Congestion Mitigation are celebrating nine years of mar- wedding anniversary by renew- and Air Quality Improvement riage. Although they were born a ing their vows. According to The program and co-managed a day apart and grew up a few miles Arizona Republic, when the couple nationally award-winning project from each other in the Arcadia, attended NAU together it wasn’t to identify and articulate a 30-year Ariz., neighborhood—and attended exactly love at fi rst sight. Darryl transportation vision for the state. both the same high school and couldn’t remember Shirley’s fi rst name and called her “Miss Smith”; Lena Booth, ‘88 M.B.A., is she thought he was “up to something.” founding executive director of the A quarter of a century later, he says, Private Equity Center at Thunderbird, “People can see that we’re in love.” The Garvin School of International Management in Glendale, Ariz., Leslie B. Lederer Bohm, and associate professor of fi nance. attended, graduated from University A world-recognized researcher on of Arizona in May 2006 with a B.F.A. initial public offerings, Lena has in studio photography and a minor conducted research and taught in mathematics. She lives in Tucson in the United States, China, the with her husband of 20 years, Czech Republic, France, Singapore, David, and their daughter, Linda. Malaysia and Hong Kong. John L. Lohr, Jr. ‘95 B.S. with wife Naomi 1980s 1990s Matthew Lit, ‘84 B.S. JOUR., Sue Sisley, ‘91 B.S., on behalf of NAU—the couple knew each other is a photographer based in her health education theater group, only slightly and did not start dating Colorado. Recent exhibitions include Ensuring Tomorrow Productions, until several years after graduation. “Togetherness” at the Boulder Jewish has been selected as a fi nalist by They are now raising their children, Community Center and a display of the Arizona Cardinals Community Mairead and Liam, in Arcadia. fi ne art Holga Toy Camera images in Quarterback outreach program. John L. Lohr, Jr., ‘95 B.S., re- various Summit County buildings. The nonprofi t organization received cently joined the law fi rm of Hymson, Lit is also a photography instruc- a $5,000 check, which will help Goldstein & Pantiliat P.C. in Scottsdale tor at Colorado Mountain College. support next year’s tour of Tobacco: as an associate attorney. He married For more information and images, The Musical, an original production Naomi Miller in 2006 and welcomed please visit www.LITfoto.com. actively touring its unique anti- their daughter, Melodee Lee, Oct. 16. tobacco message to 50 elemen- Lori Arguelles, ‘87 B.S., is tary schools across the state. 2000s founder, president and CEO of Jim Tohtsonie, ‘01 M.ED., sends the National Marine Sanctuary Charles A. Greenlee, ‘92 greetings from Rock Point Community Foundation, created to “preserve, pro- B.S., has worked as general School (Tsé Nitsaa Deez’áhí Diné tect and promote the nation’s network manager of Sweet Tomatoes in Bi’ólta’) on behalf of his co-workers of marine sanctuaries and protected Sunnyvale, Calif., for the last fi ve and fellow alumni: Carlotta areas.” In 2006, NMSF was instru- years, and recently marked his Yazzie, ‘03 B.S.ED., Valencia mental in getting President Bush to 11th year with the company. Begay, ‘98 B.A., ‘01 M.ED., designate the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. Previously, Lori was spokesper- son for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Jim Hoag, ‘87 M.S., has joined the faculty of Champlain College (Vt.) in the Division of Information Technology Services. A member of the Association of Computing Machinery, he has a special interest in spreadsheet learn- ing, computer education history and curriculum. Jim has also volunteered in website management for the Limington, Me. Historical Society. Steve Chernek, ‘83 B.S.JOUR., ‘99 M.ED., stops the presses briefly for Matthew E. Moore, ‘87 B.S., a photo-op with his fellow Kents and Lanes from the Northwest Valley has been named administra- Newspapers newsroom: Marc Buckhout, ‘99 B.S.JOUR., Tom Boggan, tor of the Idaho Transportation ‘04 B.S., Tom Blazier, attended, Richard Smith, ‘98 B.S.JOUR., Tina Department’s Division of Planning Fierros Gamez, attended, Steve, and John Nick, ‘84 B.S.JOUR.

naualumni.com I Spring 2007 19 NAConnectionsU

Baby Jacks Kiera Hope Sunderland (right) Parents are Matt Sunderland, ‘99 B.S., and Erin McWhorter, ‘00 B.S.ED.; great-grandparents Glenn Nolan, ‘40 B.S., and Loya Nolan, attended; grandparents Harlan McWhorter, ‘62 B.S.ED., ‘69 M.ED., and Kathleen Nolan, ‘65 B.S.ED.

Evan Joseph Reina (above) Mom is Susan Padilla, ‘02 B.S.

Indira Love and Gabrielle Sunshine (above) Parents are Brent Neilson, ‘96 B.A., and Gessica Montrose Shea Mitchell Southern Aidan James Murphy (above) Neilson, ‘96 B.A. (above) Parents are Derek Parents are Jim Murphy, ‘99 Tiernan Southern, ‘02 B.S.ED., and Kiersten B.S.B.A., and Candace Birt Bergeson Murphy, ‘00 Jaden Louise Harvey (below) Parents Southern, ‘02 B.S., ‘02 B.S.B.A., uncles and aunts on are Julius Harvey, ‘05 B.S., and Jewell B.S.B.A. his mother’s side: Jeff Harvey, ‘00 B.S.ED., ‘02 M.ED., grand- Bergeson, ‘02 B.S., Annika daughter of Jim Tohtsonie, ‘01 M.ED., Zitterkopf Bergeson, ‘03 and Louise Tohtsonie, ‘01 M.ED. B.S.N. John Zelinka Father is Al Zelinka, ‘89 B.S. Ryder Alexander Cole (below) Mom is Terra Cole, Melodee Lee Lohr Father is ‘04 B.S.B.A. John L. Lohr, Jr., ‘95 B.S.

Vivian Zhihe Headley Landy Charles Fielding Early (above) Parents are Landy Headley, Mom is Danielle DeBlois Early, ‘97 B.G.S., and Jay Headley, ‘00 B.S.JOUR. ‘99 B.S.

A.C. Pahia Mother is Gretchen Allen Pahia, ‘99 B.S.

Jennifer Yellowhair, ‘91 B.G.S., Carol Nicolay, ‘00 ED.D., is I’ll stay on as a postdoc for a year—we topic is a rhetorical analysis of major and Louise Tohtsonie, ‘01 M.ED. director of professional studies for got NIH funding!” Speaking of biosci- texts authored by Peter Drucker, the Danielle DeBlois Early, ‘00 Extended Education and Summer ence, “I now have a baby son; he and “father of management studies.” B.S.JOUR., is a freelance writer Programs at Western Washington mom are doing great. I’m not sure how and editor for a real estate devel- University. Responsible for develop- I’m going to write a thesis while deal- Barbara Strachan, ‘03 oper. She is married to Edward, ment and implementation of both ing with an infant, but I’ll figure it out.” B.A.I.L.S., ‘05 M.ED., is pro- and they live in Austin, Tex., with credit and noncredit courses for a gram manager for the Girl Scouts- their son, Charles Fielding Early. wide range of audiences, Carol says, Angel Dawn Hughes Beeson, Arizona Cactus Pine Council Inc. “Lifelong learning is my passion. You ‘03 B.S.ED., received her M.A. from Juvenile Justice “Just Us” programs, Jenna McKnight, ‘00 could say I’m an adult education Westminster Theological Seminary delivering services to girls of every B.S.JOUR., ‘00 B.A., had an junkie in need of a support group.” in Philadelphia on May 25, 2006. ethnicity and in every situation article published in the Oct. 17, including after-school programs, 2006 New York Times. The piece, Tom Butler, ‘01 B.S., ‘01 B.A., Dan Foster, ‘03 B.S., ‘03 B.S., detention facilities and group “The Sun Always Rises on HDTV,” reports, “Research is going well. is one of only five people chosen homes. She also helped design and featured Sunrise Earth, a program I’m still at UW doing experimental to receive this year’s graduate develop the Adelante Jovencitas appearing daily on Discovery HD biophysics (sucking DNA molecules teaching assistantship in Human Youth in Transition program. Theater, one of a growing number through protein pores). I hope to Communication Studies at the of high-definition TV channels. graduate in March or April, and then University of Denver. His thesis

20 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com and would love the opportunity to get out of their current situation.” For more on this compelling initiative, please visit www.capturefeatures.com. They Will Be Missed John Amos, ‘05 M.S., has been We honor the memory of three educators named East Campus administrator of Yavapai Regional Medical Center who made all of Arizona their classroom East, the new 50-bed hospital in Prescott Valley. His new appointment Chauncey B. Coor, ’46 B.S.ED., ’52 M.A.ED., Dec. 5, 2006 follows six years as YRMC’s director Wilfred F. Killip, ’36 B.S., ’41 M.ED., Nov. 30, 2006 of Physical Rehabilitation Services. Lawrence H. Strom, ’64 B.S.ED., ’69 M.ED., Sept. 17, 2006 Scott Kirkessner, ‘05 B.S.JOUR., recently accepted Messrs. Coor, Killip and Strom were living paradigms of the classic a position as the coordinator of Enzo Valentino Beata (above) transfer admissions with Ottawa NAU educational tradition. With a lifelong dedication to learning, they Mom is Dana Reed Beata, ‘97 (Kan.) University. He writes, “All of the forged extraordinary, sympathetic bonds with students and other B.S. activities I participated in as an under- teachers alike, creating powerful and lasting synergy in the lives and graduate have effectively prepared works of those around them. me for this amazing position.” He and Michelle Gardner (‘08) were engaged in Hawaii on July 23. A fall 2008 wedding is planned, and the couple hopes to marry on the NAU campus. Paving the Way with Carol Giles MacLean, ‘05 B.A.S., is now executive direc- Grace and Dedication tor of VistaCare’s Sun City pro- Chauncey Bryan Coor grew up in Jerome, gram. She also serves on the board for the Arizona Hospice and Ariz. While attending ASTC, he met Cleo B. Palliative Care Organization, and Cosper, to whom he was married for almost Guillermo Alejandro Moreno has spent eight years providing 65 years. During his WWII Navy service he (above) Grandmother is Becky hospice and case management attended Notre Dame and was commis- (Rubio) Morales, A.A.S. services in the West Valley. sioned as an officer. Nicholas Hodder Parents are Kelly L. Watson, ‘05 B.A., has After the war he returned to Arizona, Adriane Orlich Hodder, ‘99 B.S., opened her own Lancaster (Pa.)- where he began his education career in and Kevin Hodder, ‘99 B.S. based copywriting business, Kelly L. Watson Communications. Her Kingman. He then relocated to the Valley, David Thorne Father is Chris focus will be helping local busi- where he taught for 36 years. Among other assignments he was the Thorne, ‘97 B.S.B.A. ness owners improve their profits first principal of Sunnyslope and first superintendent of Agua Fria with “catchy, low-cost copy.” Carl F. “Root” Roepke IV Mom is High School. He also served as NAU registrar and as the Department Michelle Gleich, ‘92 B.S. Jessika Scogland, ‘06 B.A., of Education’s director of secondary education. ‘06 B.A., is living in Zambia for a After his “retirement,” Chauncey was elected mayor of Goodyear, year, “delivering HIV/AIDS educa- David M. Goulet, ‘04 M.ED., tion to children so they can make Ariz. He was also profoundly involved in Avondale’s United Methodist has been re-elected to a third the choice to live HIV-free.” She Church for more than 50 years. Chauncey was a committed optimist, consecutive four-year term on the represents the Grassroot Soccer Glendale, Ariz., City Council. An always looking for a positive outcome. organization, which is “taking a stance adjunct faculty member of two Valley NAUAA past president Larry Schnebly, ’52 B.S., describes his in the fight against the pandemic by , he advocated for the providing education, opening doors first impressions. “Chauncey was a past president of the ASC Alumni 2008 Super Bowl in Glendale and to hope for people who don’t have the Association—I was very aware of those who had made that level is a driving force behind current proper information to save their own downtown revitalization projects. of commitment to our alma mater. I was working at the college as lives.” For more information, please visit jessikainafrica.blogspot.com. assistant to the alumni executive director, Dr. Lewis McDonald, who Michael Pierce, ‘04 B.S., and always held Chauncey in extremely high regard—part of their shared Morgan Myer, ‘05 B.S., are teach- ing film and video to students in the heritage in Jerome, I bet. When we all met, Chauncey would have township of Khyaletisha, South Africa. things very well organized. He always anticipated the needs of the “These students live in shacks, have group and individuals, and made arrangements that complemented lost parents and struggle to eat one meal a day. But they are also very each. I also remember that SMILE. It was warm and full and outgoing smart, have an incredible work ethic and genuine. Just like Chauncey.”

naualumni.com I Spring 2007 21 NAConnectionsU

football at NAU, taught and coached in Tough but Gentlemanly the San Carlos School District (Ariz.). The Arizona Daily Sun’s obituary of Wilfred F. Killip praised “his memory Member of Knights of Columbus. like no other, a treasure that all of us and the town of Flagstaff will miss.” A Arlen C. Fark, ‘76 M.ED., July 74-year resident of Flagstaff, Killip fulfilled ASC’s strong educational tradi- 31, 2006. After a tour of duty with tion by earning two degrees. After teaching at South Beaver Elementary and the USAF, worked his way through Flagstaff High School, where he was later principal, he became assistant college at Las Vegas hotels and superintendent of Flagstaff Unified School District. In his 40 years of service, casinos. Teacher and counselor in Reno and Sparks, establishing Killip was known as a strict, common-sense disciplinarian who truly loved a Tough Love counseling group. working with kids while maintaining a close watch on school finances. The Grassroots political activist, world W.F. Killip Elementary School in Sunnyside is part of his rich legacy, as is NAU’s traveler and gourmet chef. Wilfred and Joyce Killip and Family Scholarship for Flagstaff high school students embarking on an educa- R. Cory Beck, ‘77 B.S., Dec. tion major. More importantly, many educators, former students and colleagues alike have emulated his 17, 2006. Journalist, most re- strength and straightforwardness. cently publisher of the Roswell, New Mexico Daily Record. Nancy Serenbetz, ’75 B.S., and development director for the College of Education recalls: Burldean Anthony, ‘81 “Wilfred, or ‘Killip’ as he was affectionately known, was B.S., Sept. 1, 2006. a marvelous gentleman. He and his wife, Joyce, ’34 B.S.— Diane Marie Rossi, ‘81 who were married for 68 years—were wonderful friends B.S., June 26, 2006.

to NAU and especially to our College of Education. He also Seth Clark Abbott, ‘85 B.S., had an impish sense of humor, especially when reminiscing Aug. 8, 2006. U.S. Navy vet- eran assigned to the destroyer about some of the early days. And apparently he was USS Foote, recalled to active duty quite a ‘big man on campus,’ cutting a lively figure.” in Korea as a member of Naval Reserve. Worked 27 years for APS. Junior college welding teacher; Boy Scout leader; active Mason. Alumni Janet Waits Hensley, ‘57 Alejandro Perez, ‘66 B.S.ED., B.S.ED., ‘64 M.A.ED., Oct. ‘80 ED.D., Nov. 3, 2006, of James Allen Chapman, ‘87 B.S., Ernest Hamblin “Ham” Pratt, 16, 2006. Wife to the late Win myelodysplastic syndrome. Former Oct. 23, 2006. After U.S. Army ser- ‘34 B.S., Nov. 29, 2006. Star ath- Hensley, former ASC/NAU registrar. school superintendent in Murphy vice, became a geologist for American lete in football, basketball and track at Longtime teacher and counselor and Roosevelt school districts. Most and international exploration and ASC. WWII Navy veteran; VA director in the Flagstaff school system. recently director and coordinator mineral companies throughout the of special services for Southeastern of various high school equiva- world. Settling in Tucson in 1998, U.S. For 28 years, manager of Lake Lawrence J. Leavitt, ‘58 M.A., lency programs. Mentor, teacher worked for Southwest Gas Co.; post- Mohave Resort near Bullhead City. July 5, 2006. Served in the U.S. and founder of the Arizona Hispanic retirement Internet entrepreneur. Served on NAU Alumni/Foundation Army in Germany. Worked 36 years School Administrators Association. Board of Directors; inducted into for the Clark County (Nev.) School Marilee Collins, ‘88 B.S.ACCY., NAU Athletics Hall of Fame; 1986 District. Over 30 years spent as a Stephanie Sanders Gundersen, Nov. 6, 2006. Longtime NAU Arizona Republican Man of the Year. counselor at Cashman Junior High ‘70 B.S.ED., June 4, 2006. employee, most recently a senior School before retiring in 1992. Flight attendant with American systems administrator for the ITS Charles “Chuck” Munson Orr, Airlines for 35 years. department. Student Supervisor of ‘50 B.S., May 19, 2006. Lived Manuel A. “Marty” Martinez, the Year in 2005, honored for her ad- more than 50 years in Kingman, Ariz., ‘64 B.S.ACCY., Aug. 11, 2006. Major John Douglas Kubisko, ‘71 B.S., vocacy on behalf of student workers. Owner of Orr Construction, Inc. and (ret.) in the U.S. Army, serving at Oct. 27, 2006. Army sergeant a general contractor. Served on the Flagstaff’s Ordnance Depot, in the late ‘60s; Phi Kap fraternity Clifford “Bud” Sliger Cauthen, NAU Foundation Board of Directors. followed by 11 years in civil service brother at NAU. Dedicated to raising Sr., ‘90 B.S.ACCY., July 1, 2006. and retirement in Albuquerque. his children and making travel and After four years in the Navy, worked Jerver Woo Quen, ‘50 B.S., vacations the center of family life. for Orange Empire and Kaiser Steel. Sept. 30, 2006. Former Delbert “Bud” Lewis Badger, Retired from his road construction teacher in Yuma and Tucson. ‘66 M.A., June 7, 2006. Navy me- Phyllis A. Warner, ‘71 B.S., April career in 2000, and until recently teorologist; semipro baseball player. 16, 2006. Recently established an drove the school bus for Seligman Teacher, vice principal and principal NAU scholarship for Native American (Ariz.) Schools and Akal Security. Look for contests, in Clark County (Nev.) for 25 years. women studying hotel management. surveys, and other Willis F. Chansley, Jr., ‘71 B.S., ‘76 ways to get involved M.ED., Nov. 30, 2006. After playing atweb naualumni.com.

22 Spring 2007 I naualumni.com Randy Fernandez, ‘90 B.S., Dustin Yoder, ‘05 B.S.B.A., and Friends and Jean Zukowski/Faust, July 17, May 31, 2006, in an auto accident. sister Kristen Yoder, attended, 2006. Professor and associate pro- His lifelong love of sports led to a suc- June 27, 2006, during mountain Associates fessor in NAU’s Department of English Mary Imogene Ainsworth, cessful career as a teacher and coach. climbing expedition in the Cordillera since 1984. While on leave from NAU Dec. 1, 2006. Longtime home Blanca mountain range in Peru. served as associate director of the economics teacher at NAU Guadalupe E. “Lupe” Saavedra, U.S. Peace Corps in Poland, for which and . ‘90 B.S., Sept. 24, 2006, of leuke- Ray Manley, attended, she was awarded a 1992 Medal of mia. A secretary and former senior July 15, 2006. Well-known pho- Honor from Poland’s Ministry of Robert Lee Allen, June 10, water quality inspector for the City of tographer of Arizona’s land and Education. Strong supporter of ESL 2006. Former NAU associate vice Phoenix, her battle with the disease in- people, with work displayed and bilingual education programs. president of business affairs. spired thousands of new registrations frequently in by as bone marrow donors. and other major publications. Orazio Giusti, Oct. 6, 2006. NAU faculty emeritus who taught French, Mary Jayne Engel, ‘96 M.A., Angel Z. Salas, attended, Italian, Spanish and Russian and Nov. 22, 2006. Energetic educa- Oct. 18, 2006. Sports athlete and chaired the Department of Modern tor, journalist, lover of words, books, enthusiast, coach and umpire in Languages. Served seven consecu- history and research. First woman the Bisbee, Ariz., area. Former tive summers as language director regional director of the New York State miner and state mine inspector. for the Peace Corps Training Program The NAU Alumni Association Lottery; women’s rights and domestic at Montana State University. invites you to share your recol- violence victims advocate; promoter Robert “Wheezer” Veazey, of family literacy; volunteer in the arts attended, Aug. 19, 2006, of cancer. lections of these outstand- Andrea Josephs, Sept. 28, 2006, and environmental conservation. Fisherman, hunter, philanthropist ing individuals. Please email of uterine cancer. Occupational and PRCA rodeo volunteer. your reminiscences to anne. therapist, adventurer, teacher, Jennifer Michelle Swartz Danna, patron of the arts and sciences. [email protected], or write to ‘97 B.S.W., Aug. 1, 2006, of brain Michael Allan Vuletich, PINE Memoirs, P.O. Box 6034, tumors. Devoted to family, camp- attended, Oct. 5, 2006. ing and animals. For information Flagstaff, AZ 86011-60234. on “Tatum’s Book Club,” a special initiative at the Barrow Neurological Institute for “kids of all ages with sick mommies and daddies,” please visit www.swartzfoundationatbarrow.com. Reaching for the Stars After earning his bachelor’s at ASC, Larry Strom continued to work toward his Jennifer Marie Antikainen, master’s degree on the mountain campus while garnering invaluable real-life ‘98 B.S., May 27, 2006. Most experience as an engineering technician for the U.S. Geological Survey Center for recently sales and event coor- dinator at Phoenix Zoo; dedi- Astrogeology. Collaborating on the Ranger, Orbiter, Surveyor and Apollo space cated to family, her love of ani- missions, Larry’s primary responsibilities included the development of geophysical mals, mountains and fishing. instrument prototypes used for lunar exploration. Later, his doctoral dissertation

Kenton Russell “Kenny” Acord, was selected as the outstanding doctoral study at the University of Missouri for the ‘01 B.A., ‘05 M.A., June 30, decade of the ’70s. 2006, of cancer. Archeologist Larry’s faculty appointments include an assistant professorship at California at Navajo National Monument State University in Chico, where he was part of a team that initiated the construction management and and avid outdoors enthusiast, with a passion for sports, mu- manufacturing management programs. From 1976 to 1999, he taught at Yavapai College in Prescott, sic, reading and photography. Ariz., where he helped established programs ranging from solar technology to gunsmithing, and guided a plethora of student groups to excellence. Under his leadership, the Yavapai College student chapter Annabell Garcia, ‘01 B.A., ‘03 B.S., Aug. 5, 2006, victim of a of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers was named Outstanding drunken driver. Annabell was a dental U.S. Chapter three times. Despite professional involvements almost hygienist residing in Scottsdale. too numerous to mention, Larry was known for keeping in contact

Zaharius Johnson, ‘04 M.ED., with his students. He also conducted a seemingly endless round ‘05 M.ED., Nov. 21, 2006, of of field trips to high-technology sites from the Jet Propulsion colon cancer. Former UA Wildcat Laboratory to Disneyland, specifically the underground automation who worked in the university’s equipment that powers the Magic Kingdom. counseling office. Other UA alumni helped raise funds for According to the Strom family, Larry died unexpectedly in New medical costs during his illness. Mexico while on a motorcycle excursion. “We are grateful that he was on the way to see family and they were able to be with him. We take solace and comfort in knowing he left us doing something that he loved and gave him great pleasure.”

N.B.: ASTC = Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff (1929-1945); ASC = Arizona State College at Flagstaff (1945-1966)

naualumni.com I Spring 2007 23 Alumni

• Up‑to‑the‑minuteBenefits NAU all with no annual fee and a low updates and alumni informa- annual percentage rate. tion at www.naualumni.com. • Short‑term major medical Also, find fellow alumni using insurance and life insurance our online directory. offered by American Insurance • PINE magazine: Our vital, Administrators. informative alumni magazine • Discounted car and home keeps you up-to-date on univer- insurance offered by Liberty sity programs and what your fel- Mutual Insurance. low alumni are doing. Delivered • Alumni Student Loan to you anywhere in the world. Consolidation. De Force • Alumni Contact/Forwarding • Cline Library borrowing From river raptures to seaport treasures, the 2007 NAU Alumni Service: call Alumni Records at privileges. Association’s Travel Program features a connoisseur’s montage of 888.628.2586 or write: NAU • Free resume posting European adventures. Whether your toast of choice is aquavit, Office of Alumni Relations, and online job board at Chianti or Rhenish, you’ll find traveling with NAU alumni and P.O. Box 6034, Flagstaff, AZ www.naualumni.com. friends both enlightening and delightful. 86011‑6034. We can contact • Discounted rates on use fellow alumni on your behalf! of the Recreational Center and Alumni Campus Alumni Campus • Personal invitations to Wall Aquatic Center, with Abroad: Italy Abroad: alumni gatherings on—and— alumni card.* May 25-June 5, 2007 Rhine River Cruise off campus, including sporting • Opportunities to nominate Bella Italia beckons with la Sept. 19-27, 2007 events co-hosted by Alumni and be nominated for alumni dolce vita! Spend five days in Sail the legendary Rhine River Relations and Athletics. awards and to continue to both Sorrento and Orvieto— from historic Bonn, Germany • Information on our travel improve your alma mater by an exclusive educational, cul- to the beautiful French city of programs, opportunities to serving on boards, chapter and tural and travel experience. Strasbourg aboard the Dutch see the world with fellow advisory committees of the river cruiser, MS Heinrich alumni in a stimulating and Alumni Association and the Scandinavia Discovery Heine. Special lectures at fun environment. university. July 26–Aug. 5, 2007 unique locations will enhance • Customized reunions for • Ask us about our Volunteer Experience the romance and your insight into this remark- class years, residence halls or Alumni Network, an oppor­ drama of the Nordic lands. able region. other common interests. tunity to recruit and mentor Enjoy first-class accommoda- • An affinity credit card students, assist with events tions while visiting Norway’s offering from Bank of and more. most beautiful cities, Bergen America, the only credit card • Offerings from Ticketmaster and maritime Oslo, and then that supports Northern Arizona — exclusive discounts to con- it’s on to cosmopolitan University alumni and earns you certs, arts and sporting events, Stockholm. points toward cash, air travel, family shows and more—locally merchandise and much more — and nationally.

*The NAU Alumni Card is available from the NAUCard office at the Central For brochures and registration information, email Union, room 115. The photo I.D. costs $10.00. [email protected] or call 888-628-2586.

Northern Arizona University non-profit org. Alumni Association US POSTAGE po box 6034 PAID northern Flagstaff, az 86011-6034 arizona university

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