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Yuma, Arizona - Commencement exercise for graduates from NAU-Yuma was held Friday evening.  This was the 19^th year of graduates since Northern Arizona University began serving the southwestern quadrant of the state in 1988.  The event was held on the campus shared with Arizona Western College.

Two doctoral degrees were conferred by NAU.  Dr. Vicki D. Ardisana received her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.  Dr. Gerrick J. Monroe received his Ed.D in Educational Leadership.  Both have been long-time educators in the Yuma area community.

Two recipients of coveted Gold Axe awards were among the graduates.  A Bachelor of Social Work Degree was awarded to Angelina Garcia.   Beatriz Vizcarra received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.  Gold Axe honors were awarded these students in recognition of extraordinary commitment to studies, to the University, and to community service.

Four of last evening’s graduates will join the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) with the United States government.  Israel Colton will be a hydrologic technician with the United States Geological Survey.  Sandra Huff is joining the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s Agricultural Inspection Unit.  Iris Lopez and Amanda Espino have been selected to join the Bureau of Reclamation.  SCEP provides work experience related to each student’s own academic program and career goals. 

Stephanie Pla also received her Bachelor of Social Work. Northern Arizona University’s Alumni Association honored Pla this year when she was named recipient of its Distinguished Senior Award.  Pla was the first NAU-Yuma student to receive this statewide recognition by NAU’s alumnae.

NAU-Yuma degrees were conferred by Krista K. Rodin, Ph.D., Associate Vice President/Campus Executive Officer for the Yuma Branch Campus.    In her commencement address, Dr. Rodin challenged the graduates “to reflect on the relationship between cause and effect, and how one individual can make a positive difference in a community.”  Prior to NAU-Yuma, Dr. Rodin was vice provost at the University of Connecticut.

NAU – Yuma, a branch campus of Northern Arizona University, has been serving the southwestern Arizona and southeastern California communities since 1988.  NAU-Yuma’s partnerships with Arizona Western College (Yuma and La Paz Counties) and Imperial Valley College (Imperial County) provide students an innovative, direct path to complete four-year programs. Recently designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, NAU-Yuma offers undergraduate and graduate courses in a growing number of fields, including biology, business, criminal justice, education, psychology, sociology, social work and Spanish.