8th Annual NAU Native American Programs Golf Tournament
Flagstaff, Arizona - NAU Native American students get tremendous support from the Navajo Nation at the 8^th Annual fundraising event

Flagstaff, Arizona.  The Navajo Nation was well represented at this year’s annual fundraising event in Flagstaff, Arizona.  The 8^th Annual Native American Programs golf tournament received major sponsorship from the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry headquartered just south of Farmington, New Mexico and Native Resource Development, Inc. of Gallup, New Mexico.

In his address, Navajo council delegate Francis Redhouse said “On behalf of the Speaker of the Navajo Nation and fellow council delegates, we take tremendous pride in supporting our native students.”  Along with the major sponsors, council delegate Redhouse acknowledged support from the Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company and the Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority.

“The support and participation from Navajoland is the largest we’ve had so far…” noted Al Henderson, NAU tribal liaison, who served as the event coordinator.  The event raises money for native students who need financial assistance on an emergency basis.  In some cases, “we help fund student clubs and organizations to attend conferences that will help them grow academically and give them exposure to the real world,” he noted.

There were other sponsors from throughout Arizona and New Mexico.  Among them were several repeats like SRP/NGS, KeyBank, JP Morgan Chase, and Sloan & Company.  First time sponsors like the Nova Corporation of St. Michaels, Arizona and On-Auk-Mor were encouraged by NAU alumni - Ed Richards for Nova Corporation and Melinda Tomchee for On-Auk-Mor.  After a couple years of absence the Yavapai-Apache Nation returned and ably represented by Chairman Thomas Beauty whose team captured second place.

In the spotlight were several NAU Native American students who gave thanks to the participants for the scholarships they received.  The event raises funds for five scholarships: the NAU Native American Programs scholarship awarded by the Institute for Native American, Miss Indian NAU and Miss Indian NAU First Attendant scholarships awarded by the Native American Student Services, Audrey Tsosie Memorial scholarship awarded by the Applied Indigenous Studies Department  and the Virgil Masayesva Memorial scholarship awarded by the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals.

NAU Foundation board member Harry W. Sloan, Jr encouraged the continued involvement of the Native American NAU Alumni.   He is a past board member of the NAU Alumni Association.  Mr. Sloan asked those present to go out and recruit others to participate because, he said, “We need to support the Native American students and to make sure they graduate.”

Continental Country Club pro Leon Schewbke announced this year’s winners.

First Place went to the team of Art Smith, Shreve Tso, Jeremy Knudson and Stan Overturf.  Each team member received a one-of-kind bolo tie specially designed by Navajo silversmith Gary Reeves from Gallup, New Mexico.

Second Place went to the team of Thomas Beauty, John Smith, Berry Grass, and Mitch Loss with a combined net score of 125.6.  Each team member received a painting by Hopi artist Kevin Quannie from Phoenix, Arizona.

Third Place team went to the team of Tom Chee, Mike Thompson, Travis Chee, and Calvin Begay with a combined net score of 128.2.  Each team member received a Lumberjack sports wear.

Fourth Place team went to the team of Emmett Francis, Keith Begay, Bernard Begay and Nathan Largo with a combined net score of 130.4.  Each received a gift certificate from the ProShop.

Harriet Sloan won the women’s longest drive contest.  Jon Smith won the men’s longest drive.  Nancy Badonie was the winner of the women’s closest to the pin and her husband Eugene Badonie won the men’s closest to the pin.