Celebrating student academic achievement a family affair

Northern Arizona University's Celebration of Academic Achievement on Sept. 30 drew about 500 people to recognize the academic achievements of undergraduate students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and at least 24 credit hours.

The event—part of Family Weekend—included a jazz combo, The First Edition, and a theater performance by NAU students.

"These students put in a lot of hard work to maintain a high GPA and deserve recognition for their efforts," said Glenn Hansen, coordinator for the Honors Program, which planned the celebration. "We're happy they could be recognized at an event with their family and friends present."

Following the ceremony, nearly 60 students had a chance to show off their academic skills during the Undergraduate Showcase. Visitors were treated to poster presentations, artwork and performance pieces.

"Both of these events provided wonderful opportunities for our undergraduate students to celebrate and showcase the wide range of their academic and creative accomplishments," said Bruce Fox, director of the Honors Program.

Theater major Shelby Brimhall, front, performed in a scene from the play Rumors by Neil Simon, as members of the stage party observe. From left are Michael Vincent, dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Daniel Kain, dean of the College of Education, Kathy Cruz-Uribe, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Cynthia Childrey, dean and university librarian for Cline Library, and Mason Gerety, dean of the College of Business Administration.

photo by Arlin Acosta

Kara Levinson, senior biology major, presented her poster: A Three Component Regulon, SADARS, in Pseudomonas Aeruginose, Controls Biofilm Susceptibility to Human Leukocytes.

photo by Arlin Acosta

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Gregory Nichols, a music performance major, celebrates academic achievement by entertaining visitors with cello music.

photo by Arlin Acosta

Art major Jane Ottesen had a chance to exhibit what might be the clothes of the future with her piece, 21st Century Wearable Art.