Undergraduate Erica Je'nenne Sanford, left, took Deborah Harris by surprise this morning as she presented her the honor of being the 2007 Homecoming Dedicatee. Photo by Jason Bullard

Deborah Harris named
Homecoming Dedicatee

Among tears of joy and hugs aplenty, Deborah Harris, associate dean of Student Life, was "tapped" this morning as the 2007 Homecoming Dedicatee.

"This means so much to me knowing students chose me and appreciate what I do," Harris said. "Thank you. This is the best thing that could happen."

Harris, also the adviser for the Black Student Union for eight years, was escorted out of a meeting when several students and colleagues entered the Student Life office to sell her a homecoming button with her picture on it—a tradition that dates back to 1936.

"No matter what, she is always there for students when we need her," said Erica Je'nenne Sanford, a Health and Human Services undergraduate who nominated Harris. "Her door is always open to us."

Graduate student Betsy Buford agrees, "Deb totally deserves this."

NAU students select the Homecoming Dedicatee—an NAU faculty or staff member who they feel has demonstrated exceptional service to the university and interest in its students. The person selected must have been an NAU employee for at least 10 years. The Homecoming Dedicatee is usually tapped a week or two prior to Homecoming and participates in major events during Homecoming Week, Oct. 22-28.

"This particular recognition means that students view you as a true student advocate, friend, teacher, and one that assists them each and every day in meaningful ways," said Art Farmer, associate dean for Student Life. "Deborah is an excellent choice for this year's recognition. She is seen by students as one of those key individuals who seeks to assist each day in ways that contribute to student success."

Harris will be honored at the annual Homecoming Dedicatee Banquet scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 23, in Ashurst Auditorium. Banquet tickets are available through ASNAU in the University Union, room 206.

Harris has been with NAU since 1993. She helps manage NAU's Martin Luther King celebration as well as the senior convocation. She is a member of the Northern Arizona NAACP and is on the Flagstaff School District Governing Board.

Harris holds bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She has been associate dean for Student Life since 2001.