Seventeen past homecoming honorees turned out to recognize Deborah Harris as the 2007 Homecoming Dedicatee. Back row, from left: Neil Potter (1984), John Wettaw (2002), Rick Brandel (1994), Margaret Morley (2006), Gary Buckley (1983), Craig Sidles (1978), Wayne Hildebrandt (2005), Syl Allred (2003), Rich Payne (1998), and Chuck Barnes (1999). Front row, from left: Joe Rolle (1956), James Rominger (1977), Cindy Anderson (1995), Deborah Harris (2007), Caroline Hughes (1986), Dianne Lingerfelt (1997) and Art Farmer (1995). Photo by Jason Bullard

Deborah Harris honored at Homecoming Dedicatee Banquet

Deborah Harris, associate dean of students, took center stage as more than 100 colleagues, friends, students and past homecoming honorees turned out for the Hollywood-themed celebration in her honor as the 2007 homecoming dedicatee.

Sarah Bickel, associate vice president for Student Affairs, said Harris is invested in the success of NAU students, and she celebrates their successes with great enthusiasm. "She models the civic responsibility that we believe is important in our students," she said.

Brittni Aponte, president of the Black Student Union, said Harris has impacted the person she is today, and that she is always willing to lend a helping hand to students.

Matthew Spilsbury, exercise science major, and Ashley Bedwell, health science major, were crowned 2007 Homecoming King and Queen at the Oct. 23 Homecoming Dedicatee Banquet. Photo by Jason Bullard

Harris "believes in the power of one—that each of us teaches and reaches others," said Rick Brandel, dean of students. "That's what she does each and every day."

NAU President John Haeger said Harris gives back to the campus and the community as a whole, and emphasized that she is an extraordinarily strong advocate for minorities on campus.

Harris said she was humbled by the honor, thanking students, and also faculty and staff. "Collectively we do make a difference in the lives of students," she said.

The Homecoming celebration continues this week. A complete schedule of events is available online.