Valerie Schweda, Miss Native American NAU, and Gov. Janet Napolitano make time before the Navajo Nation parade to get acquainted.

David Bousquet, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and his wife, Carol, were among more than 50 NAU representatives who enjoyed the 3-mile walk along the parade route in Window Rock.

NAU struts stuff at annual
Navajo Nation parade

Northern Arizona University had a strong showing at the Sept. 8 parade that kicked off the 61st annual Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock.

More than 50 students and employees marched alongside the NAU entry to show their Lumberjack pride to the estimated 50,000 spectators along a 3-mile parade route.

Staffers also manned three exhibit booths over a four-day span to disseminate NAU recruitment materials at the nation's largest American Indian fair and rodeo.

"Seeing and hearing alumni and other spectators cheering for our entry was great," said Sharon Doctor, assistant director of Native American Student Services. "I felt honored to be part of our NAU team and I appreciate the dedication of staff and students to get up at 4 a.m. to walk in the parade."

Photos courtesy Sharon Doctor