Beverly Amer tapped as Homecoming Dedicatee

Beverly Amer's passion for teaching was acknowledged last week when members of the NAU Chain Gang flooded her office to "tap" her as the 2008 Homecoming Dedicatee.

"Do I get a tiara?" joked Amer, a senior lecturer in The W.A. Franke College of Business who has taught at NAU for 15 years. She was chosen by students for her exceptional service to the university and interest in its students.

When the hugging and congratulations tapered off, Amer added, "This is a career highlight. I love teaching and am so passionate about making a difference in my students' lives; it is a tremendous honor to be acknowledged by them."

Each year students select the Homecoming Dedicatee, an NAU faculty or staff member who has been at NAU at least 10 years. Dedicatees are honored during major events during Homecoming Week, which includes a banquet in their honor and a place in the Homecoming parade.

After being “tapped” as the 2008 Homecoming Dedicatee, Beverly Amer is surrounded by Chain Gang members, from left, Katie Schmalzel, James Gray, Lindsee Pace, Stephen Land and Jac Jacovino. Photo by Jerry Foreman

"She is a fantastic teacher," said Lindsee Pace, a sophomore business and marketing major and member of the Chain Gang. "Not only is her class fun, she organizes and presents information in a very interesting way, and her teaching is always applicable in the real world."

A written scrolled decree presented to Amer read, "Over her years here at NAU, Professor Amer has enriched the learning environment, especially here at The W.A. Franke College of Business. Anyone who has taken her class can attest to her very well organized teaching style and a very caring attitude."