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The NAU Review — Non-traditional grad finds passion in special ed, exploring the icy surface of Europa and Santa rides the bus

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Dec. 8, 2022

The NAU Review. The official news source for Northern Arizona University.

Photo of Lorie Smith's family in front of her fireplace

🎓 Mother, teacher, non-traditional student finds passion in special education 🎓

Lorie Lee never imagined she’d make it to university; she is now graduating with two degrees, having won the prestigious President’s Prize. A mother of three and non-traditional student, her inspiring tale begins earlier than her first day at NAU. As a child, Lee experienced poverty, a mother with substance abuse issues and a father unwilling to care for her. Through the support of her friends and teachers, Lee found a love and passion for education and excelled academically. Married and raising three children with special needs, Lee enrolled at NAU’s North Valley campus and is earning a bachelor’s degree in both elementary education and special education.

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Close-up of Europa, Jupiter's moon, in front of Jupiter

What did the researchers say to Europa?

Ice to meet you! Two astronomy students talk to NAU-TV about their research on the icy surface of one of Jupiter’s moons, which is part of NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission.

Watch the video

President Cruz Rivera leaning against a wall

Week in review

President Cruz Rivera met with the Green Fund and other campus leader, chatted with transfer students and student success team, attended the Holiday Choral Dinner and joined the provost at the Academic Leadership Summit as he prepares for commencement next week and an exciting new year ahead.

Read his message

Connecting Arizona: Improving I-17 graphic

What to know about ADOT’s I-17 Improvement Project

For the next several months, I-17 will be closed several nights a week, starting at 10 p.m., as crews conduct controlled blasts in preparation of widening the freeway. There will be no daytime or weekend closures associated with the project.

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