NAU Professor Robert Neustadt presents on of hundreds of sarape-style sashes/stoles to students at the 2025NAU Hispanic/Latine Convocation. Photos by Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ.com ©2025. See more photos below.
FLAGSTAFF — Proudly wearing their colorful sarape-style sashes/stoles, hundreds of Northern Arizona students walked off the stage to their cheers of their families, friends and fellow students at the 2025 NAU Hispanic/Latine Convocation held on May 8, 2025 at NAU Ardrey Auditorium.
The event included a video congratulations by NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera and on stage presentations by NAU Professor and author Monica Brown and United Way of Northern Arizona President and CEO Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuelta.
Following presentations of the Sylvia Mendez Award for Academic Excellence Recipient: Stefanie Storms, Nominator: Lieutenant Colonel Kevin T. Hummert; Sonia Sotomayor Award for Cultural Impact — Recipient: Mikayla Castrillon, Nominator: Sofia Rodriguez Walters; Cesar Chavez Award for Graduate Student Excellence Recipient: Julia Atrian, Nominator: Office of Inclusion; and Leadership & Service Recipient: Araceli Arias, Nominator: Roxana C De Niz; students then proceeded onstage to receive their colorful sarape sashes/stoles.
The students will next take part in formal graduation ceremonies this weekend when more than 5,700 students graduate in four ceremonies at the Skydome.
“Northern Arizona University’s convocation events are celebrations for graduating students to recognize their leadership, successes, and academic accomplishments and to honor the rich cultural heritage, individuality, and inclusion that define our university community,” the university stated on its website page. “Participation in the convocations is open to all graduating students.”
They also include Black Student, Indigenous, Rainbow and Veterans convocations.
NAU leaders give opening remarks.
NAU faculty prepare to present hundreds of colorful sarape-style sashes/stoles.
Family, friends and students fill the auditorium.
NAU Professor Monica Brown addresses the audience
United Way of Northern Arizona President & CEO urges graduates to set their goals and never give up.
NAU Mariachi performers thrill the audience.
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NAU faculty members enjoy the performance.
Outstanding graduates receive their awards.
Students wait in anticipation to be recognized on stage.
Students begin to receive their sashes/stoles.
NAU Professor Robert Neustadt hugs one of his graduating students during the ceremony.