NAU Review — Special commencement edition — former NAU anthropology professor Miguel Vasquez, former Flagstaff Councilwoman Deborah Harris among 2025 honorary doctorate recipients

🎓 May 7, 2025 🎓

Master’s student Sylvester sees her two computer science degrees as tools for positive change. After five years at NAU advocating for women in computing, supporting Hopi youth mental health and working to improve rural broadband networks, Sylvester hopes she can continue making a positive impact on the Flagstaff community.

Garcia was teaching full-time when she learned about the Arizona Teachers Academy, which offered scholarships, support and the chance to take online classes while working and raising her four children. This weekend, the first-generation NAU Online student will earn her bachelor’s degree—alongside her Lumberjack daughter.

Gifford had a plan: He wanted to earn a degree. After 10 years of hard work, unexpected turns and many challenges, he is finally finishing the journey. His determination, strength and perseverance kept him moving forward and with the support of his wife and family, he will be walking beside his peers with a diploma in hand.

Remember the homesickness the first night in the dorm? Getting used to early classes? The fear that you wouldn’t find your place—at NAU or in the world? As she approaches her last day at NAU, senior Darlin Ortega reflects on her time as a Lumberjack and the person she’s become in the last four years.

Lyndel Manson, a Northern Arizona University alumna and 8-year member of the Arizona Board of Regents; Flagstaff City Councilwoman Deborah Harris, who worked at NAU for several years in various roles; Emmett Burnton, a history teacher at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem and Arizona Teacher of the Year; and activist and former NAU anthropology professor Miguel Vasquez will be recognized with honorary doctorates. Each will provide the keynote address during one of NAU’s four commencement ceremonies.

More than 5,700 students graduate in four ceremonies at the Skydome this weekend. Read on for everything you need to know, including parking and traffic patterns and how to get up-to-the-minute updates.

Research into arachnophobia and caves in the tiny Asian kingdom of Bhutan, the official naming of the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering and recognizing top graduates of the Class of 2025 made the list.