Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
Row of people involved with Lumberjacks of Inclusion.
  1. NAU
  2. Student Affairs
  3. Convocation ceremonies
  4. Convocation awards and nominations

Convocation awards and nominations

Celebrating NAU students’ dedication to communities

Discover the exceptional impact our students are making beyond the stage at our convocation ceremonies. Delve into the remarkable, altruistic endeavors of our students in their communities. Find your ceremony or community listed below to learn more about the upcoming awards and nominations that celebrate outstanding contributions.

Asian and Pacific Islander Convocation Award

Two students at the Asian Pacific Islander convocation.

The Thomas Uno Asian & Pacific Islander Service Award

The Thomas Uno Asian & Pacific Islander Service Award is given to students who are nominated by their peers, faculty, and staff, and it signifies the service and engagement those individuals committed during their time at NAU.

Thomas Uno was the Associate Director of the Institute for Human Development at NAU, and he retired in 2019. This service award is in appreciation for the work he has done and continues his legacy within the Asian & Pacific Islander community.

Deadline: Friday, April 1 by 11:59 PM

Nominate a student

Hispanic/Latine Convocation Awards

Hispanic student shaking hands at the convocation ceremony.

Hispanic/Latine Convocation Awards

Sylvia Mendez Award for Academic Excellence: Awarded to an undergraduate student with outstanding academic achievements, including high GPA, research, and/or publications.

Dr. Jose Luis Cruz Rivera Award for Leadership and Service: Awarded to an undergraduate student who has demonstrably served the Hispanic/Latine community or NAU through leadership roles, service activities, and advocacy.

Sonia Sotomayor Award for Cultural Impact: Awarded to an undergraduate student who has significantly contributed to the celebration and understanding of Hispanic/Latine culture at NAU through creative expression, community engagement, or cultural initiatives.

Cesar Chavez Award for Graduate Student Excellence: Awarded to a graduate student with demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and dedicated community service, with an interest and commitment to the Hispanic/Latine community.

Nominations will only be accepted by NAU faculty and staff. Students may not nominate other students or self-nominate.

Deadline: Friday, April 5 by 11:59 PM

Nominate a student

Black Convocation Awards

Students wearing colorful convocation stoles smile at the camera.

Theodore “Ted” Johnson Outstanding Senior Award

In 1953, Ted Johnson came to NAU as a history major and graduated in 1956. He returned to NAU in 1966 and received an M.A.T. in English in 1967. In 1969, he returned to NAU to become the first African American faculty member in the university’s history. Throughout his thirty years (1969-1999), Professor Johnson taught composition, literature, and minority literature. He served as an advisor to four campus organizations, including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Professor Johnson was also active in civil and political affairs in Flagstaff, Coconino County, and Arizona.    Professor Johnson headed up many committees on diversity and minority student needs. He was recognized with an Alumni Service Award and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award. More importantly, students sought him out as someone they could talk to and would listen and understand. Perhaps his greatest contribution to NAU was his quietest one—his influence on students of all backgrounds and his willingness to guide, support, and educate students throughout his career at NAU.

Nominate a student
Students wearing colorful Black Convocation Awards stoles smile at the camera.

Anthony “Tony” Ross Award of Recognition

Dr. Anthony “Tony” Ross earned his doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Northern Arizona University in 1984. Dr. Ross began his service to NAU and the Flagstaff community in 1982 and served through 1994. His role here at NAU included the following: being the Assistant Vice President for Student Services; Dean of Students: Associate Dean of Students; and Assistant Dean of Students. He also played a significant role in beginning the Black Student Convocation program, he was an advisor to the Black Student Union when they began the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and created the Colors of Success—The Black Honor Society.

His community involvement in Flagstaff included the Coconino Community Guidance Center, the Buffalo Soldiers, the Historical Society of Flagstaff, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Flagstaff, the City of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Curriculum Committee for the Flagstaff public schools.

Deadline: Friday, April 12 by 11:59 PM

Nominate a student

Rainbow Convocation Award

Students hug in front of a presentation screen that reads "Rainbow Student Graduates"

The Student Pride & Advocacy Award

The Student Pride & Advocacy Award is given to one undergraduate and one graduate student at the Rainbow Convocation whose academic career has displayed a commitment to advocacy, awareness, and education for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Students may self-nominate or may be nominated by their peers, faculty, or staff.

To nominate a student, please email the following information:

  • Student Name
  • Student Major
  • Undergraduate or Graduate
  • Why would you like to nominate this student for the Pride & Advocacy Award?
  • How has this student set an example within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community of NAU?

Deadline: Friday, April 5 by 11:59 PM

Nominate a student