Northern Arizona University

NAU Donor Spotlight Archives

Lou Arminio ”Northern Arizona University is worth the investment – if you believe in the quality of the product, it’s easy to give,” says Lou Arminio. “We have a lot to be proud of here at NAU.” Arminio has worked for Northern Arizona University for 25 years. He has been with Information Technology Services (ITS) in different areas including academics, systems, and now security. He is instrumental in keeping the memory of Nancy K. Romero strong by giving to the Nancy Romero Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is named for a long time ITS employee. “Nancy was a great person to work with,” Arminio says, and ITS awarded the first scholarship in Spring 2010. Arminio is genuinely philanthropic, giving to numerous funds at NAU as well as volunteering his time as the NAU United Way Campus Coordinator for the last several years. He also works for the Volunteers for Outdoor AZ (VOAZ), a group that builds and maintains trails, restores riparian habitat, and protects threatened native species. http://www.voaz.org/default.aspx Although not an alum himself, Arminio is surrounded by NAU graduates: his wife Catherine ’80, his son Andrew ‘10, and his daughter Leah ‘11. We are proud to have the Arminios as part of the NAU family.

NAU’s Sue Sisley, ’91 BS, must have found the eighth day because she accomplishes more in a few years than most people could in a lifetime. Sue shares a private medical practice in Scottsdale with her mother Hanna Sisley, teaches medicine, volunteers on numerous boards, manages the theatre company she founded, performs in local theatre, and has won the Arizona Medical Association’s Distinguished Service Award and the Hon Kachina Volunteer Award. Yet, “always a Lumberjack,” Sue finds time to bring prospective students onto NAU campus for tours, served on NAU’s alumni board (1998-2004), and regularly volunteers for NAU activities. As if that all wasn’t enough, Dr. Sisley honored her parents, her alma mater, and her profession by recently creating the Jack and Hanna Sisley, M.D. PreMedicine Scholarship for NAU juniors or seniors interested in premedical professions. Her boundless passion for NAU, and all of her communities, is an inspiration.

Maryett and Bob Thompson, active members of the NAU Parents Association, find it easy to contribute to Northern Arizona University, a place they say has “touched (their) hearts.” They appreciate that NAU treats them so personally, but more importantly, that NAU “takes care of its students,” which means their kids: Art, ’10 BS, Mike, ’11 BS, and their new daughter-in-law Amanda, ’10 BS. They firmly believe that NAU is the “best deal in education in the western United States.” Thus, they have proudly given to the College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences noting that they “will give to NAU forever.” (Pictured at left: Art, Amanda, Maryett, Mike, and Bob Thompson).

Ramona Barreras, ’55 BSED, ’60 MAED has given back to her community since early days growing up in Flagstaff where she was president of her senior class. “It’s just the right thing to do,” she says of her lifelong community service. Ramona not only endowed the Silverio T. Barreras Scholarship for education, in memory of her husband, she annually hosts a golf tournament in Miami, Arizona to support this NAU Foundation fund. “Our community has given us so much, it has always been important for us to give back.” Both she and Silverio, ’57, graduated with degrees in education and dedicated their entire careers to teaching in southern Arizona. Although retired, Ramona has barely slowed down: she also dedicates her time to volunteering for the Gila County Historical Museum and the Miami Public Library. “They tell me I’m Queen Volunteer,” she says, smiling.

DeeAnn Palin, ’93 BS, recently created the Douglas Pitsch Memorial Fund in honor of her father. This scholarship will benefit nursing students and it makes DeeAnn proud to be able to help NAU students and pay tribute to her father. “Setting up this scholarship was an important part of the healing process for me and my family”. Dee Ann’s family is fund raising with hopes of endowing this scholarship. They know that endowed funds will allow them to help students now, and forever into the future. “I truly believe that giving back to Northern Arizona University, an organization that gives so much, is very important in my life.” DeeAnn also volunteers her time to NAU as a board member for the Northern Arizona University Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Gerald Ladhoff, retired NAU professor of sociology and criminal justice, and his wife Susan are true supporters of Northern Arizona University and the NAU Athletic Program. “NAU means so much to us, our charity is wide-spread, but nothing compares to what we want for NAU.” The Ladhoffs have contributed generously to the Gerald Ladhoff Scholarship. This endowed gift is unique in that it was originated by an NAU alum and former student athlete who was so inspired by Jerry’s support, mentorship, and kindness that he created this endowment in Jerry’s honor. This scholarship reflects Dr. Ladhoff’s true passion: swimming. As a former competitive swimmer for UCLA, Dr. Ladhoff is now very active in the NAU Swimming & Diving Program – befriending the athletes and welcoming them into his home for a celebratory banquet each year. “It is deeply gratifying to be a part of Northern Arizona University. NAU has given so much life to our family.”

Tom Arndt, BSBA ’80, understands that the excellence of a university’s teaching is dependent upon the excellence of its faculty. His experience in The W. A. Franke College of Business was exceptional due to quality professors. Tom is proud that his son Mike is having a similar experience as an advertising sophomore at NAU. Tom, who recently retired from Canyon State Oil, considers himself fortunate to be able to give back to his alma mater. He established the “Thomas Arndt Faculty Award” to secure continued faculty excellence in the business college. T.S. Amer, an NAU accounting professor, relishes the opportunities this award provides to him. His list of accomplishments includes extensive reseach, publication of numerous articles, and the opportunity to assist the business college formulate recommendations for addressing recent budget shortfalls. Most importantly, T.S. is proud of his accounting students who are energized by new technology in information and database systems. Support from Tom Arndt improves NAU’s ability to keep excellent faculty, and to be the difference that matters.

The Eleanor Joan Kellis Memorial Scholarship will annually award nursing students from NAU’s College of Health and Human Services thanks to Joan’s devoted husband Jim Kellis. Kellis, an NAU alum, ’54 Pre-Engineering, is honoring the memory of his wife with a $25,000 gift to the NAU School of Nursing. Joan was dedicated to her family, her community and her lifelong career as a nurse. She worked in hospitals such as the United Mine Workers in Kentucky, Yavapai Medical Center, Tucson Medical Center, and the Santa Ana-Tustin Community Hospital in southern California. Additionally, she volunteered for the American Red Cross and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Joan’s family ties to NAU reach beyond her husband Jim in that her father, brother, mother-in-law and brother-in-law all received degrees from NAU (or Arizona State College). Joan's life was full and spirited because of her enthusiasm to help others, and Jim knows that students from the NAU School of Nursing will honor Joan's memory with their outreach to those in need.

Because of a life-long desire to help under-privileged students earn a college degree, the Suzanne Ingersoll Endowed Scholarship was established last fall in memory of Suzanne Ingersoll. Suzanne’s passion initially led her to establish the Suzanne Ingersoll Foundation in 1995. Her Foundation provided scholarships to students from Northern Arizona University, and Suzanne enjoyed travelling from Phoenix to Flagstaff to take scholarship recipients to lunch. Upon her death, the board of her Foundation chose NAU as the home of the Suzanne Ingersoll Endowed Scholarship, and this gift will help provide student access and affordability. This endowed fund was established with shares of appreciated stock; and the 2007 gift will be available for general scholarships for the 2009/2010 academic year.

A $500,000 gift from Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation will boost science and engineering programs at Northern Arizona University and expand efforts to promote interest in math and science among pre-college students. This gift will be used to create an undergraduate mentoring and research office expanding undergraduate research opportunities in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences (CENS) and serving as a central resource for students and faculty who are interested in undergraduate research. Gift funds also will support an outreach and recruitment coordinator to manage undergraduate recruitment for CENS. Additionally, a lecture series highlighting the importance to society of engaging more young people in scientific and engineering careers is planned. Freeport-McMoRan is the world’s largest publicly traded copper company and is based in North America with ties in Arizona and to NAU. This generous gift welcomes the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation into the NAU President’s Circle.

To help a Native American student achieve a four-year degree from NAU, Gregory and Cynthia Gwash established the Gregory and Cynthia Gwash Scholarship. The Gwashes, who recently re-located from Washington to northern Arizona, have made their permanent home in Prescott. Because of this transition, and their admiration for Native American cultures, they decided to create a life changing opportunity for an NAU student. When they had the opportunity to make a gift, they chose NAU, not only because of the proximity to the reservations, but because of NAU’s commitment to Native Americans. Their contribution of $50,000 supports a current general scholarship for an Arizona Native American student. The Gwashes believe that their gift represents an investment in the future of Arizona’s Native American people, considering the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

NAU students seeking internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. will now have assistance due to the Roy and Delores Morey Award. The Moreys, ’59, “were kids from working families” and believe that “later in life when you are successful, you need to think about giving back.” That’s exactly what they’ve done with their initial donation of over $10,000 towards this scholarship. Their daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Teall Edds, followed suit and added an additional $20,000 to this award to celebrate the Morey’s 50th wedding anniversary. The Moreys understand how much NAU relies on private funding, and they believe in enriching student experience and promoting student success. They look forward to meeting award recipients and learning how the internship experience has changed their lives.

Women and minority students at Northern Arizona University will benefit from the Ortega Scholarship for Science Teachers established by Lilly Moore, a dedicated educator from Scottsdale. Lilly established this scholarship to support teachers, who like herself, are passionate about teaching science. From 1985-1995, Lilly enrolled in NAU biology courses during the summer to enhance her teaching of science. She delighted in providing “hands-on” learning experiences for her middle school students and believes that her education at NAU contributed to her success as a science teacher. As both Arizona and the nation face critical shortages in the area of trained science educators, Lilly’s gift helps NAU with its focus on producing more teachers who will educate the next generation of science and technology experts. With this $10,000 contribution, Lilly is welcomed into the NAU President’s Circle. She has proudly dedicated this scholarship to her parents, Maria and Blas Ortega, and her oldest brother, John Ortega, for the profound influence they had on Lilly’s decision to pursue science and teaching. Funds from this endowed scholarship will be available to students in Fall ’09.

The Emily Marie Benson Memorial Scholarship was established to assist Northern Arizona University students who have a significant medical condition &/or disability. Parents Mark and Valerie Caro, and the family and friends of Emily, created the fund in loving memory of this very special young lady. Although faced with a medical challenge, Emily lived every day to the fullest. Now, because of the diligence and generosity of Emily’s family and friends, NAU students can receive assistance toward their academic goals. The Caros established this annual $10,000 scholarship in 2004 and recently enhanced their gift by establishing an endowment -- the fund will now provide this scholarship in perpetuity. As Emily will forever be a role model for others, this contribution will inspire NAU students for many years to come.

Anna and Bobby Acord of Wilmington, North Carolina recently established the Kenny Acord Award for Graduate Students in Archeology in memory of their son. The Acords hope that their gift will help students with the "hidden costs" of pursuing their research-the costs that often come out of a student's pocket. Kenny Acord, who received his master's and bachelor's in Archeology at NAU, died in 2006 of a rare form of cancer. A gifted academic, outdoor enthusiast and river guide, he became a professional archaeologist for the National Park Service. His thesis, A Ceramic Inventory and Chronological Analysis of Sinagua Settlement at Walnut Canyon National Monument, is a ground-breaking contribution to the prehistory of the Flagstaff area. Lori Sloat, the first ever scholarship recipient (pictured between Anna and Bobby Acord), is excited to receive this scholarship and will use it to conduct research on rock art in Texas. She was happy to learn that she and Kenny shared this interest. With this gift the Acords are proudly welcomed into the NAU President's Circle.

With his gift of thousands of pounds of alabaster and a collection of hundreds of unique art history books, Daniel Newman, a Sedona sculptor, has impacted the NAU community for generations to come. A retired engineer and successful Sedona craftsman, Newman sculpted with alabaster early in his career. But he’s moved on to marble and onyx and thought his inventory of the softer stone would be perfect for beginning sculpture students. Brian Painter, associate professor for the School of Art (pictured at left with a 1-ton stone), couldn’t agree more and says Newman’s timing was perfect. “We were out of alabaster, and now, for years to come, sculpture students will have stone—high quality stone—for free!” Newman also believed his mother’s collection of fine art history books deserved a university audience. Kathleen Schmand, Cline Library’s community affairs coordinator, says that these books “invite students, faculty, and the community to explore the world of art through resources the library might not otherwise be able to offer.” Gifts-in-kind like Newman’s distinctly enhance the creative spirit that drives NAU’s art and art history programs, and make NAU proud to have such philanthropists in its midst.

Art Haynie, ’87, a role model alumnus, not only donated $25,313 worth of publicity for Northern Arizona University, he included students in the project. What an opportunity for NAU electronic and media students—to work alongside an award winning director, who is also an active NAU alum. Giving, and an NAU degree, came full circle for this fine arts graduate when approached last winter for suggestions on an NAU television commercial. He had more than advice to offer, and within two months, he completed a 30-second spot. The piece gives an unexpectedly quirky look at the anthrax research conducted at NAU. “It’s amusing and well-done” said Victor Dailey, videographer/producer at NAU Television Services. The spot receives broad play locally and nationally, and potential viewership of the NAU ad could be in the millions. Plans are underway for the commercial to play on social websites like Facebook and MySpace. Kudos to this artistic graduate, and please see for yourself how this NAU alum took care of his alma mater. Enjoy “Spiders and Snakes” at http://promos.distance.nau.edu/tvs/Spiders_Snakes.mov

Giving works wonders – it can move backwards and forwards in time – as was recently proven by Kathleen Heard when, with a gift of $16,000, she founded the Tom Heard International Forestry Scholarship. A proud daughter and parent, Kathleen’s gift pays homage to her father while honoring her son. Tom Heard dedicated his life and his mining career of 53 years in South America to higher education, economic advancement and global development. Kathleen’s son, Justin Hallett, recently completed his bachelor’s in forestry at NAU and began work on his master’s this fall. Looking behind, and ahead, Kathleen created this endowed scholarship which will provide support beginning in 2010 for NAU students interested in international forestry. Additionally, so impressed with the School of Forestry, Kathleen provided four $500 scholarships awarded last April to forestry students Peter Evtimov, Karen Koestner, Charles Machula (pictured above) and Isaac Bickford. With her generosity today, Kathleen transforms her father’s successful past into the promise of success for NAU students. Parents like Kathleen Heard affirm that supporting one’s beliefs, and one’s children, can indeed establish a family legacy.

Mike Ryan, MSF ’78, has expressed his appreciation for NAU in meaningful ways. Not only is he a practicing research scientist for the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado, building on expertise attained from Northern Arizona University’s School of Forestry, but he has kept NAU in mind as he plans for his future. Mike has included the School of Forestry in his bequest, taking advantage of one of many planned giving options available to NAU’s alumni and friends. When Mike sat down to write his will, he “wanted to include places that had made a difference” to him throughout his life. And that is exactly what planned giving is designed to do—allow a donor to promote values developed throughout a lifetime by providing for future generations of students. Mike notes that it was his love for the outdoors that lead him into forestry, and that his time at NAU was inspiring and supportive, a time of intellectual growth. By putting NAU’s School of Forestry in his will, Mike is supporting future students who will believe in the things that Mike believes in now.

R. Joe McCoy, BS ’59, and Earlynn (Insley) McCoy, MEd ’60, are adept when it comes to seeing the big picture. They pride themselves in their past—they met in third grade at St. Anthony’s in Flagstaff and attended Northern Arizona University together—and they confidently look to the future. As proud members of the Heritage Society, they are establishing their legacy. Joe recalls his professors in the “field of commerce.” “They kept track of their students and took pride in our success.” Joe and Earlynn keep that pride going with their planned gift funding scholarships in their name for business and physcial education students. Emily Kuckuk, an enthusiastic and successful NAU student is a recent recipient of a scholarship created by a planned gift. “This scholarship gives me endless amounts of invaluable time; I can explore my passions and maintain my GPA.” Because of the McCoys desire to carry their historic pride into the future, students like Emily will benefit from scholarships for years to come.

Judith Wheatley, BS ’69, and Chuck Wheatley believe that teachers thrive when they have passion for what they teach and the resources to teach thoroughly. This is why they contribute to the NAU Teach program—they want a quality learning experience for future math and science teachers. Judy remembers the quality education she received and tells of an NAU professor who helped her out at the Timber Inn because she had to work there during his office hours. “NAU is still like a big family.” Support from the Wheatleys has not only enhanced NAU’s capacity to teach teachers but to assist science conservation students like Jud Wynne. “As a soft money scientist,” reports Judith, “I cobble together my living. But my research leads to the care and preservation of fragile natural resources, and I couldn’t do it without gifts from friends like the Wheatleys.” Judith and Chuck’s passion for improving education and for conservation science leads them to philanthropy that includes NAU, and NAU couldn’t be more grateful.

Sherri Slayton, BSBA ’85, is a homegrown Flagstaff woman and a graduate of Flagstaff schools. As a first generation college student, Sherri might never have had the opportunity to attend NAU without the scholarships she was awarded. Now, Sherri wants to “give a possibility to someone else.” To accomplish this, Sherri developed the Sherri Craddock Slayton Scholarship. “Many people don’t think their gifts are big enough, but if you build a little at a time, you can provide something substantial that lasts forever.” Sherri realized her love for banking while working part-time at a Flagstaff bank, taking classes at NAU, and living at home.“I just loved balancing at the end of the day.” And finding balance is what Sherri—now senior vice president at Alliance Bank and a single mom—is all about. Beginning in Fall 2010, her scholarship will annually, and forever, help students find “balance” just as Sherri has done.

George, BS ’72 BS, and Patricia Thomas, BS ’72, are enthusiastic about continuing a tradition of excellence at Northern Arizona University through their generous scholarship – the Patricia Duke Thomas Special Education Scholarship. George speaks fondly of meeting Pat in the late sixties while standing in line at NAU’s University Dining Hall; they married soon after. NAU gave them the confidence that prompted success in their careers – George retired from the CIA; Pat from special education. They now reside in Albuquerque. The Thomases trust their scholarship will lead students in special education to realize positive learning experiences just as they had while on the mountain campus. Their recent visit to Flagstaff proved to them that the university has not lost its “flavor.” “NAU is really sensational in its prospecting of young professors who are hitting their stride as professionals.” With supporters like the Thomases, members of the both the Heritage Society and the President’s Associates, NAU’s excellence keeps growing stronger.

You wouldn’t know J. Douglas Macy, a landscape architect in Portland Oregon, lives nearly 1000 miles from Northern Arizona University. His presence and energy are constants to the College of Arts and Letters (CAL). From his volunteer work for the Tozan Gardens and CAL advisory board, to his financial support of ceramics students and the world famous Tozan kilns, and to an art collection promised to NAU, Doug’s presence is here for keeps. Here to make sure that Aaron, his son, will always be here in memory. And Aaron’s memory is strong. In fact, Jack Heimerman, recipient of the Aaron Macy Memorial Scholarship, knows Aaron’s legacy lives with NAU’s kilns. “I came here for these kilns, and this scholarship allows me to focus on my ceramics with the creative and studio time I need.” Doug keeps his son’s memory alive with the work he does for CAL; in essence, he keeps the kilns burning for NAU, and most importantly, for Aaron.

The San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians believes that Northern Arizona University is the right place for a Native American Cultural Center that serves as “home away from home” for students across the nation. The tribe’s generous contribution initiated the funding campaign for NAU’s future cultural center, and they are “encouraged by NAU's outreach to the Native community.” San Manuel Chairman James Ramos (pictured at right with NAU students) feels strongly that the center will be a source of pride for students and a perfect place to partner an excellent education with cultural support and awareness. The tribe stepped up to the plate for NAU acknowledging the university’s national ranking as one of the top 10 institutions for enrolling Native American students, and one of the top five for awarding both undergraduate and graduate degrees to Native American students. At NAU, 62 tribes are represented, and according to President John Haeger, NAU has the dedicated mission to be a “premier institution in the United States for serving Native American students and faculty.”

Dan and Jane Julien live, and give, as educators. Their recent gift to the College of Education exemplifies not only their dedication to education, but to Northern Arizona University, where they know quality teachers are produced. Dan retired in 1991 as Professor Emeritus of Speech communication. Jane is proud of her ten years at the NAU Library and teaching library classes in the NAU College of Education. The Julien family shares over 32 higher education degrees, 18 of them earned at NAU. Dan is most proud of the curriculum he created for speech communication teachers while a professor at NAU. Later Jane worked sixteen years at Flagstaff Unified School District, where she supervised the 18 libraries and computerized the district library checkout system. They have impacted Northern Arizona for years, and now with their “Drs. Daniel J. and Jane A. Pierce Julien Scholarship” they will help bring great teachers into the world forever.

“I love this school; it’s like a great relationship,” says Jeanette Garretty, parent of Jonathan Deal, NAU junior. Jeanette is one of Northern Arizona University’s most passionate parent volunteers, currently chairing the Parent Leadership Council, a varied role of recruitment, solicitation, and philanthropy. “I can’t really point to the one thing I love most,” Jeanette tells us, but because of the dynamic leadership, and prompt and personal attention she and her son have received from NAU, they both agree: “NAU is unique.” Jeanette helps her son financially, but she knows supporting a student must go beyond tuition. So she contributes to various grants via the Parents Leadership Council, programs that support many different parts of the University and which contribute to the overall student body quality of life. Jeanette seems tireless when it comes to her parenting and volunteer work, but she knows that by funding certain areas of need, in the long run, everyone benefits.