Pine - Fall 2013 - (Page 14)

COVER NAU into what I believe is a model for education. Our buildings are equipped with the latest technology, the staff and faculty are some of the best I’ve seen, and the university is run with a progressive view of how students want to engage and learn. SPOTLIGHT CONNECTIONS Q&A NAU has grown its reach with scholarships, fellowships and experiences for students and faculty. The report to donors is an excellent way to educate current and potential donors about the great things that are happening at NAU and the value they bring by investing in NAU’s future. It is fun, too, to begin to cultivate that spirit in my daughters. At 8 and 11, they already donate some of their allowance to the university. They also participated in an NAU video with me. PHOTOS BY STEVE CRAFT FEATURED LINKS Q. You participated in the NAU Report to Donors film last year. What was that experience like and why do you think it’s important to keep donors informed? Q. We understand that you established an NAU nursing scholarship. Can you tell us more about it? I grew up in a family with two sisters living with severe scoliosis, as well as a father with a heart condition and neurological issues. We spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals, especially as my father aged. He had some incredible nurses, and we saw how much they cared and how hard they worked. I obviously have an affinity for NAU, so a nursing scholarship at NAU just seemed to make sense to honor his life. Q. As a member of the NAU Foundation board since 2005, what kind of changes and progress have you seen at NAU throughout the years? I have seen immense changes and progress at NAU. President Haeger is a great visionary and leader. He has shaped Q. What is the most important piece of advice you have for current students to be successful in their careers? They’ve already made their first best decision by attending NAU. They will be well educated and equipped to succeed. I would offer that they work during the summers and as much as they can while in school, and participate in internships to gather exposure in their chosen field. Not only does it help you stand out among your peers who are also applying to jobs, it will ready you for the business world. Q. What do you know now that you wish you would have known when you graduated from NAU? That having a career is like studying for finals and never taking the exam. It’s a series of “semesters” and you have to figure out ways to assess your own achievements, find time for “spring break,” and learn all you can in every experience. Blue and Gold Also Wear Purple and Orange DeeAnn Palin isn’t the only Lumberjack that calls US Airways Center home. There are six alumni serving in a variety of capacities for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, as well as Sports and Entertainment Services, including Geoff Budoff, ’97 BS (not pictured), who serves as vice president of premier client services. “My time in Flagstaff was incredible and something I will cherish forever,” he says. “The sum of all my experiences at NAU has got me to where I am today, both personally and professionally.” Q. How have you handled challenges in your professional life? Having a career doesn’t come without curveballs. I’ve learned to know the difference between the glass balls and the ones that will bounce. Never let the glass ones hit the floor—that means my family, my integrity and my character. Stay true to those things, work hard and ultimately good things happen. nau.edu/alumni PINE � FALL 2013 � PG 14 http://www.nau.edu/alumni

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Pine - Fall 2013

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