NAU School of Communication

The School of Communication will award 251 bachelor’s degrees and 4 master’s degrees this Saturday. On Wednesday we celebrated our students’ success with the second annual Graduation Gala on First Amendment Plaza. The event featured an open house and displays of student work from all six of our programmatic areas.

It was a joy to spend some time with students and their families as our graduating seniors prepare to move on to the next stage of their lives. There were some tears as well. Two long-time School of Comm faculty are retiring this year. We’re sad to see Amy Hitt and Jerome Mahaffey leaving this year, and wish them the best.

Six students earning bachelor’s degrees from the School of Communication this semester were also recognized with Gold Axe awards at a ceremony in High Country Conference Center last night. The awards recognize seniors who have made outstanding contributions to the university and community.  They honor students who are committed to excelling in life outside of the classroom through leading student organizations, providing service to the community, involvement in their academic college, and more. ⭐️🪓

  *   Beau Arenas Ortiz will graduate this semester with a BFA in Visual Communication. His Educator of Influence was Dr. Rima Brusi  from the Department of Anthropology.

  *   Venetia Hill will graduate this semester with a BA in Creative Media and Film. Venetia’s Educator of Influence was Bill Carter from the School of Communication.

  *   Rachel Lemons will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Rachel’s Educator of Influence was Sun Ohumakini from the Office of Student Life. Look for Rachel around the building over the next couple of years. She will be pursuing a master’s in Communication Studies and working as GTA teaching public speaking.

  *   Kayla Riggs will graduate this spring with a BA in Strategic Communication. Kayla’s Educator of Influence is Bill Carter from the School of Communication.

  *   Briana Rivera will graduate this spring with a BA in Strategic Communication. Briana’s Educator of Influence is Bill Carter from the school of communication.

  *   Isis Villagomez will graduate this spring with a BFA in Visual Communication. Isis’s Educator of Influence is Danielle O’Connor from the School of Communication.

Congratulations to Waylon Wilsey for winning the VC Design Excellence Award! 🏆🎨

This recognition highlights his creativity, attention to detail, and strong design work. We’re proud to have him as part of the School of Communication.

Several of his pieces are featured in this post so take a look at some of his work!

Congratulations to Natalie Fletcher for winning the VC Animation Award! 🏆🎬

This recognition highlights her strong work and creativity in animation, and we’re proud to have her as part of the School of Communication!

Several of her pieces are featured in this post so take a look at some of her work!

Congratulations to Colin Osuna, our Outstanding Senior in Photography, for graduating with a degree in Photography! 📸✨

Check out what Colin had to say about their time with the School of Communication. 🎓💙   

Congratulations to Ava Hiniker, our Outstanding Senior in Journalism, for graduating with a degree in Journalism, and a minor in Public Relations! 📝✨

Check out what Ava had to say about their time with the School of Communication. 🎓💙   

Congratulations to Kaitlyn Dunn, our Outstanding Senior in Communication Studies, for graduating with a degree in Communication Studies, and a minor in Journalism ! 📚✨

Check out what Kaitlyn had to say about their time with the School of Communication. 🎓💙   

Congratulations to Hope Deaver, our Outstanding Senior in Creative Media & Film, for graduating with a degree in Creative Media & Film, and an emphasis in Documentary Storytelling! 🎬✨

Check out what Hope had to say about their time with the School of Communication. 🎓💙

Congratulations to Isis Villagomez, our Outstanding Senior in Visual Communication, for graduating with a degree in Visual Communication, an emphasis in Graphic Design and a double minor in Spanish and PR! 💻✨

Check out what Isis had to say about their time with the School of Communication. 🎓💙

Congratulations to Madison Rich, our Outstanding Senior in Advertising, for graduating with a degree in Strategic Communication, an emphasis in Advertising and a double minor in Business and Native American Studies! 📚✨

Check out what Madison had to say about their time with the School of Communication. 🎓💙