The NAU Review — Meet NAU’s 2023 Udall Scholar and the Dorrance Scholars cohort and science writer Melissa Sevigny talks about her new book

July 12, 2023

The NAU Review. The official news source for Northern Arizona University.

Udall Scholarship recipient a champion of Native American initiatives

Rebekah McNiel, a business management and modern languages double major, received the prestigious Udall Scholarship for Native American Initiatives in 2023. McNiel, a member of the Honors College, is passionate about change through education and Native American leadership. With long-term goals to positively impact the Navajo Nation, McNiel is committed to learning from other cultures and studying sustainable business practices. Her remarkable journey, from reconnecting with her Navajo heritage to engaging in community service and pursuing transformative experiences abroad, has shaped her character and perspective.

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Melissa Sevigny wearing a hat on a raft floating through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River. A bridge is in the background.

Humans of NAU
with Melissa Sevigny

Sevigny, the science reporter at KNAU, authored Brave the Wild River, the story of the first women to run the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Hear her speak about her research at a special event at Cline Library on July 13.

Read the Q&A

20 students pose with their scholarship donor, Bennett Dorrance

Dorrance Scholars inbound!

Twenty first-generation students from throughout Arizona will be joining the Class of 2027 as Dorrance Scholarship recipients. The Dorrance Foundation provides financial assistance in a renewable award worth up to $100,000 over four years and opportunities for unique educational experiences.

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JJ Duke gesturing in front of a computer screen.

Biologist receives Fulbright award to study in Croatia

JJ Duke will study respiratory muscle function and fatiguability in apnea divers in Split, Croatia. He is among more than 800 U.S. citizens who will teach or conduct research abroad for the 2023-2025 academic years through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

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Notes from the President -- José Luis Cruz Rivera

Month in review

It’s been a busy month—amid meeting with Gov. Hobbs, FUSD and CCC leaders, meeting with the University Advisory Board, signing onto the Welcome Corps on Campus Initiative and recognizing Juneteenth, President Cruz Rivera got the chance to spend a few days in Mexico before gearing up for the final month before the pivotal next academic year begins.

Read his message