In the Alumni Spotlight: Nov. 30, 2017

Kudos to these alumni

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• Marissa Friedrich received the award for Best Professional Success at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards (WHA) at the InterContinental Paric Le Grand Hotel on Nov. 8. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in hospitality management in 2014. She is the online distribution manager in Germany and Poland for Scandic Hotels.

  

• The W. A. Franke College of Business recognized four alumni at the FCB Faculty and Alumni Hall of Fame Induction on Oct. 26. The inductees are Matt Casado, Paige Lund, John Ferron and Jim Travis. Casado graduated with a master’s in education in 1991, and is professor emeritus from the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Lund graduated with a degree in hotel and restaurant management in 1993 and is the general manager of Renaissance Hotel and area general manager for Marriott Connection. Ferron graduated with a degree in finance in 1986 and is the executive chairman for Ivanti Software. Travis graduated with a degree in marketing in 1970 and is retired after working for his company Travis and Associates.
• Rich Thibodeau’s paintings are displayed at a new exhibition opening at the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg, Kansas. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in painting and printmaking. His paintings will be displayed through Jan. 14.

  

• Michael Garshak was recently appointed to be the next adjutant general of the Idaho Army National Guard. Garshak, a decorated veteran, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management in 1987. He is the chief of staff for the Idaho Army National Guard and will be succeeding Major Gen. Gary Sayler.
• Jeffrey Ross’s new book, “1040 Taxes Could Be Replaced by One-Cent Fees,” will be released on Feb. 22 by Rogue Phoenix Press. Ross graduated with a doctorate in educational leadership in 1993. In this work, Ross describes a simple plan to fund the U.S. Treasury using existing ACH and point of sale technologies.
• Kelsey Herring was recently featured in the Flagstaff Business News for her pharmacy. Herring owns Mortar and Pestle, a compounding pharmacy for people and exotic animals. Herring adjusts prescription ingredients for humans who are allergic to common ingredients in drugs. For exotic animals, she adapts the amount of medication that these smaller animals will be consuming. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

  

• The College of Education inducted alumni Richard A. Smith and Gary Philip Damore along with The Honorable Bob J. McLendon into the Hall of Fame. Smith earned a bachelor of arts degree in physical education and English, a master of arts in physical education administration and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from NAU. He has many accomplishments in education, serving multiple roles throughout higher education. Damore earned his bachelor of arts degree in Spanish, master of arts in teaching English as a second language and doctorate in educational leadership from NAU. He is a dedicated educator and has contributed to skilled educators at all levels. Judge McLendon began his career in Yuma and helped secure funds to create NAU-Yuma. He also had an important role in securing capital funds for building and campus development at NAU.
• Sodexo sales manager Jill Larson was named to the Arizona Daily Sun’s 20 under 40 list. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. Larson took over NAU’s summer camp programs in 2012 and increased program revenue by 45 percent as well as the number of groups involved by 25 percent. She is involved in Flagstaff Leadership Program, a member of Flagstaff Arts Council and Flagstaff Women’s Leadership Network.