University to reward 4 individuals with honorary degrees
NAU will reaffirm its commitment to community college partnerships when it awards an honorary degree to Leah Bornstein, president of Coconino Community College, during commencement ceremonies in May, President John Haeger announced.
Other award recipients will include:
- Zong Wa, director of the Department of Cooperation Projects and Development at China Education Association for International Exchange, where he also serves as executive director of the Chinese Center for International Education Exchange. The educator has been instrumental in NAU’s continued growth in its China partnership, Provost Liz Grobsmith said.
- Artist Bruce Aiken, known for his Grand Canyon work.
- The 2012 Arizona Teacher of the Year, Kristie Martorelli, a kindergarten through third-grade reading interventionist at Thompson Ranch Elementary School in the Dysart School District in El Mirage. NAU traditionally awards honorary degrees to Arizona teachers of the year.
NAU has sent its 2012-13 tuition proposal to the Arizona Board of Regents. Haeger said his main goal is to protect NAU’s Pledge program.
The president also said he will move forward with the appointment of a new provost within a few weeks. “There is a small pool of people qualified to do this,” he said, adding that he is meeting with the Faculty Senate, Academic Chairs Council and other groups on campus regarding the appointment.
Jennus Burton, vice president for Finance and Administration, said NAU will request approval from the Arizona Board of Regents to contract with NORESCO to engage in an energy conservation project. The project is expected to reduce energy and water consumption by about 18 percent, which would cover the cost of the program.
The university is asking for a 1.8 percent increase to residence hall rates and a 4.17 percent increase to meal plans, said David Bousquet, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Bousquet said the meal rates are guaranteed for two years.
Jane Kuhn, associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, said the university is setting guidelines for groups to use the revamped North Quad. The guidelines will not include Potter’s Square, which will be used for outside dining and events in the 1899 Bar & Grill.
The university will soon unveil Standards and Expectations of Conduct, Jennus Burton announced. The policy establishes guidelines for all NAU employees acting on behalf of the university. A draft of the proposal can be found here.