Family Weekend celebrates academics, offers plenty of activities

High achieving students will be honored at Northern Arizona University’s Celebration of Academic Achievement during Family Weekend.

Hundreds of students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher with at least 24 credit hours will be recognized at a ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday in Ardrey Auditorium.

NAU graduate Sue Sisley, a psychiatrist and doctor of internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, will be keynote speaker. Her topic is “NAU Education: A Ticket to Change the World.”

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., students will have a chance to show off their skills during the Undergraduate Showcase in the Kaibab Room of the University Union. The showcase will feature poster presentations, research, artwork and music.

“This event is a great opportunity to recognize the achievements of some of university’s best and brightest students,” said Bruce Fox, director of NAU’s Honors Program. “We’ve invited families to the ceremony so they can enjoy the recognition as well.”

NAU’s Family Weekend begins Friday and offers a variety of events through Sunday. In addition to the Celebration of Academic Achievement, the weekend includes free use of the Recreation Center, tours, presentations, specials at the NAU Bookstore, HRM’s annual benefit Casino Nite, a barbecue and athletics events.

The Lumberjack football team meets Montana State at 3 p.m. in the Skydome. The NAU volleyball team also will host Montana State for a free game beginning at 7 p.m. in the Rolle Activity Center.

For details of Family Weekend, visit home.nau.edu/familyweekend/events.asp.