Arizona anniversary brings author, alumna back to NAU

Lisa Schnebly Heidinger

Northern Arizona University will welcome NAU alumna and author Lisa Schnebly Heidinger as part of the president’s speaker series and in honor of Arizona’s centennial celebration next month.

Heidinger will discuss Arizona: 100 Years Grand, her recently published work selected as the official book of the state’s centennial celebration, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff.

With the city of Sedona named after her great-grandmother, Sedona Schnebly, Heidinger needed look no further than her family tree to identify a personal stake and interest in Arizona’s history. Alongside a journalism career that placed Heidinger at Arizona HighwaysThe Arizona Republic and in various broadcast journalism roles, she wrote several books about the history of Arizona cities, towns and residents.

Arizona: 100 Years Grand, Heidinger’s sixth book, is a collection of the most distinguished people, places and events from the last century and of the state’s notable geographical, historical and cultural aspects. Book contributors include Sen. John McCain, Gov. Bruce Babbitt and Gov. Rose Mofford.

Heidinger received a bachelor’s degree from NAU in 1987 and also worked at the university for several years.

“Northern Arizona University has educated three generations of Schnebly family members and remains one of my personal favorite places in Arizona for many reasons I look forward to sharing,” she said.

After the presentation Heidinger will sign copies of Arizona: 100 Years Grand, which will be available for purchase onsite through the NAU Bookstore for $39.95.

For information or to RSVP for the event by Feb. 1, contact (928) 523-8821.