Kevin Gemoets, assistant dean of students and director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, was selected by student organizations as this year’s Homecoming Dedicatee for his more than 15 years of service on campus.
As Gemoets wrapped up his day Tuesday at a Fraternity and Sorority Life Tri-Council meeting, members of NAU’s Chain Gang—a student group that maintains university traditions—unexpectedly entered the room and announced to Gemoets that NAU’s 2016 Homecoming was being dedicated in his honor. The room of students, friends and fellow staff members erupted in cheers and applause. Watch the tapping online.
“I’m kind of speechless and that doesn’t happen often. I knew I should have worn a tie today,” Gemoets said, stunned as the Chain Gang members presented him with a button featuring his photo.
Gemoets, who used to assist with coordinating the tapping of the Dedicatee and is planning the Homecoming parade this year, was overcome with emotions and blown away by the surprise. “This is such a huge honor and I am humbled by this,” Gemoets said.
Gemoets joined NAU in 2000 and has served in a number of positions, including student organizations and leadership programs, campus recreation and the cheer, dance and mascot program. His current role includes overall leadership and direction of Fraternity and Sorority Life for more than 2,000 affiliated students and their chapters.
Gemoets teaches a Greek Emerging Leaders course and co-directs the Edge Leadership Experience, a three-day, pre-fall intensive leadership development program for incoming freshmen. Gemoets also serves as the liaison for the Leadership Residential Learning Community on campus.
“Kevin’s commitment to serving NAU students, campus organizations and staff is only surpassed by his positive and collaborative nature,” said Cynthia Anderson, dean of students and past dedicatee honoree. “It is such a pleasure to see someone so deeply dedicated to NAU receive this once in a lifetime honor. Kevin truly does ‘bleed blue and gold’ and his selection as Dedicatee is so reflective of the spirit of NAU.”
Gemoets earned a bachelor’s in science, food and nutrition science and a master’s of education in Counseling–Student Affairs from NAU. He has been named the most influential educator by Gold Axe Award recipients in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2016. Gemoets also earned the Residence Hall Association Compass Award of Appreciation in 2009.
Gemoets will be celebrated at the annual Homecoming Dedicatee Banquet scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, in Ashurst Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and are available through the Central Ticket Office. Cash, check, dining dollars and JDE accepted.
Gemoets also will be honored during the Homecoming parade on campus, which begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. For details about Homecoming events, visit nau.edu/homecoming.
Homecoming Dedicatee buttons may be purchased by contacting chaingang.nau@gmail.com and in-person between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Office of Student Life in room 104 of University Union.