Diné College Celebrates Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony with Madam Chair Shelly C. Lowe
10th May 2024
Tsaile, AZ – Diné College held the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony, which was held in front of the Kinyaa’áanii Library, marking a significant milestone for the graduating class of 2024.
“One of the unique values of a tribal college, and in particular, Diné College, is that every individual story matters,” remarked Charles “Monty” Roessel, Diné College President. “Your individual story is correct. The person sitting next to you may have a different story, but that is correct also. So, as we go through life, remember that. As we go forward.”
A good turnout of graduates, faculty, families, and supporters highlighted the hard work and dedication of the graduating students. Diné College, comprising four distinguished schools, awarded 118 degrees and certificates to 114 graduates, with some achieving multiple degrees. Additionally, nine Adult education graduates were honored during the ceremony.
The ceremony featured Commencement Speaker Shelly C. Lowe, Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities. As a citizen of the Navajo Nation from Ganado, Arizona, Lowe’s address drew from her experience in higher education and leadership roles, inspiring and motivating the graduates.
“As my father told me years ago, do not be afraid to go out there. There’s a world waiting for you. A world that needs you, a world waiting for your stories, so that we can all live full lives and continue to be renewed every day,” shared Madam Chair, offering words of wisdom and encouragement to the graduating class.
“Congratulations to all of you. It is an honor to address you in this extraordinary place,” concluded Dr. Buu Van Nygren, Navajo Nation President, as he extended his congratulations to the graduating class.
Diné College extends a generous Ahéhee’ to all attendees, faculty, staff, and supporters whose support and contributions were instrumental in the success of the Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony. The college encourages all students to plan ahead and register for the upcoming Summer and Fall Semester 2024 to secure spots in desired classes and ensure a smooth transition into the next academic year, with the knowledge that their support is crucial to our continued success.
For those unable to attend the ceremony in person, the live social media stream of the event on the Diné College Facebook page allowed friends, family, and well-wishers to join in celebrating this occasion.