Outstanding Alumnus Award Recipients

Outstanding Alumnus Award

Northland Pioneer College would like to salute outstanding graduates who have used their degree or training to succeed in the pursuit of a career or educational goal and who supports and promotes life-long learning.

The Outstanding Alumnus Award is presented during the regular monthly meeting of the Navajo County Community College District Governing Board.

To nominate an Outstanding Alumnus, please complete the online form.

Dr. Paul Holbrook – Spring 2011 From his years as an educator, Dr. Paul Holbrook understands that learning does not always come easily. For those considering whether or not to attend college he offers this: “Gaining an education is a journey almost always filled with dead ends, disillusionment and difficulty. You never know until you fight through these obstacles how wonderful the opportunities are that education provides you. In achieving a graduate degree, you are furthering knowledge in order to help society. What better thing can you do?” | Read more

Amy & Erik Ramsay – December 2010 Amy and Erik both were eager to cite NPC instructors who helped and encouraged them while at NPC. These include: “Dr. Mike” (Mike Solomonson), speech & theatre; Cynthia Hutton, biology; Barry Richins, Spanish; Andrew Hazzard, geography, history and anthropology; and Barbara Hockabout, English). “They are all amazing teachers and wonderful people,” say the couple. | Read more

Dustin P. Benavides – October 2010 Dustin currently works at the NPC Whiteriver Center, where he is practically a one-man band. He is the center’s only tutor, covering all subjects. “I’ve been at NPC long enough, and taken so many classes I can just about tutor anything!” | Read more

Ronald Bishop, Jr. – September 2010 Always a high achiever, Ronald has a goal of retiring by the time he’s 40! “I’m investigating opportunities to see what the next chapter of my life will hold. But I do know that investing in yourself is the best investment there is, and I can’t say enough about the worth of getting an education. And NPC? Well, it was a great place to start!” | Read more

Lorraine Benally – August 2010 As a “lifelong” student, Lorraine encourages students to start out, as she did, at a community college like NPC. “But they should keep on going until they reach a goal of a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. They shouldn’t do what I did and interrupt their goals.” | Read more

Brenda & Rita Allison – June 2010 While Rita thinks students who are considering what to do after high school should “do what they want and not what others want them to do,” Brenda offers a caution. “You need your education. Anymore, no one is going to hire someone with only a GED or high school diploma.” However, both agree that starting at NPC is a good decision. | Read more

Jody Raikowski – May 2010 Jody is an outspoken advocate for NPC and, on occasion, has offered unsolicited advice to prospective students, even while in line at the grocery store. “This little gal wanted to go on to a university right out of high school, but I told her how much smarter it would be to get a degree from NPC that transfers to the university. She’d save so much money in the long run!” | Read more

Javan Tsosie – April 2010 Becoming an elementary teacher wouldn’t be possible without the education he has received at Northland Pioneer College. “It’s given me the solid foundation I need to move ahead. I would recommend it to anyone.” | Read more

Lindasue Landes – March 2010 “I tell folks that it may be hard to believe, but if it hadn’t been for this little college in this little town, I’d never have gotten where I am today. It changed my life.” | Read more

Laurel S. Endfield – February 2010 “When it comes to succeeding in school, family support is the number one reason. Sometimes it’s a culture shock to go away to school, and that’s why starting at NPC can be good.” | Read more

Lisa Ault – November 2009 Despite family obligations, (she and her husband raised six children, 3 girls and 3 boys) Ault has successfully maintained created and managed three businesses for 29+ years. While she modestly declines to give a reason for her success, community members who have known and worked with her over these many years credit Ault’s good taste, attention to detail, and outstanding customer service. | Read more

Autom S. Christensen – August 2009 “It’s funny. Ten years ago, I never even knew what I wanted to do, and I never would have imagined myself where I am today. But I love teaching; it is so fun, so rewarding.” | Read more

Julia Ann "Julie" Jackson – May 2009 While nursing responsibilities consume most of her life, her dream is to write children's books. "It is my goal. I just know I can do it … if only I could find the time." | Read more

Donna Krieser – April 2009 "I tried to take one or two things from every class I took and apply them to our business. I wanted to utilize what I was learning," Krieser says. | Read more

Gary Evan Polacca – March 2009 "My father had been insistent that I accomplish many things for a better way of life, and I knew I had to achieve my goal of getting an education." | Read more

Robin Hendricks - January 20, 2009 "Here I was, in my early 30s, returning to school. Wyatt was just 3 months old when I started my nursing studies. It was pretty grueling. But my instructors, especially Dr. (Jim) Jacob and Dana Jolly, got me through it." | Read more

Jamison Bellucci - January 2009 "I've experienced how community colleges can change lives and I want to be a part, sharing my love for world history." | Read more

Jonnel Acosta - November 18, 2008 "My experience at NPC was great! I would definitely recommend it to others needing to improve their job skills. Today, on the job you never know too much." | Read more