Ten GRIC students graduate from Arizona State University

May 9, 2018 

Christopher Lomahquahu 

Gila River Indian News 

Members of the Gila River Indian Community were recognized for their hard work and commitment in their field of study at Arizona State University. 

In an annual tradition ASU hosted the American Indian Convocation, to recognize the accomplishments of Native students at Grady Gammage Auditorium on May 9. 

In addition to the over 140 graduates present at the convocation, five Community members received their degrees through the Gila River Culture and Language Teacher Cohort program at ASU. 

Community members Edwardine Thomas, Nina Allison, Marcella Hall, Priscilla Espinoza and Starleen Somegustava, all received their master’s degrees for successful completing the teacher cohort program, were recognized at the convocation before a packed audience.

Other Community members, who completed their degree programs at ASU were: Emmanuel Whempner, Jordyn Woodard, Cerena Molina, Katherine Smith, and Leonard Bruce.

In total, there was over 300 Native students who graduated from ASU, that represented over 30 tribal communities from across the state and country.