Diné College represented at Minneapolis-based ceremony

TSAILE – A throng of students from Diné College travelled to Minneapolis from March 13-16 for the 2016 American Indian Higher Education Consortium Student Conference and brought back 10 awards – among them six first place honors, the most that students from Diné College have ever won at the annual AIHEC.

The AIHEC is an annual gathering of tribal colleges and universities in the U.S. The conference offers tribal college students the opportunity to attend informational sessions, engage in friendly competition and networking.

Among those attending the conference this year was Diné College senior economics and business major Felisha Adams, who is a candidate for the District 4 seat in the New Mexico Senate. At the event, Adams, 29, was recognized as the 2015-2016 Coca-Cola First Generation Native Scholar and the Adolph Coors Foundation Student of the Year.

“Yes, I was surprised that I received this honor,” Adams said. “It is something that I respect very much. I see it as continuing on in leadership and also being recognized for the knowledge that I have in business administration, legislative affairs, performing academically, and most importantly, community involvement,” Adams said.

Lori Tapahonso, public information officer at Diné College, said the college had 38 students compete in 13 areas at the event, including art, archery, creative writing, business bowl, informative speech, critical inquiry and web design, among other categories.

Diné College was established in 1968 as the first tribally-controlled community college in the U.S. The college awards 19 associate degrees, six certificates and two bachelor degrees. The college boasts a significant enrollment from greater McKinley County, including a host of graduates from Gallup-McKinley County Schools.

By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent