Russell Begaye, a member of the Kinlichiinii clan born for Bitani, grew up on a farm in Shiprock, New Mexico. He attended local schools and graduated from UCLA in 1974 with a degree in Political Science.

Serving as the 8th President of the Navajo Nation from May 2015 to January 2019, Begaye focused on education, health, law enforcement, veteran affairs, and economic development.

Under his leadership, the Nation’s scholarship programs were doubled, including increased funding for Diné College and Navajo Technical University. He also established specialized scholarships for fields like medicine, engineering, and public health.

Begaye improved healthcare by advocating for new facilities, such as one in Dilkon, and collaborated with the University of Arizona School of Medicine to admit and support Navajo medical students. He prioritized law enforcement, founding the first Navajo Police Academy and securing better facilities. For veterans, he created the Navajo Veterans Administration and a Veterans Council to address their needs.

During his term as a Navajo Council Delegate, he restructured the Council from 88 to 24 delegates, strengthened the Criminal Code, and passed laws benefiting vulnerable populations.

Through his work, Begaye consistently emphasized safeguarding the Navajo Nation. His advice to Navajo Nation leaders is to, first and foremost, Protect the People, Protect the Nation, and Protect our Nation’s Sovereignty. His legacy reflects a steadfast commitment to the advancement and well-being of the Navajo people.

Rehearsals for the graduation ceremony will be on

• Thursday, May 8 from 1pm to 4pm

Shiprock South Campus. Refreshments will be provided.

Students still need to submit an order form for caps and gowns, but they will not be charged. If you already paid for your cap and gown, you will be reimbursed.

Cap and Gown Order Form

 Cap & Gown Order Form

Send the completed form to bookstore@dinecollege.edu.

Yes. Cap and Gowns can be sent to any of Dine College’s 6 sites/centers/campuses. Contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@dinecollege.edu to make arrangements for delivery.

Diplomas will be sent to graduates after all final grades are posted. The Office of the Registrar will send the diplomas through certified mail requiring the graduate’s signature upon delivery. Graduates can arrange to pick up their diplomas at a Dine’ College campus/site/center.  For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@dinecollege.edu.

The Residence Life department has made dorm rooms available for graduates to rent if they need room accommodations. Download and complete the Overnight Stay Form to request a room for graduation.

 Overnight Stay Form

Send the completed form to reslife@dinecollege.edu. To complete the payment for the room rental, contact the Cashier’s Office at 928-724-6684 Payment can be completed by phone.

The Marketing Department will be onsite taking photos of Graduates and ceremony. Please download and sign the photo release form for our Marketing team. If you have questions regarding the photo release form, please contact Jazzmine Martinez at jdmartinez@dinecollege.edu or 928-724-6694

 Photo Release Form

Send your completed form to marketing@dinecollege.edu.

There are no limits to the number of guests a graduate can invite to the commencement ceremony.

Sashes and honor cords are distributed during the lineup on graduation day. Each graduate will receive a sash with the campus or site they indicated on their graduation petition.