Diné College Recognizes Student Achievements at the 2025 AIHEC Banquet
April 30, 2025
TSAILE, Ariz. Diné College celebrated the accomplishments of 14 students who participated in the 2025 American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) during a banquet held at the Ned Hatathli Museum. The event highlighted the students’ academic and cultural achievements during the AIHEC conference in Rapid City, South Dakota, where they competed alongside representatives from 37 tribal colleges and universities.
Kimberly Dominguez, AIHEC Co-Chair and Executive Director of Teacher Education at Diné College, opened the banquet by reflecting on the students’ efforts. “Your participation, leadership, and dedication embody the values of Indigenous education and self-determination,” Dominguez said. “Each of you has demonstrated resilience and excellence by representing Diné College with pride.”
The AIHEC event featured competitions including academics, cultural presentations, and leadership forums, showcasing students’ diverse talents. Dr. Nonabah Sam, Curator at the Ned Hatathli Museum and AIHEC coach, praised the students’ artistic and intellectual contributions. “Seeing our students draw inspiration from what they learned in AIHEC and apply it to their own creative work was remarkable,” Sam said. “Their successes truly reflect their dedication and ability to take on new challenges.”
Among the highlights of the competition was the Critical Thinking team, coached by Sterling Walter, Newcomb Microsite Manager. The group earned third place, presenting on the impact of boarding schools on Indigenous education. Walter commended their initiative and teamwork. “The students were committed from day one. They took ownership of their work, and their focus really showed during the competition,” he said.
The Science Team, coached by Neilroy Singer, Environmental Scientist at the Shiprock campus, overcame significant challenges, including limited preparation materials. Singer emphasized the importance of stepping outside comfort zones. “These students showed resilience and teamwork, which speaks volumes about their character. Their participation alone is a testament to their strength,” he remarked.
The Poetry and Public Speaking teams, led by Dr. Alysa Landry, provost, delivered standout performances, including a first-place finish in the poetry slam by student Terance Woody. “Our students demonstrated incredible depth and emotion in their pieces,” Landry noted. “They not only practiced their craft but also shared their voices and stories with powerful impact.”
Cultural competitions also highlighted the event, with Darrell Yazzie Jr. coaching the Traditional Plants and Herb team to gain valuable botanical knowledge, and Darwin Henderson, acting librarian, leading the archery team, which secured a third-place finish. “These levels of engagement showcase the well-rounded skills of our students,” Henderson said.
The Hand Games team, coached by Dr. Avery Denny, gained valuable experience competing in an intense environment. “We learned so much and are excited to come back even stronger next year,” Denny said.
Acting President of Diné College Glennita Haskey congratulated the students on their achievements. “You represented not only Diné College but also your culture and values,” Haskey said. “Your participation and success at AIHEC show what leadership and determination look like, and we are so proud of each of you for your contributions.” She challenged students to build on their experiences and continue setting high standards.
The banquet concluded with closing remarks from Landry, who reflected on the shared experiences and memories of the trip. “These moments will stay with us forever,” Landry said. “It’s inspiring to see students at Diné College actively engage in opportunities that develop their academic skills and cultural identities.”
