1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Native American Student Club Serves Up
Fry-bread and Fun

By: Joslyn Hatfield

Every Wednesday the Phoenix College Native American Student Association (N.A.S.A.) serves up fry-bread and fun to students and faculty. This club comprised of 25 Phoenix College students strives for academic excellence as well as cultural diversity. N.A.S.A. members form a diverse club with representation from many Native American tribes.

The club offers a chance for Native American students to participate in cultural activities and the club acts as a support system for its members. This unique club encourages cultural exchange to enrich college life.

The N.A.S.A. Club is rich in history as well as culture.

" This is the oldest continuously run club in the Maricopa Community College District," said Pat McIntry, N.A.S.A. co-advisor.

Current club members carry on a long-standing tradition of community involvement. N.A.S.A. is credited for its efforts in the Miss Indian Arizona pageant, the Miss Indian Arizona Scholarship Program and the Arizona Affiliation of Arizona Indian Volunteers, which helps with the annual All Indian Rodeo, held at the Arizona State Fair.

N.A.S.A. brings a sense of involvement to Native American students at Phoenix College. Fellowship is a key ingredient to the club and N.A.S.A. members celebrate the end of the school year with an annual trip. California is the usual choice. Past trips have included visits to famous landmarks, amusement parks as well as museums and cultural attractions.

In addition to regular club meetings and events, N.A.S.A. has participated in the following:

-- Fry bread sales;
-- 2002 Native American Recognition Days Parade;
-- The Annual Silent Auction N.A.S.A. fundraiser; and
-- The Halloween celebration at Phoenix Indian Medical Center.

They have also provided support for the All Indian Rodeo, volunteered to clean-up Arizona highways and assisted with the Phoenix College new student orientation.

For more information or to get involved in N.A.S.A., please contact N.A.S.A. advisor Hershman John at (602) 285-7367.