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First President of the Navajo Nation to Speak at Commencement Ceremony on May 16

by: Christy Skeen

On May 16, the first president of the Navajo Nation and current advisor to the President on American Indian Affairs at ASU, Peterson Zah will address the Phoenix College graduating class of 2003. The ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Hoy Field.

In 1960, Zah graduated from Phoenix College and since then has been extremely active within the local community. Early in his career, he taught at Window Rock High School and worked for the Navajo Nation as a construction project estimator. From 1967-1982, he was the executive director of DNA People’s Legal Service program for the Navajo, Hopi and Apache people in the Four Corners area.

Beginning in 1983, Zah served a four-year term as the Chairman of the Navajo Tribal Council. During this time he was also the Director of the Western Regional Office of the Save the Children Federation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

In 1990, Zah became the first President of the Navajo Nation and served a four-year term.

Since 1995, Zah has been serving Arizona State University as Advisor to the President on American Indian Affairs. This position allows him to assist with the recruitment and retention of American Indian students. He meets with students, presents guest lectures and represents ASU in external relations with American Indian communities.

"We are deeply honored to have Peterson Zah address our graduating class of 2003," said Phoenix College President, Dr. Corina Gardea. "We are especially proud that he is an alumnus of Phoenix College and of his significant position as a community leader."