Advocate honored with NAU award

Long-time education advocate Harry Hengl has been named the recipient of the Joe and Marie Rolle Spirit of NAU award from the Northern Arizona University Alumni Association.

Hengl was honored at the NAU homecoming in October. He was singled out for his outstanding contribution to NAU by impacting the lives of so many students who were able to attend the university in part because of his philanthropic efforts, according Neil Goodell, director of NAU Alumni Relations.

"To be recognized with any award is humbling," Hengl said. "But it was even better that the honor comes from Joe and Marie because they're good friends and pillars of NAU. To be recognized with an award named after Joe and Marie is an experience I shall cherish always. Joe and Marie are two reasons why NAU is such a great institution."

Both Hengl and his wife have recently endowed the Hengl Family Scholarship for any Yuma County student who aims to go into education. Hengl, who taught at Kofa High School for 28 years, was recognized for his excellence in teaching in 1997 with the Centennial Year of Education award.

And as a past president of the NAU Alumni Association board of directors, he received the Alumni Service award for building the NAU-Yuma alumni chapter into a model grass roots organization in 1996.

A major fundraising effort for scholarships is the NAU Alumni Association Golf Tournament. For the prior 17 years Hengl has been co-chair along with Tom Kelly for the event, which will be held Nov. 21 at the Desert Hills Golf Course, 1245 W. Desert Hills Drive.

All proceeds from the event go toward NAU scholarships for Yuma County students, Hengl noted. Last year, 27 scholarships in $500 and $1,000 awards were distributed.

"With the current economic situation we don't know how it will turn out, but last year we earned $20,000. We hope we can earn at least as much this year."

Students interested in applying for a scholarship should contact the NAU Financial Aid Office at 317-6437 or e-mail Lisa.Manchester@nau.edu.

Hengl has been involved the last 25 years with the NAU Foundation in their philanthropic endeavors. He said as a current vice chair of the NAU Foundation Board that everyone should contact their state legislators to lobby on behalf of education. He also advocates that everyone in the community support all state universities by giving back to them through scholarships.

"I definitely think with cuts in state aid, the Legislature is doing a terrible disservice to Arizona's higher education and it should be the No. 1 priority for the future of our students."