Presidential Installation of Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera

Thank you for joining us for the installation of Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera as Northern Arizona University’s 17^th president on September 30, 2022. Together, we celebrated the boundless initiatives President Cruz Rivera has led, transforming lives and enriching our communities through high-quality academics and impactful scholarship, creative endeavors, and public service.

We enjoyed seeing you at our installation events and coming together with anticipation for the exciting steps ahead.

Watch the installation of President José Luis Cruz Rivera.

“We have lots of work to do together, and I am excited by the prospect of working side by side with you as we seek to chart the path and blaze the trail to that bold and boundless future that awaits us at Northern Arizona University.”

Events

Investiture of José Luis Cruz Rivera as NAU’s 17ᵗʰ President

Processional Robing

Installation Celebration BBQ

Alumni and Volunteer Brunch

Presidential Speaker Series featuring Arturo A. Massol-Deyá

Diversity and Equity Awards

What is an Installation?

The Installation of President Cruz Rivera encompassed several elements, including the Installation Celebration BBQ and the Presidential Speaker Series featuring Arturo A. Massol-Deyá. The investiture, which was the formal ceremony installing President Cruz Rivera as the 17^th president of NAU, took place at 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, and was streamed live for all to enjoy.

At the ceremony, the Arizona Board of Regents presented President Cruz Rivera with the Presidential Medallion. The medallion was made by retired NAU professor Joe Cornett and includes sterling silver rays reminiscent of the Arizona state flag, inlaid turquoise and mother of pearl in the shape of the San Francisco Peaks, and “Northern Arizona University, established 1899” embossed in sterling silver. President Cruz Rivera will wear this medallion with his academic regalia at all NAU commencement ceremonies going forward.

While traditionally conducted shortly after a new president is appointed, NAU’s ceremony was scheduled to coincide with the early phases of President Cruz Rivera’s second academic year. This afforded us an opportunity to look back and reflect on a tremendous suite of accomplishments—the product of much collaboration and thanks to the contributions of so many across the Lumberjack community—while also charting the course for the hard and important work ahead.

Thank you for joining the celebration!

NAU 2025 – Elevating Excellence

Northern Arizona University’s roadmap for delivering a bold and boundless future for all.