“NSU is such an integral part of my personal history,” he said. “I hold it in such high regard, to be asked to give the address is amazing to me.” And while he couldn’t remember who spoke at his graduation, he does remember all the good times he had attending NSU. “Maybe every class feels this way, but I believe I was at Northern at just the perfect time,” said Tonemah, who double majored in psychology and sociology and minored in gerontology. “It was a great combination of people, and activities, and music…oh yeah, and classes! It just made for great memories.” Tonemah, who has a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and cultural studies, is of Kiowa, Comanche and Tuscarora heritage. He is an advocate for American Indian affairs, and sits on state and national boards addressing disparities in education and health care in native communities. Tonemah recently joined the Stephen Covey group as a trainer for “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” He also is an actor and award-winning recording artist. Tonemah’s recent work with Northern included a “Be U” tour to area schools last fall. On this tour, he encouraged students to say yes to challenges and see how they can bring positive changes into their lives. He also shared the impact that attending Northern had on his life. Tonemah said he looks forward to continuing his work with the university. “NSU has such amazing potential as an academic, athletic and multicultural institution,” he said. “My work with the ‘Be U Tour’ just reinforced what we have known all along: that many people are looking at Northern as a reflection of the possibilities that exist within themselves. It’s an exciting time to be part of Northern!” northern today 17 spring 2014 northern news Tonemah delivers Northern State commencement address Dr. Darryl Tonemah remembers a lot of details of his graduation from Northern State 25 years ago – his family came from Oklahoma and New York, and they had a big picnic at Wylie Park. NSU has a diverse student body, with 25 foreign countries represented. But there was one thing the 1989 graduate could not recall: “Ironically, I don’t remember the speaker!” The class of 2014, however, will surely remember its speaker: Tonemah returned to campus to deliver the commencement address at the May 10 ceremony in the Barnett Center. Prior to the event, Tonemah said he was honored to speak. g l oba l r e ach
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