Eller College Hosts Yavapai-Apache Nation Sign Unveiling Ceremony Honoring Language, Legacy and Partnership
The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona proudly hosted a Yavapai-Apache Nation (YAN) Sign Unveiling Ceremony in front of McClelland Hall, celebrating culture, language and lasting partnership with tribal communities.
The event began with opening remarks and a prayer from YAN Elder and past U of A student, Don Decker and YAN Council Member Genevieve Datsi, followed by a welcome from Brianna Medrano, president of the Eller American Indigenous Business Leaders.
Vice Dean of Programs and Initiatives, Yong Liu, then spoke about the significance of the university’s Native Language Campus Sign Initiative.
“This is one of the most inspiring initiatives I’ve had the privilege to witness,” Liu shared. “Integrating Native languages into our campus spaces roots us in connection. It helps us grow as educators and build strong business leaders who understand the value of community.”
University of Arizona Provost Patricia Prelock also delivered remarks, calling the moment “particularly humbling,” noting its connection to one of Eller’s own—YAN Chairman Elect Buddy Rocha Jr., an Eller MBA alum and current faculty advisor.
“It is an honor to recognize one of our graduates as he helps lead this moment of institutional reflection and representation,” she said.
Rocha’s daughter, Mya, who is currently an Eller online student, had the opportunity to not only attend this special event, but also introduced her father before he gave his remarks.
Rocha spoke about the personal and generational impact of seeing Indigenous language reflected in academic spaces.
“Growing up in a community that values integrity and responsibility, I saw those same values echoed at Eller,” he said. “My grandfather taught me that education is how we carry our ancestors’ wisdom forward. This sign is more than a symbol—it’s a promise that our voices belong here.”
The ceremony held special meaning as it honored two influential contributors who passed away before the sign unveiling: Charles Decker, a tribal member and artist who had been deeply involved in the consultation process, and YAN Chairman Vincent Randall, a key figure in the discussions. To honor Randall’s legacy, his wife, Erie, was presented with a custom blanket. The same blanket was used to uncover the sign during the unveiling.
Following the remarks, attendees moved outside McClelland Hall for the formal unveiling. The moment was marked with four Apache songs and four Yavapai songs, filling the courtyard with tradition, reverence and unity.
Rocha reflected on the lasting impact of the initiative:
“When Indigenous languages appear on campus signage, we remind the broader community that diversity is not just acknowledged—it is lived. As an alum, I know how powerful it is to see yourself reflected in institutional symbols.”
Rocha, Provost Prelock, Erie, and Liu then unveiled the new signage for McClelland Hall all together. The sign reads Goyá hí, iit’in goshú yú got Teet – Wisdom guides you along the true path.
The unveiling represents a collaborative effort between the Yavapai-Apache Nation, the Office of Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement, led by Special Advisor N. Levi Esquerra, and the University of Arizona.
As Provost Prelock noted, initiatives like this are central to the university’s mission as a land-grant institution:
“We are committed to uplifting Native voices, honoring their histories, and ensuring that our spaces reflect the communities we serve.”
The newly unveiled sign now stands as both a marker and a message—a celebration of language, legacy and the shared responsibility to build a future where every community is seen, heard and honored.
