‘Diné Strong’ After fire, community rallies and graduation plans move forward for Diné College

By Navajo Times | Apr 19, 2025 | News |

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

TSAILE, Ariz.

In the days since a fire engulfed Diné College’s Student Union Building, the campus community has witnessed a flood of support from across Diné Bikéyah, ensuring that students will still cross the stage at graduation despite the unexpected challenges posed by the destruction.

“We have received an outpouring of community support through encouraging words and even donations of food and money,” said Chris Burnside, the Diné College spokesman. “We are going to continue to guide our students through classes and graduation through this time. We are currently working to finalize plans for replacement cap and gowns and rescheduling, but graduation will still happen one way or another.”

Students shared on Facebook that the May 9 commencement ceremony will proceed as scheduled, though it has been moved to the Shiprock Campus, where it will be held outdoors at 10 a.m. For many of the 138 graduating students, the fire represented not just the loss of a building but added stress through uncertainty and lost resources.

Navajo Times | Robert Bettis
A Navajo Nation Fire and Rescue truck is parked at Diné College in Tsaile, Ariz., where the Student Union building was destroyed in a fire on April 14, 2025.

Cap and gown lost, but tradition endures 

Business major Mikal Gene was among those affected—his cap and gown, which had been waiting for him in the now-destroyed bookstore, went up in flames along with much of the Student Union’s contents.

“I was already planning to wear my traditional clothing below my cap and gown, so I guess I’ll wear it instead,” Gene said. “It’s not how I pictured it, but I’m still looking forward to walking that stage.”

His determination mirrors the wider Diné College student body, which has refused to let the fire derail academic progress. “Nothing is going to stop me from graduating this semester,” Gene shared with confidence.

Campus operations shift to keep students on track 

The college has implemented temporary measures to keep operations running. Cafeteria services have been relocated to Spruce Hall, transit routes adjusted to the Ned Hataałii Center, and virtual classes continue for students who can no longer access campus facilities. The weight room, a popular gathering spot for students and gym goers like Gene, was among the facilities lost, leaving many without their usual workout space.

But the communities’ response has been swift and selfless. Liz Tso of NMS is coordinating food donations, while cash donations are being managed through the college’s finance office. On social media, messages of encouragement from students, staff, and supporters from all corners of the community have flooded in, offering moral support.

Navajo Times | Robert Bettis
A sign displaying “Campus Closed Until Further Notice” informs visitors about the closure April 14, 2025.

Emotional support steps up amid uncertainty 

Mental health counselor Travis Teller has been providing additional support at Residential Life, recognizing the emotional toll the fire has taken.

Demolition of the damaged structure is expected to begin this week, with the full cleanup and rebuilding process projected to continue into late 2025. In the meantime, college administrators are working closely with Navajo Nation leadership to ensure that recovery efforts align with the needs of students and staff.

Rebuilding ahead, but resilience remains

“The strength of Diné College has always been its people,” Burnside said. “That hasn’t changed. If anything, this has shown just how much our community can come together when it matters most.”

As the campus prepares for commencement, the focus remains on celebrating what it means to be “Diné Strong,” a popular phrase around campus that encapsulates community togetherness. For Gene, that means finding a new gym routine and adjusting his graduation plans — but never losing sight of what matters.

“I’ll figure out the rest,” he said. “Right now, I’m just grateful we still get to have our moment on graduation day.”

Those wishing to support recovery efforts can contribute food donations at the Incident Command Center or monetary donations through the college’s finance office. Updates on graduation and ongoing recovery plans are available through official Diné College channels.