“I have kept track of my family and their relationships to NAU,” says Patrick Dallabetta, ’70, ’80. “NAU has been an important part of our lives.”
It’s an understatement.
For decades, Dallabetta has maintained a meticulous record of the family’s academic lineage—line after line of names, degrees, spouses, and grandchildren. Across four generations, the Dallabettas have collectively earned 43 degrees from Northern Arizona University—a tradition that began in the 1940s and continues today. The list spans the entire family tree: educators, nurses, pediatricians, physical therapists, principals, business leaders—even one graduate now in medical school in Europe.
Dallabetta, who earned both his bachelor’s and doctorate at NAU, then went on to teach graduate courses at NAU for more than a decade and later served as president of the NAU Alumni Association Board. His parents, John Dallabetta, ’48, ’49, and Marjorie Dallabetta, ’59, both earned degrees at NAU; his siblings and extended family followed, along with aunts, uncles, cousins, spouses, and in-laws. Many even met their partners at NAU, building the next generation of Lumberjacks.
“There was never a question where we would go to school. We respected and cherished the faculty. I considered them friends and knew I could depend on them for a good education. They took a personal interest in me and my career, something quite unique at such a large institution,” says Dallabetta.
Today, the family’s Lumberjack legacy continues through his grandchildren including Abigail Austin, ’26, a senior majoring in history with a minor in museum studies.
Austin grew up twirling in Flagstaff with Movement Baton Twirlers under coach Tamra Abada—an early spark that would later shape her NAU experience. Today, she serves as captain of the NAU Twirlers, a role that has strengthened her confidence and leadership.
“Being captain, it helps me with my leadership, confidence, and communication skills overall,” she says.
As an NAU Twirler, she also works closely with the Lumberjack Marching Band.
This fall, the Lumberjack Marching Band and NAU Twirlers performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, seen by more than 3.5 million spectators in New York and over 34 million viewers nationwide on television—offering students like Austin a once-in-a-lifetime showcase on one of the world’s largest stages.
Academically, Austin found an unexpected passion at NAU.
“History is very cool to me,” she says. Initially planning to teach world history at the secondary level, she shifted toward Viking and medieval studies. A Museum Studies minor opened new possibilities: “I didn’t know Museum Studies was a thing. I was looking to add a minor, and I saw Museum Studies listed. I love museums and it’s cool to learn how the behind-the-scenes works, because so much goes into designing an exhibit that’s accessible to everyone.” She has completed independent study work in public engagement and exhibition in history museums and plans to complete a museum internship in the spring.
Reflecting on her family’s long connection to the university, Austin says, “I think it’s really awesome to be connected to family members in that way.”
Austin’s immediate family alone—including her mother, father, and older brother—already holds five NAU degrees.
Her mother, Kimberley Austin, ’93, ’97, says, “My time at NAU is one of the most significant sources of pride in my life. It is where I met my husband, built lifelong memories, and earned two degrees while following the path of my parents and grandparents before me. NAU became even more meaningful as I watched my son accept his diploma, and now, as my daughter represented the university with the Lumberjack Marching Band at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and prepares to graduate in May, I am reminded of how deeply NAU is woven into our family’s story.”
Dallabetta has watched generations of relatives attend the university and pursue careers in education, healthcare, business, and community leadership—and enjoys watching his grandchildren do the same.
“NAU has grown by leaps and bounds, but you can still receive that personal touch. Abigail loves her teachers and advisor. They have inspired her, and there is no price you can put on that interest from the faculty,” says Dallabetta.
With Austin preparing to graduate and relatives like Tony Brown following behind, the family’s connection to NAU shows no sign of slowing. It’s a tradition 43 degrees strong—and growing.
