Honoring Our History, Shaping the Future on May 1

May 1 changed everything for NAU   

On May 1, 1966, Arizona State College became Northern Arizona University, marking a new era of growth, opportunity, and impact across the state. We chose this day for Giving Day because it represents transformation—just as NAU expanded its reach and mission, your generosity on May 1 helps expand opportunities for Lumberjacks today and for generations to come.

This isn’t just a day to give—it’s a tradition in the making, shaped by the Lumberjack community and the impact we create together. Your support fuels scholarships, strengthens career readiness, expands research opportunities, and ensures every student has access to the resources they need to thrive.


  Why Your Gift Matters   

NAU Giving Day is about more than raising funds—it’s about expanding access, empowering students, and strengthening the future of NAU. Your generosity directly supports Lumberjacks across Arizona, helping them succeed now and long into the future.


Your Gift Elevates Every Lumberjack

  Academic Excellence – Supporting scholarships, research, and innovative learning experiences.
  Career Readiness – Providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
  Student Emergency Support – Offering immediate assistance to students facing unexpected financial hardships.
  Access to Education – Making higher education attainable for students from all backgrounds.
  Student Experience – Enhancing peer connections, health and wellness resources, and statewide student support.


  Be Part of Something Big!

   Give to the area that means the most to you.
   Share your NAU pride and inspire others to join.
   Challenge your friends, family, and colleagues to give.


May 1 changed NAU’s future—now, you are shaping what’s next!     

Be part of this tradition of giving and build something the Lumberjack community will celebrate for years to come.    

Give Early
Lumberjacks supporting Lumberjacks: SAC Challenge for ELF
$500
Lumberjacks supporting Lumberjacks: SAC Challenge for ELF
Join The SAC (Staff Advisory Council) Challenge by making a gift to the Employee Lumberjack Fund (ELF) on Giving Day. Once 10 gifts are made to ELF, the SAC leadership will donate $500 to ELF. For over 25 years, ELF has provided over $50,000 in aid to NAU employees during times of hardship. Your donation, no matter the amount, directly supports NAU staff facing emergencies, demonstrating our Lumberjack community's commitment to care and unity. Let's stand together and make a difference in the lives of our fellow Lumberjacks.
1 / 10 Gifts
Give Early
True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
$11,750
True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
Help us start off the day with our first milestone and show the Lumberjack community we are True Blue! When we reach 125 alumni gifts of $125 or more on #NAUGivingDay the following NAU Alumni Association Board members will release a collective $11,750 in gifts. Thank you to: Blaise Caudill ’13; Dave Cook; Trina George, ’09; Alex Gutierrez, '85 '90; Jana Harper, ’90; Veronica Hipolito, '97, '02; Jim Jayne, ’91; "Kari" Kent, '91; Rick Koch, ’72; Mary O'Driscoll, ’82; Nancy Serenbetz, '75; Maggie Thom, ’12; , Wayne Watson, ’84; and (3) anonymous members. Go Jacks!
7 / 125 Gifts
Give Early
Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge
$25,000
Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge
Join the NAU Foundation board and show your pride with a gift to support this challenge on #NAUGivingDay. The following NAU Foundation Board members have committed to a collective impact totaling $25,000, which will be released when 125 first time donors make a gift. Thank you to: Lisa Bagwell; Eric Baker; Teresa Bartels; Bob Bement; Bob Braudy; Robin Braun; Booker Evans; Victoria Fimea; Bill Heibel; Mary Huntley; Tim Kinney; Any Peña; Rick Rodriguez; Katrina Rogers; Steve Sanghi; Tony Tewelis; and (1) anonymous member. WE Are Lumberjacks!
95 / 125 Gifts
Give Early
Presidential Rally for the Lumberjack Marching Band
$30,000
Presidential Rally for the Lumberjack Marching Band
President Cruz Rivera challenges you to rally together for the Lumberjack Marching Band's journey to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City! Once 30 donors join the cause, President Cruz Rivera will authorize the release of an additional $30,000, maximizing our support for the band and ensuring our members can share their talent and the Lumberjack spirit with millions. Every gift goes farther in making this dream a reality for our talented NAU students!
4 / 30 Donors
Early Giving is live!
Apr 04, 2025

Giving Day is here, Lumberjack Country! Make Your Impact Today!  

Early giving starts now! Your early gift directly contributes toward unlocking over $600,000 in matching funds and challenges, magnifying the impact of your generosity.  Every gift, whether $10 or more, supports scholarships, enhances career readiness, expands research opportunities, and ensures every student has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Want to amplify your impact? Become a Giving Day Champion and inspire fellow Lumberjacks! The first 50 verified Champions will receive a special gift and exclusive digital toolkit as our thank you. Click on the Champions tab above to sign up and learn more.

Regardless of how you get involved this year, together, we elevate NAU!

Share on social with #NAUGivingDay!
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Questions? See our FAQ.

Or you can contact us at givingday@nau.edu.

Give Early
Match your Gift dollar for dollar!