Elevate the W.A. Franke College of Business
Become part of creating the Franke experience by supporting the college with your #AxeofKindness

The W. A. Franke College of Business brings the best minds in business together. It's how we deliver solutions the market demands, offer experiences students can’t find anywhere else, and prepare top talent to become leaders in a rapidly shifting, globally connected world. We’re home to big thinkers who understand the power of connections—the connections that drive careers, accelerate progress, and move the world forward.

This Giving Day, to Support the W. A. Franke College of Business, make a gift to the highlighted areas below and you can empower future leaders by supporting:

  • Business Leadership Scholarship
  • Experiential Learning & Internships
  • Industry Partnerships & Career Development

The W. A. Franke College of Business brings the best minds in business together. It’s how we deliver solutions the market demands. It’s why we offer experiences our students can’t find anywhere else. It’s the way we prepare the best talent to become leaders in a quickly shifting, constantly evolving global arena of ideas. We’re home to big thinkers who understand the power of connections. The connections that drive careers, accelerate progress, and help move the world start here.
NAU Giving Day presents an excellent opportunity to invest in crafting a world-class experience for business students at NAU.  

Looking for a way to make an impact? Here are some great options:

  • FCB Student Support Fund - The FCB Student Support Fund is a valuable resource designed to assist students who encounter financial hardships during their educational journey at FCB. Having access to support funds like the FCB Student Support Fund can make a substantial difference in a student's life. 
  • CAIED - Founded in 1985, the Center for American Indian Economic Development stands as a hub for information and resources tailored to tribal nations and communities. This organization supports outreach, conferences, and training for our indigenous Lumberjacks.
  • Friends of FCB Faculty Fund - Exceptional faculty are at the center of FCB’s educational mission. When you donate to this fund, you will assist FCB faculty with travel costs, research expenses, and other support.

Priority fund for the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management:

  • School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (SHRM) Fund for Innovation- SHRM prepares socially responsible, culturally aware students for success in an ever-changing, global hospitality industry. The school aspires to be recognized as a premier hospitality leadership school providing student-centered, multi-culturally focused, and innovative academic experiences both in person and through distance learning programs. The innovation fund provides flexible dollars to help meet these goals. 

Your generosity fuels innovation, access, and excellence at NAU. Every gift—no matter the size—helps create life-changing experiences for our students.

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Innovate NAU: Doubling Impact for Entrepreneurship
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Innovate NAU: Doubling Impact for Entrepreneurship
Join President Cruz Rivera in shaping the future of entrepreneurship at NAU. Your support will amplify our efforts to empower the next generation of innovators through our Lean Startup Semester Series. Every dollar you give doubles the impact, making innovation a reality. President Cruz Rivera will authorize the release of matching funds for Bill Heibel’s $25,000 gift and up to an additional $100,000 to double your impact on student innovation.
$5 MATCHED
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Patricia Hunter Last Mile Challenge
$26,000
Patricia Hunter Last Mile Challenge
Laurie Mittenthal has created a new fund in memory of her mother and alumna, Patricia Hunter Mittenthal, ’89. The Patricia Hunter Last Mile Fund supports currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students who are members of federally recognized Native American Tribes and may be facing unexpected costs or financial hardship in their final year at NAU. She has pledged to release $26,000 to this fund once we receive 15 gifts to any fund for Native Americans on Giving Day. Thank you to Laurie for providing this challenge!
3 / 15 Gifts
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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!
27 / 125 Gifts
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Sodexo & Starship Robots: Swag on the Move
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Sodexo & Starship Robots: Swag on the Move
This NAU Giving Day, your Starship Robot delivery might come with more than just food… On May 1, when you order through the Starship Robots, you’ve got a chance to receive surprise NAU Giving Day swag! All day long, random robot deliveries will include awesome swag. Order your favorite campus eats from Sodexo and keep your eyes peeled—your delivery robot might be packing more than just snacks.
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Kickstart Giving Day: Scones & Coffee at the HRM Courtyard
Start NAU Giving Day off right with free coffee, mini scones, and a whole lot of Lumberjack spirit! Swing by the School of Hotel & Restaurant Management courtyard on May 1, from 8:00AM-10:00AM, and score a complimentary coffee and mini scone (while supplies last!) to fuel the day. While you're there, grab some Giving Day swag and learn how you can make an impact. Let’s celebrate community, generosity, and everything we love about NAU. See you there!
Event
Cornhole with the Dean Piering: Toss for a Cause!
Celebrate creativity and community this Giving Day with a little friendly competition! Join Julie Piering, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, for a cornhole event with big Giving Day energy! Stop by the lawn in front of the Liberal Arts Building (bldg. 18) on May 1, from 12:00PM–1:00PM, to challenge the Dean to a round (or cheer others on!) while learning how you can support the College of Arts and Letters. Let’s toss some bags and celebrate Giving Day together!
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Scoops with Dean Gustafson: A Sweet Giving Day Celebration
What’s better than ice cream and good company? Honors students, swing by the Honors College courtyard on May 1 from 3:00PM-4:30PM to celebrate NAU Giving Day with Dean Kevin Gustafson. Cool treats, and campus spirit! It’s the perfect study break—come chill, chat, and celebrate the impact of giving back (with sprinkles on top)!
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Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in Phoenix at OHSO Brewing + Distillery
Join fellow Jacks in the Phoenix area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 6 – 7:30 p.m. OHSO Brewing + Distillery Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 25 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in DC at Crystal City Sports Pub
Join fellow Jacks in the Washington, DC area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 6 – 7:30 p.m. Crystal City Sports Pub Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 10 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
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Invest in Impact: Franke College of Business Challenge
$13,000
Invest in Impact: Franke College of Business Challenge
Maximize your impact on the Franke College of Business and unlock an additional $13,000 in funding for the college. Once 25 gifts are made to any Franke College of Business funds, we will release a generous gift of $1,000 from FCB Dean Ashok Subramanian to the FCB Dean’s Innovation Fund, and a generous gift of $12,000 from NAU alumnus Mike Santellanes, ‘60 to multiple areas within the college. Every gift counts—join us in making a difference! #WeAreLumberjacks
3 / 25 Gifts
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Ignite Innovation: Venture Studio Challenge
$25,000
Ignite Innovation: Venture Studio Challenge
Join NAU Alumnus and Foundation Board Member Bill Heibel, '70 in supporting Venture Studio at NAU. Bill Heibel has generously pledged $25,000 to directly fuel student innovation at Northern Arizona University. His gift will be unlocked after 15 gifts are made to the Venture Studio this Giving Day. Your support empowers students to lead and innovate, shaping a future filled with purpose and impact. Together, let's elevate the next generation of innovators at NAU.
1 / 15 Gifts
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NAU Transit Trivia: Buses and Brain Power
Event
NAU Transit Trivia: Buses and Brain Power
Get ready for a wild ride this May 1 as NAU Transit Services presents a one-of-a-kind Giving Day celebration — Transit Trivia and prizes aboard a secret shuttle! Students lucky enough to catch the right shuttle on May 1 can win NAU Giving Day swag based on their answers. Climb aboard. Think fast. And win!
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CrossFit Battle at the Dome: Army ROTC vs. Air Force ROTC
Join us bright and early on NAU Giving Day, May 1st, at the NAU Skydome for an adrenaline-pumping CrossFit competition as cadets from Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC face off in a head-to-head fitness challenge! Kicking off at 05:45, this high-energy event is a battle of endurance, strength, and spirit. Come show your support and cheer on the cadets!
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Cornhole with Dean Haro: Bags, Boards & Big Impact!
Join Roger Haro, Dean of the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences, for a Giving Day cornhole showdown packed with Lumberjack spirit! Head over to the Science and Health Building (bldg. 36) on May 1, from 10:00AM–11:00AM, to take your shot against the Dean or cheer on others. It’s a fun and relaxed way to connect and learn how to support the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences. Come toss some bags and celebrate Giving Day with purpose!
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Croquet for Elle: Play, Remember, Give
Join us this Giving Day for Croquet for Elle, a joyful tribute to the life and legacy of Elle Zizzi, a beloved member of the NAU Theatre community. Stop by the lawn outside the Performing Arts Building (bldg 37) from 11:00AM-1:00PM. This event invites students, faculty, and friends to gather, play a friendly game of croquet, and support the Theatre Scholarship in Elle’s memory. With every game played, we carry forward Elle’s spirit of joy, creativity, and community.
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Celebrate #NAUGivingDay at Mother Road Brewing Company
Join fellow Jacks in Flagstaff to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 5 – 7 p.m. Mother Road Brewing Company Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 25 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
Event
Celebrate #NAUGivingDay in Denver at Number Thirty Eight
Join fellow Jacks in the Denver area to recognize what makes the NAU family extraordinary—you! Thursday, May 1, 2025 5:30 – 7 p.m. Number Thirty Eight Register for this free event at Foundationnau.org/events. The first 10 people that attend this event and make a Giving Day gift will win a free exclusive Giving Day swag bag. You can show us your confirmation email when you arrive if you made a gift earlier in the day.
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Or you can contact us at givingday@nau.edu.

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