¡MIRA!
Welcome!

The Center for Materials Interfaces in Research and Access (¡MIRA!) at NAU is a leading hub for materials science research and a pioneer in DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice) initiatives in STEM. We are dedicated to enhancing opportunities for students from all backgrounds to pursue STEM degrees and careers, while making meaningful impacts in their communities. Our mission is to foster an environment where students and faculty can collaborate on cutting-edge research, empowering students to develop the essential skills and knowledge they need to contribute to a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the future in Arizona and beyond. 

Diversity is in OUR DNA 
¡MIRA! proudly reflects its commitment to diversity, with over 50% of our faculty representing historically minoritized or significantly underrepresented minorities (HMURM), including women in the fields of materials science. This diversity ensures that our students see themselves reflected in their mentors, fostering an environment where faculty are accessible, relatable, and attuned to the unique challenges faced by HMURM and first-generation students. 

By supporting ¡MIRA!, you help us break down barriers for students aspiring to engage in research and enable us to continue advancing our mission. Your continued support is essential to everything that makes ¡MIRA! unique and impactful. Thank you for being a part of this important work! 

¡MIRA! Fund Priorities  

¡MIRA! Research Center Fund-  Your contribution directly supports ¡MIRA! students by funding ¡MIRA! student awards, conference travel, and outreach events. With your donation, you empower the next generation of STEM leaders and help them grow academically and professionally through vital research opportunities. 

¡MIRA! Scholars Fund - Support the ¡MIRA! Scholars program—a paid research internship for undergraduates in ¡MIRA! faculty labs. Your donation directly funds student salaries, providing them with invaluable hands-on research experience while developing educational and professional skills. By contributing, you help foster a diverse STEM workforce and equip students with the tools they need to succeed. 

SparCQS- SparCQS (Sparking Curiosity in Quantum Science) is a K-12 outreach initiative bringing hands-on quantum science experiences to students in their own communities. Your support helps NAU students gain confidence, increase their science awareness, and develop essential science communication skills. To learn more about our quantum education outreach, click here to visit the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences Giving Day page.  



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¡MIRA! – Materials Research & Diversity Center Match
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Match
¡MIRA! – Materials Research & Diversity Center Match
Donate to any fund that supports ¡MIRA! and an anonymous donor will match up to $2,000 to support ¡MIRA! SPARQS. SPARQS - Sparking Curiosity in Quantum Science - brings the world of science to our communities’ front doors. They provide ‘hand’s on’ quantum science experiences to schools and communities, providing students with the opportunity to observe engaging demonstrations, perform experiments, learn about career opportunities in STEM, and most importantly – have fun with quantum science!
$100 MATCHED
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Lumberjack Community Impact Challenge
$25,000
Lumberjack Community Impact Challenge
Your gift today can make a transformative impact on Lumberjack families! When 500 donors come together on NAU Giving Day, Kirsten and Steve Butzow will unlock a generous $25,000 gift to enhance NAU's FACTS (Family Access, Communication, Transition, and Support). Your contribution ensures that every Lumberjack family receives the essential support they need to thrive. Join Kirsten and Steve Butzow in empowering our Lumberjack community at NAU!
467 / 500 Donors
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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!
Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge Complete
But you can still make a gift!
$25,000
Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge
Thanks to the generous support of NAU Foundation Board Members and donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $24,250 for various areas on campus. Thank you again to the following Board members: 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.
125 / 125 Gifts
Completed
Event
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!
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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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Event
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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Event
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.
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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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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!
33 / 125 Gifts
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Lumberjack Achievement Challenge
$50,000
Lumberjack Achievement Challenge
Join us in the Lumberjack Impact Challenge! When 1,000 donors step up on Giving Day, Karen Larson and Gary Bicker will unlock $50,000 to empower academic excellence at NAU, specifically benefiting the Lumberjack Math Center and Stem Academic Momentum Scholarships. Your gift today makes a significant impact, helping every Lumberjack reach their fullest potential. Let's unite as Lumberjacks and elevate NAU together!
467 / 1,000 Donors
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Sodexo & Starship Robots: Swag on the Move
Event
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.
Event
CrossFit Battle at the Dome: Army ROTC vs. Air Force ROTC
Join us bright and early on NAU Giving Day, May 1st, at the turf field by the NAU Observatory 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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Event
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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Event
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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Event
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.
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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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