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Applied Indigenous Studies



The mission of Applied Indigenous Studies is to provide students with the knowledge and tools to contribute to the sustainability of indigenous communities in the 21st century. Using a curriculum to community approach, students in AIS are prepared to move from learning to action, applying Native ways of knowing for the benefit of indigenous communities within the US and abroad.

Because indigenous nations and communities are located all over the world, AIS graduates can work anywhere. Our students have traveled to South America, Siberia, Mexico, and everywhere in between to pursue careers in:

  • policy
  • administration
  • environmental science and management
  • planning and economic development
  • cultural resource management
  • tribal/indigenous history
  • engineering
  • health sciences
  • indigenous sustainable building
  • tribal government
  • sustainable energy
  • cultural centers

Our program is globally oriented, traditionally grounded, and 21st century-focused. In line with Native American tradition, we are committed to training indigenous professionals for today, tomorrow, and the next seven generations to come.

This Giving Day, we invite you to elevate what’s possible for our students by supporting key funds that make a lasting difference:


AIS Director's Fund

AIS Directors Fund support will assist the program in having an impact on the current students, faculty, and program enhancement.


AIS Ottens Support Fund

AIS Ottens Support fund will make an impact on students by offering experiential learning as interns from elders and through lectures.


Your generosity fuels innovation, access, and excellence at NAU. Every gift—no matter the size—helps create life-changing experiences for our students. Thank you for believing in the power of Lumberjack giving.

$100,000
Empower the Future: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Challenge
Thanks to generous donors – LIKE YOU – we have unlocked $100,000 for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Thank you to the Ettingers for providing this challenge for #NAUGivingDay!
100 / 100 Gifts
Completed
$11,750
True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
Thanks to the generous support of Alumni Association Board Members and donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $11,750 for various areas on campus. Thank you again to the following Board members: 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.
Completed
$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!
1,000 / 1,000 Donors
Completed
Leaderboard
Lumberjack Community Engagement Leaderboard
This leaderboard celebrates the invaluable support from our broader community, showcasing the number of donors based on their relationship to NAU. Together, we elevate engagement and build a stronger future for NAU, uniting donors, partners, and friends to advance educational opportunities and community impact.
Help us unlock matching challenges and increase the impact of your gift! What is your connection to NAU?
Rank Answer Gifts
1 Staff or Faculty 707
2 Alumni 603
3 Friend 373
4 Parent 183
5 Student 165
Ended
$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
$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!
500 / 500 Donors
Completed
Leaderboard
Areas of Impact
This leaderboard reflects the transformative impact of your generosity, driving essential initiatives forward at NAU. Your contributions to these funds directly support groundbreaking research, student scholarships, and innovative programs that shape the future of our university.
Rank Department Raised
1 Elevate the College of Education $71,380.00
2 NAU Football $45,114.00
3 Elevate the W.A. Franke College of Business $15,665.00
4 Elevate Student Success in CAL $14,524.27
5 Swim & Dive $12,840.00
Ended
Leaderboard
Lumberjack Class Spirit Leaderboard
Join your fellow Lumberjacks from every decade as they rally their classmates to support NAU! Check back to see which decade is leading the charge in philanthropy, celebrating the most generous alumni who are making a difference across the years.
Alumni, rally your classmates!
Rank Answer Donors
1 2000s 58
2 2010s 54
3 1990s 53
4 1980s 42
5 2020s 41
6 1970s 27
7 1960s 2
8 1950s & Earlier 1
Ended
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