SWACSM Conference
Southwest American College of Sports Medicine (SWACSM) Annual Conference

Who We Are

We are NAU students majoring in Fitness Wellness (FW). As Fitness Wellness professionals, we are learning how to safely and effectively work with clients to move toward achieving their health and fitness goals. Students who graduate from the program are prepared to work in fitness and health club facilities, collegiate and professional sports performance programs, health/medical facilities, spa/resort fitness, worksite wellness departments, corporate fitness, independent contracting, and personal training businesses, among many other outlets for the promotion of fitness and wellness. Also, many FW majors apply to and attend allied health programs (post undergrad) at the Masters and Doctoral levels, such as Doctor of Physical Therapy, Masters of Athletic Training, Physician Assistant, or Masters of Occupational Therapy.

Fitness Wellness students group photo with dog
Why Do We Need Your Support

Annually, Fitness Wellness (FW) students attend and/or present research at the Southwest American College of Sports Medicine Conference (SWACSM) – information at this link: https://southwest.acsm.org/. The conference annually takes place the last weekend of October and usually four or more FW students attend. The SWACSM is a regional conference and includes five states – AZ, NV, UT, NM and CA. Attendance exceeds over 500 faculty and students from various institutions across the five states mentioned. Networking for young scholars and professionals-in-training is off the charts! In essence, the conference is geared toward students and presenting them with the latest research in the broad area of “exercise and sport science”. There is never a dull moment at the SWACSM, which normally takes place in CA!

Ultimately, the SWACSM conference features a dynamic lineup of “expert” speakers addressing topics ranging from the evolution of sports nutrition to the debate of diet versus exercise to how exercise and a healthy lifestyles promote longevity. NAU FW students will engage in interactive workshops, present research posters in the undergraduate poster presentations, and participate in the Quiz Bowl competition. This opportunity will allow Fitness Wellness students to network and learn within their chosen field!

Donations will help support:

  • Conference registration fees (~$75)
  • Gas money for the travel van (~$150)
  • Hotel cost (~$185/room for 2 students)
  • Cost of food(~$20/day over 3-days = $60/student)

Your support will help us reach our goal of sending the FW group to the SWACSM Conference on an annual basis.

Thank you!

We appreciate your support and contributions that make this opportunity possible! FW students are always very excited to attend the conference and for most of them, it is their FIRST time attending such as event!

Fitness Wellness students in action

Additional Information

Learn more about the SWACSM Conference here: https://www.acsm.org/membership/regional-chapters/acsm-chapters/southwest/southwest-l2/meeting-info

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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!
32 / 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!
464 / 1,000 Donors
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Student Giving Challenge: A Friendly Competition with Big Rewards!
Event
Student Giving Challenge: A Friendly Competition with Big Rewards!
This Giving Day, alumnus Scott Kirkessner is elevating student engagement at NAU! Your gift to a participating student group not only supports student clubs but also empowers them to elevate their impact. Scott has pledged $1,500 in prize money for the top four student clubs that rally the most donors to their pages. Your support can make a difference in empowering our Lumberjack community to thrive! Check the Student Giving Leaderboard for current rankings.
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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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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!
464 / 500 Donors
Leaderboard
Student Giving Leaderboard
Explore the Student Giving Leaderboard and see how your support is empowering student clubs to thrive. Track participation and celebrate the impact of every gift in elevating our Lumberjack community!"
Rank Prize Department Donors
1 $1,000 Logging Sports 73
2 $750 NAU Axecidentals A Cappella 30
3 $500 NAU Headphone Jacks 29
4 $250 NAU Game Design Club 28
5 Every Dollar Counts: Fund Pain & Sleep Research! 23
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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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