Where passions become professions

The College of Arts and Letters is a community of accomplished teachers, scholars, artists, and students. Our educational mission is to foster an affinity for inquiry and expression, preparing students of all backgrounds for fulfilling careers and informed civic engagement. CAL is committed to a public-facing agenda through which all people can experience the arts and explore the humanities. 

We invite students to become creators of culture—to join the conversations and debates, storytelling, performances, artistic innovations, and music that shape the world—to better understand the religious and cultural expressions, historical legacies, and global perspectives that shape our society.


Lumberjack Marching Band

The Lumberjack Marching Band will represent Arizona in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Your gift helps cover travel costs ensuring so every student can be part of this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Make a gift to the Lumberjack Marching Band today! 


Finish Line Fund 
Sometimes, even a minor hurdle can become a roadblock to success. The Finish Line Fund exists to ensure that a sudden, unexpected expense doesn’t stand between a dedicated student and their degree. By contributing, you empower students to stay focused, cross the finish line, and achieve their academic dreams. 


Martin-Springer Institute
The Martin-Springer Institute, founded by Holocaust survivor Doris Martin and her husband Ralph, transforms history into powerful conversations about empathy, justice, and human dignity. With plans to expand into a dedicated center on NAU’s campus, MSI reaches students, teachers, and the community through exhibits, training, and events. Your support helps create a space that inspires moral courage and increases empathy. 


Ethics Bowl 
The Ethics Bowl challenges students to tackle real-world ethical dilemmas through collaborative competition. Your gift helps provide resources for this transformative program, fostering skills that promote civic engagement and ethical awareness. 


Ceramics Enrichment Fund 
Thanks to a generous match from Jay and Linda Butler, your gift to the Ceramics program will be doubled up to $25,000. This support fuels innovation, artistry, and opportunity for students and faculty alike. 


In Memory of Elle Zizzi - Theatre Scholarships
This scholarship fund honors the memory of Elle Zizzi by supporting dedicated Theatre students at NAU. Your gift helps fund annual awards now and builds toward a lasting endowed scholarship that continues Elle's legacy.


Give Early
Fuel the Arts and Creativity: College of Arts and Letters Challenge
$11,500
Fuel the Arts and Creativity: College of Arts and Letters Challenge
Maximize your impact on the College of Arts and Letters and unlock an additional $11,500 in funding for the college. Once 25 gifts are made to any College of Arts and Letters funds, we will release a generous gift of $1,500 from CAL Dean Julie Piering to the Ethics Bowl, and a generous gift of $10,000 from an anonymous donor to the Martin Springer Institute Expanded Center. Every gift counts—join us in making a difference! #WeAreLumberjacks
13 / 25 Gifts
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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!
0 / 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!
7 / 125 Gifts
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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
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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
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Jay and Linda Butler Ceramics 25k Match
2
Match
Jay and Linda Butler Ceramics 25k Match
Thanks to the generosity of Jay and Linda Butler, every dollar donated to the Ceramics program will be matched—dollar for dollar—up to $25,000. Your gift will be doubled, helping to elevate the growth and success of our talented ceramics students and faculty. This match will make a lasting impact, fueling innovation and artistry in the Ceramics program at NAU.
$0 MATCHED
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