NAU Giving Day 2026
Kayettes
Events
Together, We Elevate NAU
When Lumberjacks come together, incredible things happen. Giving Day challenges and matches are powered by generous donors who want to inspire participation and multiply impact across NAU.
From head-to-head college competitions to limited-time matching gifts, this year’s Giving Day challenges are designed to maximize impact and spark some friendly Lumberjack rivalry.
Find a challenge below and join the effort—your gift helps unlock even more support for the Lumberjack community.
Active Events
Last Chance!
First Gift, Lasting Legacy: The Foundation Board Challenge
First Gift, Lasting Legacy: The Foundation Board Challenge
This NAU Giving Day help grow the future of philanthropy at NAU. Once 600 first-time donors make a gift on #NAUGivingDay, the NAU Foundation Board will unlock a collective $48,000 impact gift in support of NAU students, programs, and opportunities. Thank you to the following NAU Foundation Board members for making this challenge possible: George Adams, ‘74; Lisa Bagwell, ‘89; Eric Baker, ‘86; Bob Braudy; Robin Braun, ‘77; Booker Evans, Jr., ‘69; Bill Heibel, ‘70; Mary Huntley; Tim Kinney, ‘82; Nick Lobejko; Tom Perkins, ‘80; Rick Rodriguez, ‘84; Steve Sanghi, 19 & Maria Sanghi; Tony Tewelis; Dennis Wilson, ‘79; and (1) anonymous member. Make your first gift—or inspire someone else to give—and help welcome 600 new donors into the Lumberjack community. WE Are Lumberjacks!
288 / 600 Donors
Local Leaders Challenge - Coconino County vs. TEAM FLAGSTAFF
The Coconino County vs. Team Flagstaff Leaderboard tracks participation from each organization throughout Giving Day. Every gift made by employees counts toward your organization’s total—helping elevate its impact and position on the leaderboard.
| Rank | Answer | Donors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team Flagstaff | 57 |
| 2 | Coconino County | 28 |
Areas of Impact
This leaderboard reflects the transformative impact of your generosity, elevating essential initiatives across NAU. Your contributions directly support groundbreaking research, student scholarships, and innovative programs that shape the future of our university.
| Rank | Department | Raised |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The W. A. Franke College of Business | $57,650.00 |
| 2 | College of Education | $23,496.00 |
| 3 | Elevate Swim & Dive | $20,146.00 |
| 4 | Elevate the College of Health & Human Services | $13,010.00 |
| 5 | Student Affairs | $10,425.00 |
| 6 | Elevate Cline Library | $9,875.00 |
| 7 | Student Financial Aid | $9,205.00 |
| 8 | College of Social and Behavioral Sciences | $8,852.00 |
| 9 | Elevate Women's Golf | $8,320.00 |
| 10 | Elevate Men's Tennis | $7,840.00 |
| 11 | Elevate Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing | $7,225.00 |
| 12 | Elevate Women's Tennis | $7,205.00 |
| 13 | Elevate the Honors College | $6,775.00 |
| 14 | Elevate Mathematics & Statistics | $6,710.00 |
| 15 | Elevate the Early Learning & Development Center | $6,495.00 |
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.
| Rank | Answer | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alumni | 562 |
| 2 | Staff or Faculty | 443 |
| 3 | Friend | 198 |
| 4 | Parent | 127 |
| 5 | Student | 92 |
Last Chance!
Mother Road Giving Day Celebration
Mother Road Giving Day Celebration
Celebrate the power of philanthropy with your fellow Lumberjacks!
Location: Mother Road Brewing Company
Event Info: Join us for a special Giving Day celebration during Flagstaff’s First Friday Art Walk. Enjoy student performances, art showcases, interactive activities, and a pop-up shop from the NAU Bookstore.
Gather at Mother Road Brewery to raise a glass—grab a local brew, enjoy pizza from Pizzicletta, and celebrate the impact of Giving Day together.
Attire: Wear your True Blue and Gold.
Parking: Paid street parking nearby.
Registration: Open to all—register and your first drink is on us!
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-nau-giving-day-2026-flagstaff-tickets-1962903655674?aff=oddtdtcreator
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.
| Rank | Answer | Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1990s | 62 |
| 2 | 2000s | 53 |
| 3 | 2010s | 49 |
| 4 | 1980s | 45 |
| 5 | 1970s | 36 |
| 6 | 2020s | 34 |
| 7 | 1960s | 6 |
| 8 | 1950s & Earlier | 1 |
Past Events
True Blue, 300 Strong: The Alumni Board Challenge Complete
But you can still make a gift!
True Blue, 300 Strong: The Alumni Board Challenge
Thanks to the generous support of NAU Alumni Association Board Members and donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $6,200 for various areas on campus. Thank you again to the following Board members: Blaise Caudill ’13; Dave Cook, ‘91; Trina George, ’09; Alex Gutierrez, '85 '90; Jana Harper, ’90; Veronica Hipolito, '97, '02; Jim Jayne, ’91; Mary O'Driscoll, ’82; Nancy Serenbetz, '75; Stephanie Smith, ’04; Maggie Thom, ’12; and (3) anonymous members.
300 / 300 Donors
Completed
Student Giving Challenge: A Friendly Competition with Big Rewards!
This Giving Day, alumnus Scott Kirkessner, ‘05 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 3 student clubs that rally the most unique donors to their pages. $750 - 1st place; $500 - 2nd place; $250 - 3rd place. Your support can make a difference in empowering our Lumberjack community to thrive! Check the Student Giving Leaderboard for current rankings.
| Rank | Prize | Student Giving Challenge: A Friendly Competition | Donors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $750 | Headphone Jacks at NAU | 45 |
| 2 | $500 | The Axe Organization | 10 |
| 3 | $250 | The Lumberjack | 10 |
| 4 | The Highlanders | 7 | |
| 5 | Grupo Folklorico Estrellas del Pinar | 7 | |
| 6 | Men's Club Soccer | 5 | |
| 7 | Club Swimming at NAU | 5 | |
| 8 | Squash and Stretch Society | 5 | |
| 9 | Club Tennis at NAU | 4 | |
| 10 | PT Kids Night Out Event | 4 | |
| 11 | Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers | 3 | |
| 12 | Cello Studio in Italy | 3 | |
| 13 | HAPA Club at NAU | 3 | |
| 14 | Kayettes | 2 | |
| 15 | Yuma Business Club | 2 |
Ended
Lumberjack Pride in Action: The Alumni Collective Challenge Complete
But you can still make a gift!
Lumberjack Pride in Action: The Alumni Collective Challenge
Thanks to the generous support of alumni donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $30,000 for various areas on campus. Thank you again to the following alumni for providing this collective challenge: Georgia Bernheim, ‘74; Tim, ’84, and Tracee Dwyer, ‘84; Selina Gilbertson, ‘13; Jeff Sears, ‘98; Margaret Steiger, ‘14; Wayne Watson, ‘84; Keith Wenzel, ‘87; and (1) proud alumni from class of 2017.
450 / 450 Gifts
Completed
Help us unlock a $48,000 reward!
