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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.

Past Events

Match

¡MIRA! – Materials Research & Diversity Center Match

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $3,000 in matching funds for ¡MIRA!. And thank you to our generous anonymous donor for providing this NAU Giving Day matching opportunity.

$3,000 MATCHED

Completed

Match

Grow Your Gift: The School of Forestry Match

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $5,000 in matching funds for the School of Forestry. And thank you to SOF Advisory Council Chair Mike Ryan for providing this NAU Giving Day matching opportunity.

$5,000 MATCHED

Completed

$48,000

First Gift, Lasting Legacy: The Foundation Board Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of NAU Foundation Board Members and donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $48,000 for various areas on campus. Thank you again to the following Board members: 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.

296 / 600 Donors

Ended

$250,000

Lights, Camera, Impact: The School of Communication Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $250,000 for the Media Innovation Center Remodel Fund in the School of Communication. And thank you to the Wyant Foundation for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

50 / 50 Gifts

Completed

$1,500

Expand Knowledge: Fueling Research at NAU

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $1,500 for the VP for Research Innovation Fund. And thank you to VP Jason Wilder for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

10 / 30 Gifts

Ended

$6,300

Inspire the Next Generation: College of Education Leadership Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $6,300 for the College of Education. And thank you to the COE Leadership Team for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

25 / 25 Gifts

Completed

$125,000

Learning in Action: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $125,000 for the Adolph Trujillo Practitioner in Residence Fund in SBS. And thank you to John Trujillo, ‘92 and Deanna Jonovich, ‘88 for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

100 / 100 Gifts

Completed

$30,000

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

$53,000

From Classroom to Career: The W. A. Franke College of Business Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $53,000 for The W. A. Franke College of Business. And thank you to Penny Emerson, ’80 and Mike Santellanes, ‘60 for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

30 / 30 Gifts

Completed

$1,800

Support That Opens Doors: The Institute for Human Development Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $1,800 for the Institute for Human Development. And thank you to Pam, '96 and Rudy Ramos and (1) anonymous donor for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

5 / 5 Gifts

Completed

$30,000

In Tune with Excellence: The Kitt School of Music Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $30,000 for the Kitt School of Music. And thank you to Fredricka Stoller, ‘92, Bill Grabe, and (2) anonymous donors for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

20 / 20 Gifts

Completed

$7,000

Excellence in Care: The Honors Nursing Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $7,000 for the Sheila J. Gumerman Honors Scholarship in Nursing. And thank you to Wolf Gumerman for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

5 / 5 Gifts

Completed

$25,000

From Service to Success: The Veteran Success Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $25,000 for the Veteran Student Success Center. And thank you to 1899 Society member Pam Neal from the Neal Family Trust for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

15 / 15 Gifts

Completed

$51,000

Supporting Excellence: The Honors College Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $51,000 for the Honors College. And thank you to Penny Emerson, ’80 and Dean Kevin Gustafson for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

20 / 20 Gifts

Completed

$1,000

Opportunity Starts Here: The NAU Yuma Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $1,000 for the Yuma Student Success Center. And thank you to Don Willits, ’11 for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

10 / 10 Gifts

Completed

$2,000

Grow Beyond the Classroom: The School of Forestry Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $2,000 for the Wagner Faculty-Led Study Abroad Forestry Fund. And thank you to NAU retiree Mike Wagner for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

10 / 10 Gifts

Completed

$27,500

Where Care Meets Impact: The College of Health and Human Services Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $27,500 for the College of Health and Human Services. And thank you to Karen Steinbronn, ‘71, Shelly Gussio, ‘91, and Dean Janelle Chiasera for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

30 / 30 Gifts

Completed

$7,000

Honor His Legacy: The Christopher Freeman Tribute Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $7,000 for the Christopher G. Freeman Tribute Scholarship. And thank you to Doug Freeman, Landen Lunsway, '00, Jake White, '01, Shannon Johanni and Wes Pudwill, '00 for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

10 / 10 Gifts

Completed

Success!

Your Legacy, Their Future: The 1899 Society Challenge

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Lumberjack community, we officially surpassed our goal of 5 new planned gift commitments and successfully unlocked the $50,000 challenge gift from 1899 Society members Keith ’87 and Michelle Wenzel! Thank you to the following donors who chose to create a lasting legacy through planned giving and help shape the future for generations of Lumberjacks: Georgia Bernheim, ‘74; LaTrice Brewster, ‘92; Denise Gomolak, ‘00; Anne, ‘13 and Jeff, ’09 Hamlin; Enrique and Anne Rubio; Steve Westerdahl, ‘73; and Leeann Wieser, ‘97.

Completed

Event

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

Ended

Leaderboard

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

Leaderboard

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	$57,860.00
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	$7,475.00
12	Elevate Women's Tennis	$7,205.00
13	Elevate the Honors College	$6,775.00
14	Elevate Mathematics & Statistics	$6,730.00
15	Elevate the Early Learning & Development Center	$6,495.00

Ended

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	Alumni	572
2	Staff or Faculty	446
3	Friend	199
4	Parent	129
5	Student	92

Ended

Match

Match Point: The Tennis Giving Day Match

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $5,000 in matching funds for NAU Men's and Women's Tennis. And thank you to our generous anonymous donor for providing this NAU Giving Day matching opportunity.

$5,000 MATCHED

Completed

$6,200

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

$115,000

Unlock Opportunity: The Lumberjacks Thrive Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $115,000 for the Wilson Family Lumberjacks Thrive Program Fund. And thank you to Greg, ’82 and Nancy, ‘82 Wilson for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

25 / 25 Gifts

Completed

$10,000

Remember, Learn, Lead: The Martin-Springer Institute Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $10,000 for the Martin-Springer Institute. And thank you to Louise and David Zirretta for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

5 / 5 Gifts

Completed

$2,010

7 Leaders, One Student Experience: The Student Affairs Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $2,010 for various funds directly benefiting the student experience. And thank you to the Student Affairs leadership team of Margot Saltonstall, ’97, Megan Gavin, ’04, Wendy Bruun, ’17, Alicia Voytek, Hilda Ladner, ’92, Julie Ryan, ’87, and Craig Noth for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

20 / 20 Gifts

Completed

$2,000

A Legacy of Learning: The History Department Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $2,000 for the Susan Deeds Memorial Fund for History Scholarship and Research. And thank you to Cynthia Kosso and Michael Amundson for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

5 / 5 Gifts

Completed

$1,000

Finish What You Started: The Jacks on Track Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $1,000 for Jacks on Track. And thank you to VP Anika Olsen for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

10 / 10 Gifts

Completed

$25,000

Design the Future: The Interior Design Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $25,000 for the Interior Design Program. And thank you to Tracey, ‘82 and Steve, ‘83 Pritulsky for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

10 / 10 Gifts

Completed

$25,000

From Idea to Impact: The Venture Studio Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $25,000 for the Venture Studio. And thank you to NAU alumnus and Foundation Board member Bill Heibel, ’70 for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

11 / 15 Gifts

Ended

$1,755

From Learning to Earning: The Academic and Workforce Alliances Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $1,755 for NAU Workforce Development, NAU Statewide Impact, and 100% Career Ready funds. And thank you to Vice Provost Yvonne Luna and AVPs Marjaneh Gilpatrick, Brenda Sipe, and Jersus Colmenares ’08 for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

9 / 10 Gifts

Ended

$1,500

10 for Tomorrow: The Sustainability Impact Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $1,500 for the Sustainability Impact Fund. And thank you to our generous anonymous donor for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

10 / 10 Gifts

Completed

$25,000

Open New Chapters: The Cline Library Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $25,000 for the Cline Library. And thank you to 1899 Society member Pam Neal from the Neal Family Trust for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

15 / 15 Gifts

Completed

$50,000

Care Starts Here: The Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $50,000 for the Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing. And thank you to Penny Emerson, ’80 for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

20 / 20 Gifts

Completed

$50,000

Rooted in Success: The Office of Native American & Indigenous Advancement Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $50,000 for the Office of Native American & Indigenous Advancement. And thank you to Penny Emerson, ’80 for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

20 / 20 Gifts

Completed

$36,000

Welcome the Future: The School of HRM Leadership Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $36,000 for the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. And thank you to the Hospitality Leadership Council for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

8 / 20 Gifts

Ended

$1,500

Fuel Discovery: CEFNS Innovation Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $1,500 for the CEFNS Dean’s Fund for Innovation. And thank you to Dean RJ Haro and Jill Stillwagon for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

25 / 25 Gifts

Completed

$125

Stronger Together: The Employee Lumberjack Fund (ELF) Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $125 for the Employee Lumberjack Fund (ELF). And thank you to SAC leaders River Olsen and Sarah Negovan for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

5 / 5 Gifts

Completed

$2,000

Pathway to Law: The Joan Bundy Scholarship Challenge

Thanks to the generous support of donors – LIKE YOU – we’ve unlocked $2,000 for the Joan Bundy Law Pre-Law Scholarship. And thank you to Joan Bundy for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge.

5 / 5 Gifts

Completed

$16,000

A Legacy of Impact: The Drickamer-Sellers Challenge

A lasting legacy is built through the opportunities we create for others. Before his passing, Lee Drickamer established the Drickamer-Sellers NAU Legacy Fund. This fund supports undergraduate students engaging in community-based research, outreach, and hands-on projects that make a difference. In honor of Lee Drickamer’s life and commitment to NAU, a $16,000 gift will be unlocked once 5 gifts are made to the fund on NAU Giving Day—expanding support for students as they connect their learning with real-world community impact. Make your gift today and help carry forward a legacy of learning, service, and community engagement.

5 / 5 Gifts

Completed

Leaderboard

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.

Select your organization to have your gift count in the Coconino County vs. Team Flagstaff Giving Day Challenge.

Rank	Answer	Donors
1	Team Flagstaff	57
2	Coconino County	28

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	Gifts
1	1990s	62
2	2000s	54
3	2010s	53
4	1980s	45
5	2020s	37
6	1970s	36
7	1960s	6
8	1950s & Earlier	1

Ended

Event

Give, Show, Share: The CHHS Student Challenge

This Giving Day, College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) students showed what’s possible when Lumberjacks come together. Through tabling and outreach efforts across the Health Sciences Building, Health Professions Building, and the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, students were invited to “give, show, or share” their support for NAU. The result? 200 students stepped up and signed the pledge—and in response, the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, Janelle Chiasera, contributed a $1,000 gift to the CHHS Fund for Excellence. This challenge is a celebration of student engagement, school pride, and the collective impact of showing up for something bigger. Keep the momentum going—give, show, or share your support this NAU Giving Day!

Ended