NAU Giving Day 2026

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!

At NAU Venture Studio, students don’t just study entrepreneurship—they build it. Through immersive experiences like the Lean Startup Semester Series and the new NAU Sandbox, students work in interdisciplinary teams to test ideas, build ventures, and develop the real-world skills that set them apart after graduation. NAU alumnus and Foundation Board member Bill Heibel, ’70, is helping fuel that momentum with a $25,000 challenge gift, which will be unlocked once 15 gifts are made to the Venture Studio Fund. Your support provides the mentorship, tools, prototyping resources, and student fellowships that turn bold ideas into real ventures. Thank you to Bill for providing this NAU Giving Day challenge. Make your gift today and help launch the next generation of innovators, founders, and problem-solvers at NAU.

Exceptional hospitality begins with leaders who know how to create memorable experiences, solve problems, and serve with excellence. A gift to the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) prepares students to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Once 20 gifts are made to any HRM fund, the Hospitality Leadership Council will unlock a collective $36,000 gift, expanding opportunities for hands-on learning, industry connections, and the real-world experiences that prepare students for leadership in hospitality. Make your gift today and help welcome the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Discovery begins with curiosity, innovation, and the support to pursue bold ideas. This NAU Giving Day, Jason Wilder, Vice President for Research at NAU, invites you to help fuel the groundbreaking work happening across campus. Once 30 gifts are made to NAU Research, the Radiant Center for Remote Sensing, the Center for Community Health & Engaged Research (CHER), or the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI), Jason will unlock a generous $1,500 gift for the VP for Research Innovation Fund. Together, we can help advance discovery, strengthen research opportunities, and expand the knowledge that shapes our future.

Vice Provost Yvonne Luna and AVPs Marjaneh Gilpatrick, Brenda Sipe, and Jersus Colmenares ’08 invite you to help bridge the gap between classroom learning and career success. Once 10 gifts are made to the NAU Workforce Development Fund, the NAU Statewide Impact Fund, or the 100% Career Ready Fund, their collective $1,755 gift will be unlocked to further support these areas. Your gift helps students build the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to transition from college to meaningful careers and lasting community impact. Make your gift today and help prepare Lumberjacks to thrive in the workforce.

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

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!