For four consecutive years, the Northern Arizona University Foundation has increased philanthropic support and surpassed fundraising goals, raising over $191.3 million for NAU. This includes a fiscal year record of $68.8 million on June 30, 2025—a $15 million increase from the previous fundraising record set in 2023.
“Another record-breaking year signifies the community’s readiness to support NAU, the university’s strategic priorities and the future of higher education in northern Arizona,” Vice President of NAU Advancement and CEO of the NAU Foundation Nick Lobejko said. “I continue to be inspired by the collective generosity of our supporters and the growing culture of philanthropy that is helping shape a bold future for NAU and its students.”
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Helping elevate the university’s impact were transformative gifts from over 11,000 individuals and organizations, a record-setting NAU Giving Day in May and a growth in alumni volunteerism that broadens opportunities for Lumberjack students.
Maria and Steve Sanghi gave a $10 million cash gift—the largest gift of its kind in NAU history—to name the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering. Their investment created NAU’s first deanship, a position held by Charles Chadwell, and exemplifies NAU’s mission to deliver exceptional programs rooted in access and opportunity.
Retired chemists Karen Larson and Gary Bicker are opening doors for the next generation of STEM leaders through their $5.2 million gift to establish the Karen Larson & Gary Bicker Academic Momentum Scholarships, which will provide financial support for students and faculty in fields related to science, technology, engineering and math. A portion of their investment propels student success, providing support to students majoring in STEM, offering critical relief to students facing housing insecurity and expanding math readiness programming through a new professorship.
Helping make education more accessible, Univision Arizona created the “Tu Futuro” (“Your Future”) scholarship program. As part of Univision Arizona’s Contigo community empowerment initiative, they are covering the total cost of tuition and lodging for an undergraduate student at NAU for four years. The first student recipient, Dayana Amaya, was selected in May and will begin her first year at NAU in August 2025.
On May 1, the Lumberjack community united for NAU Giving Day. Nearly 1,500 donors—including 500 new donors—gave over $1 million to support students, academic programs and initiatives across the university. This seventh-annual NAU Giving Day set a new record, surpassing last year’s total by 36 percent.
Beyond financial contributions, this year NAU had an increase in volunteer impact. Over 800 Lumberjacks volunteered more than 10,200 hours across 1,100 activities. Whether serving on boards, mentoring students, participating in the Alumni Chapter Program and more, the power of NAU’s Lumberjack community is making a difference.
“Thanks to the exceptional leadership of the NAU Foundation, philanthropic support for NAU continues to reach new heights,” said NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera. “I am deeply grateful to our passionate community of donors and partners who share in NAU’s bold vision to expand access to higher education and drive economic mobility and social impact across Arizona. The investments made by our alumni, friends, faculty and staff are laying the foundation for a brighter future where our students thrive and our state flourishes.”
Learn more about the community who supported NAU over the last year and discover how your contributions can elevate NAU by visiting foundationnau.org/impact.
