Katie Hanson
High Pines Awards
Celebrating leaders, service, and Lumberjack life
The High Pines Awards celebrate the exceptional work of student organizations that strengthen and enrich the Northern Arizona University community. From impactful programming and meaningful service to innovative leadership and advocacy efforts, student organizations are at the heart of campus life. High Pines honors those groups and individuals whose dedication and commitment have made a lasting difference during the academic year.
Award categories recognize excellence across leadership, collaboration, community engagement, justice and inclusion, and overall organizational achievement. Finalists in each category will be invited to attend the High Pines Awards ceremony on April 17th, 2026, where their accomplishments will be recognized and celebrated. Nominees and recipients will also be featured across university platforms to amplify their impact and visibility.
Award recipients will receive formal recognition and commemorative materials acknowledging their achievements.
Organizations may submit nominations for multiple award categories. Applicants are encouraged to provide clear examples and measurable impact to support their submission.
Award Categories Accordion Closed
- New Student Organization of the Year – This award recognizes a club or organization that has put forth the effort to enhance the NAU community and has maintained steady and consistent operations. Only student organizations that were chartered between the 2021- 2022 academic year are eligible for this award.
- Advisor of the Year – The award honors a faculty/staff advisor who has had a positive impact on their student organization. The advisor demonstrates a strong ability to cultivate learning and growth in the student leaders within the club.
- Student Organization of the Year – The Student Organization of the Year award is for an organization that has made a significant effort to further its purpose through its contribution to Northern Arizona University and the Flagstaff community. This award recognizes the student organization that has demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance through their activities and programs. Furthermore, the organization embodies the Lumberjack spirit through its commitment to leadership development, collaboration, and programmatic efforts to enhance the quality of campus life at Northern Arizona University. The Student Organization of the Year is considered a role model for other organizations on our campus.
- Event of the Year – Award recognizes a club who successfully conceived, planned, and executed a program/event that has demonstrated a meaningful impact on its audience.
- President of the Year – Recognizes an outstanding individual who advanced the mission of their student organization while challenging and encouraging the membership to advance new initiatives, acquire new skills, and prepared the group for leadership transition and ongoing success. Recognition of accomplishments is limited to the current year of presidency.
- Lumberjack Image Award: This award is for the organization that demonstrates excellence in the fulfillment of its purpose, leadership development, campus life enhancement, community contributions and general involvement in the University community. The club represents Lumberjack spirit, and engagement at NAU.
- Inclusive Excellence Award: This award is for a club that has demonstrated a commitment to justice and has been an activist, trying to create positive change for the campus, the Flagstaff community, and the world. The club should have strong leadership, passion, and dedication to a particular issue or collection of social injustices.
- Spirit of Service Award: This award honors a club that has participated in community service with vigor, devotion, and an unshakable positive attitude. This club serves with inspirational and infectious optimism and leads the way for others through their actions and involvement.
- Poster of the Year: Award recognizes the graphic design work to promote a club event. Only designs made my NAU students are permitted.
Nominations Accordion Closed
The 2025-2026 nominations are open until March 27. Submit yours today! Click here to submit a nomination.