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
Student Organization of the Year
The Student Organization of the Year award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to its mission while making a significant impact on the Northern Arizona University campus and the greater Flagstaff community. This organization exemplifies leadership development, collaboration, innovation, and meaningful engagement. The recipient embodies the Lumberjack spirit and serves as a role model for student organizations across campus.
New Student Organization of the Year
This award recognizes a newly chartered student organization that has successfully established a strong foundation through consistent operations, impactful programming, and meaningful contributions to campus life. Eligible organizations must have been chartered within the current academic year
Advisor of the Year
The Advisor of the Year award honors a faculty or staff advisor who has provided outstanding mentorship and guidance to their student organization. This advisor demonstrates a commitment to student growth, leadership development, and organizational success through consistent support and engagement.
Event of the Year
This award recognizes a student organization that successfully conceived, planned, and executed a program or event that demonstrated meaningful impact on its audience and contributed positively to campus life or the surrounding community.
*Event must be approved through True Blue Connect to qualify
Community Impact Award
The Community Impact Award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated sustained dedication to service, philanthropy, or outreach benefiting the Flagstaff community or beyond. The recipient shows commitment, compassion, and leadership by actively working to improve the community.
Inclusive Excellence Award
This award recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice. The organization has taken meaningful action to create positive change on campus and within the broader community through advocacy, education, and leadership.
Marketing & Design Award
This award recognizes excellence in visual communication and promotional strategy for an organization or event. Eligible submissions may include posters, digital campaigns, branding initiatives, or multimedia materials created by NAU students.
Student Leader of the Year
This optional submission is to acknowledge an exceptional student leader who has advanced their organization’s mission while fostering growth, collaboration, and leadership development among members. The nominee should demonstrate initiative, integrity, and dedication and have made a meaningful impact during the current academic year. The selected recipient will receive a certificate acknowledging their contributions to their organization and the NAU community.
Nominations Accordion Closed
The 2025-2026 nominations are open until March 27. Submit yours today! Click here to submit a nomination.