Celebrating Excellence: Gold Axe Award Winners from SCE
Each semester, NAU honors a select group of students whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom with the prestigious Gold Axe Award. Among this spring’s celebrated recipients are four exceptional students from the Sanghi College of Engineering: Jessica Hillman, Koi Quiver, Caitlin Yazzie, and Jonah Graham. These students exemplify the values of leadership, resilience, and community service that the Gold Axe stands for.
Koi Quiver: Champion of Connection and Resilience
A mechanical engineering major from Buckeye, Arizona, Koi Quiver’s path to the Gold Axe is deeply rooted in his dedication to mentorship and Indigenous student success. As an Indigenous Peer Mentor (IPM) for three years, Koi supported fellow students—particularly those in mechanical engineering—helping them navigate academic challenges and build community on campus.
“I’m very student-centered,” Koi shared. “It’s nice to be recognized, but what matters most is knowing that I did what I said I would do. I helped others.”
In addition to mentoring, Koi revitalized NAU’s chapter of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), growing it from dwindling membership to a thriving community. Through sports nights and personal outreach, he created spaces for students to connect and support each other.
Koi credits his boss and mentor, Sharon Doctor Singer, for shaping his student-centered ethos. “She helped me deal with failures and stay solution-oriented,” he said. “Her work ethic influenced mine.”
Despite facing setbacks, including failing classes, Koi never gave up. His advice to incoming students? “Just keep plugging away. Don’t suffer in silence.”
Looking ahead, Koi plans to work in research, either in national labs or R&D, after a well-earned rest. He hopes his legacy will be simple yet powerful: “He was a cool guy. Always helpful, and he didn’t stop.”
Caitlin Yazzie: Engineer, Mentor, and Role Model
Caitlin Yazzie, a civil engineering major from Rock Point, Arizona, has used her time at NAU to uplift Indigenous students and build a more connected campus. Like Koi, Caitlin served as an Indigenous Peer Mentor, organizing sports nights and participating in key events like Discover NAU and Indigenous Convocation.
“I guess I just wanted to be like an older sibling to them,” she said. “I have around 30 mentees—it’s like having 30 little siblings.”
Caitlin also played an active role in AISES, contributing to volunteer efforts and bringing guest speakers to inspire future Indigenous engineers. But it’s her impact through mentorship that she finds most rewarding. “Helping students come out of their comfort zone and being more open—that’s been the most meaningful part.”
Starting college during the pandemic posed significant challenges, especially with online learning and limited social interaction. Caitlin leaned on her roommate and self-discipline to navigate her early years, building the foundation for her current leadership.
She named Dr. Ben Dymond as her Educator of Influence, citing his encouragement and teaching as pivotal in deepening her interest in structural engineering.
After graduation, Caitlin plans to continue at NAU in an accelerated master’s program in civil engineering and eventually earn her PE license. She also hopes to continue mentoring and serving as a role model—especially for Indigenous women in STEM. “I just want to let others know that anyone can do it if you put your mind to it.”
Jonah Graham: Bridging Journalism and Construction Through Leadership
Jonah Graham of Sierra Vista, Arizona, pursued not one but two demanding degrees: journalism and construction management. Inspired by his sister—an NAU alumna, Gold Axe Award winner, and former student body president—Jonah jumped into campus life, eventually leading the Lumberjack newspaper as editor-in-chief and becoming a key leader in construction competitions and organizations.
“I think the Gold Axe really exemplifies that there are so many other definitions of success beyond grades,” Jonah said. “It reflects who you are as a person.”
He carried his passion for leadership into the construction management world, participating in the high-pressure ASC Reno competition, where teams develop a project proposal in just one day. “You get hungry, tired, stressed—but you get the job done. And that’s the most rewarding part.”
Jonah attributes much of his leadership development to Professor Robert Bruner, whose teachings on servant leadership left a lasting impression. “He lives what he teaches,” Jonah said. “That accountability shaped how I lead today.”
Despite financial hurdles throughout college—including missing out on Pell Grant funding and constantly juggling tuition and living costs—Jonah persisted, supported in part by scholarships for Native American students in construction management.
Looking to the future, Jonah hopes to engage in humanitarian work before transitioning into the construction industry. He dreams of applying his leadership lessons to build not just infrastructure, but stronger communities. “I want to take everything I’ve learned and carry it forward. Not just technical skills, but stewardship—of people, money, and trust.”
Jonah’s legacy, inspired by his grandfather’s belief in education, is grounded in a simple principle: “Try your best, and you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.”
Jessica Hillman: Leading with Purpose and Passion for Environmental Justice
Jessica Hillman, an environmental engineering major from Sierra Vista, Arizona, brought unmatched dedication to both her field and her community. As president of the NAU chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), she led weekly meetings, networked with industry professionals, and created a space where students could grow both technically and personally.
“Winning the Gold Axe is a reflection of the hard work that doesn’t show up in grades,” she said. “It’s incredibly validating.”
Jessica also conducted undergraduate research for two years with Dr. Adam Bringhurst, studying how NAU’s detention basins affect water quality. Her findings—including runoff that was visibly contaminated—deepened her commitment to environmental stewardship.
“It’s eye-opening,” she said. “It made me realize how much human activity affects our environment and the need for solutions.”
Jessica’s internship at Remal Consulting gave her real-world insight into stormwater management and the human stakes behind engineering design. After witnessing a near-flood event in Flagstaff, she saw firsthand how critical civil infrastructure is to community safety.
She credits Dr. Mark Lamer as her educator of influence: “He saw who I was, not just as a student, but as a whole person. He embodied my goals and helped make them possible.”
Looking ahead, Jessica hopes to continue working in environmental engineering and possibly attend graduate school. Long-term, she aims to work in environmental policy, focusing on floodplain injustice and advocating for underrepresented communities like her own.
“If my presence helped create community or showed someone that they can do anything no matter where they come from—that’s the legacy I want.”
A Common Thread: Service, Mentorship, and Strength
Koi, Caitlin, Jonah, and Jessica are more than students—they are trailblazers. They overcame challenges ranging from academic setbacks and impostor syndrome to financial strain and cultural isolation. But in every case, they chose service, leadership, and resilience. They didn’t just thrive academically; they built programs, mentored dozens of students, and created inclusive spaces that will benefit generations of Lumberjacks to come.
From peer mentorship and club leadership to groundbreaking research and international service, these Gold Axe winners leave behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and vision. They’ve already made their mark—and they’re just getting started.