Gold Axe Awards

Recognizing outstanding contributions to the NAU community

Each semester, Northern Arizona University recognizes seniors who have made outstanding contributions to the university and community.  The award honors those who are committed to excelling in life outside of the classroom through leading student organizations, providing service to the community, involvement in their academic college, and more.

The seniors who are selected for their contributions will receive the prestigious Gold Axe Award. These awards will be presented at the Gold Axe Award Reception, co-sponsored by the Associated Students of NAU (ASNAU), the Office of Leadership and Engagement, and the Office of Alumni Engagement. In addition to the Gold Axe Award, the NAU President will honor the top applicants with the President’s Prize.

Congratulations to the Spring 2023 Gold Axe Award Winners and their Educators of Influence

Selection Process

Upon submitting your Gold Axe Application and after the deadline, we compile all applications and recommendation forms. We confirm the applicant’s NAU status, credit hours, and ensure all applicants have a recommendation form submitted.

Next, the applications are divided amongst the selection committee, which is comprised of staff across the university. They review the applications and recommendation forms fully. Each applicant is reviewed by 3 members of the committee, who score each applicant utilizing a rubric. The scores take into account the quantity and depth of experiences in the application. Scores are submitted, along with a top 5 ranking of who the committee member recommends to receive the award. All scores and top 5 lists are compiled, and checked in comparison to the other 2 reviewers.

Finally, the selection committee meets to discuss all applicants and make final selections based on application/recommendation materials, and scores.