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
Last Name
Acosta |
First Name
Gabrielle |
Educator Of Influence
Louis Cirelli |
Begaye | Tracey | Kiara Weathersby |
Best | Tyler | Michelle Gardner |
Betsuie | Brooke | Hendrik De Heer |
Case | Hailey | Janice Sweeter |
Castillo | Chris | Vidal Mendoza |
Chatter | Sarah | Alisse Ali-Joseph |
Collins | Anna | Priscilla Palavicini |
Farrell | Morgan | Sharon Doctor |
Fix | Katelyn | Dr. Gretchen Gee |
Franco | Alexa | Vidal Mendoza |
Gerdes | Emily | Rachel Cox |
Gomez | Lorenzo | Dr. Candi Corrales |
Gonzales | Mariah | Dr. Gretchen Knudson Gee |
Greyeyes | Matthew | Dr. Ana Araya-Anchetta |
Griffin | Cassidy | Ann Huffman |
Hansen | Holly | Teresa Ann Del Vecchio |
Kavanagh | Kinsey | Gretchen Gee |
LaBuda | Alisha | Dr. Stephanie Hurst |
Liu | Zhi | Tom Acker |
Lopez | Hailey | Bill Carter |
Lopez | Andrea | Lee Griffin |
Luberto | Emily | Dr. Robert Wallace |
McGaughey | Ryan | Leslie Mitchell |
McLiverty | Kaylin | Kiara Weathersby |
Miller | Madison | Priscilla Palavicini |
Monterroza | Gabriela | Allie Stender |
Moon | Andrew | Marissa Griffin |
Moyer | Amber | Courtney Carver |
Muniz | Jessica | Kara Ahearn |
Munoz Jaimes | Irving | Gretchen Knudson Gee |
Nelson | Lydia | Amy Hitt |
Pablo Martinez | Cecilia | Ari Burford |
Page | Kelsei | Katherine Lawlor |
Panzarella | Elliana | Sarah Kondratuk |
Puga | Laila | Dr. Joseph Moreno |
Pursell | Dawson | Carson Pete |
Reynoso Jimenez | Guadalupe | Dr. Leah Mundell |
Riggs | Stade | Brandon Whiterock |
Rojas | Alexia | Nancy Navarro |
Ross | Taylor | Andrew Dzeguze |
Sanders | Naomi | Katy Montoya |
Serna | Mariah | Dr. Wendy Bruun |
Sibic | Aida | Professor Mike Batina |
Silva | Gerardo | Robert Thorpe |
Thomas | Analise | Dr. Robert Neustadt |
Trachsel | Brendan | Marieke Taney |
Trubl | Lester | Dr. Lisa Lewis |
Vera | Vanessa | Salvador Lopez |
Willin | Charlotte | Sakenya McDonald |
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.
Applicants who have completed at least 90 credit hours and have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA are eligible to apply for the award in their final semester. Should they be away from campus in their final semester (for internships, student teaching, etc.), they have the option of applying EITHER during their final semester or the previous term (final semester on campus), but not both. This must be the applicant’s first bachelor’s degree. Applicants must also be enrolled in coursework and be able to provide documentation in order to qualify. The Gold Axe celebrates seniors who have contributed significantly to life outside of the classroom. Your application reflects all of your accomplishments, contributions, and commitments. Please be detailed in representing your Lumberjack story. The application and recommendation form for Fall 2023 is now Closed. Late submissions will not be accepted or reviewed. The selection committee will review all applications, and all applicants will be notified whether they are or are not chosen to receive the award by mid-October 2023. The Gold Axe application is available online and meant to be completed in a single session. You will need to have the following prepared before submitting your application: In addition to your application, a Recommendation Form must be filled out by a faculty/staff member of NAU. This is also due by Friday, September 22nd at 5:00 pm. It is the applicant’s responsibility to send this form to the faculty/staff member of their choice and inform them of the deadline.Eligibility Accordion Closed
Deadline Accordion Closed
Apply Accordion Closed
Please contact GoldAxe@nau.edu with any questions.