Michelle.Gardner@nau.edu 

The involvement experiences I had as an NAU student helped me make friends, and challenged me to figure out who I was. Clubs and out of the classroom experiences, are what brought me to call NAU “home”. As a first-generation college student, I was lost with navigating college life. It was the friends I made when I decided to get involved, that helped me find resources, and gain confidence. Involvement helped me understand what I believed, my identities, and challenged me to grow. It was these experiences that got me into graduate school, and change my career path to support other college students as they start their journey.

Marissa.Griffin@nau.edu

If it weren’t for my involvement in Sorority life during my undergraduate, I wouldn’t have stayed in school and graduated. Academics never come easy to me, especially math. Being a member of a sorority challenged me to find the leadership skills I never knew I had and learn study habits I didn’t have in High School. I made new friends with like-minded ideals and engaged in events that fundraised money for local and national nonprofits. Most of the time, I wasn’t the leader nor held a position; some may even say I was the troublemaker. But looking back, I know it held me accountable, kept me motivated, and allowed me to walk away with transferable skills, a career, and a network of support across the country.

Salvador.Lopez@nau.edu

Building a community on campus was a significant challenge for me due to being part of a large institution. However, I slowly became more relaxed getting out of my comfort zone by participating in a math club, surrounded by individuals that shared similar interests. During graduate school, I was also provided with the opportunity to become an officer for two distinguished organizations; Student Affairs Higher Education (SAHE) and Chi Sigma Alpha Student Affairs Honor Society (CSA). These organizations helped me gain leadership skills, exercise abilities to effectively facilitate meetings/events, understand organizational budgets, and build a sense of community at NAU. Getting involved on campus makes a meaningful difference in a person’s college journey. I highly encourage students to strengthen their sense of belonging at NAU by seeking communities (e.g., club, organization, fraternity, and sorority) that care about their overall personal, professional, and academic development and success.

Nancy.Navarro@nau.edu 

Being involved on campus was a large part of my success at NAU. As a first-generation student I was navigating what felt like a whole different world. I was a part of the Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) which helped me get my footing before I even started classes in the Fall. STAR was the first step in creating my “home away from home” at NAU and where I made lifelong friends.  TRIO Student Support Services also grew my community on campus and helped me develop skills and knowledge to be a successful student and overall, a well-rounded person. As a Latina searching for my community on campus, I joined Gamma Alpha Omega. This group of women helped me have a second family on campus and let me know I was not alone in the challenges I was facing. I also took part in M.E.Ch.A. and helped create the organization Voces Unidos as an undergrad. Each one of these organizations impacted me through the support provided. I gained the confidence to advocate for myself and others, learned to give back to the community, embraced my identities and culture, and developed professional skills through the leadership opportunities I was entrusted with. My love for NAU stems from those who made this a home for me and drives me to make it a home for current and future Lumberjacks.

Angelica.Brady@nau.edu

My journey of belonging began with letting go, as one does when they leave the familiarity of high school behind to pursue higher education. That quickly changed when I joined groups and clubs that nudged me into becoming myself. Cultural celebration and social justice with M.E.Ch.A, promoting healthy habits and fun movement (electric slide, anyone?) with a women’s health club, organizing drives/fundraisers that gave back to the larger community – these are some of the many, many events that shaped me throughout my academic career. In these groups, and campus involvement in general, I built the foundations of who I am now – a Latina who celebrates her culture, an educator who knows that play is integral to innovation (and wellbeing!), and a person who constantly strives to make the world a better place. Being part of NAU and in the Office of Leadership & Engagement, it is my goal to support you in finding the communities that embrace you and give you opportunities to highlight your inherent gifts and strengths!  

Kimberly.Walker@nau.edu

My involvement experiences within NAU were the main driver for my success in graduation. I was never a great student. My teachers dreaded having a troublemaker like me in their classes and I struggled academically. But one thing I was (and still am) great at, is music.

Becoming part of a community within higher education that enjoyed music, building social connections, and building up leadership skills as much as I did truly made a difference in my passion for continuing and striving in higher education. Not only did I graduate with my undergraduate degree, but I later continued to a graduate degree as well.

By being a part of the Office of Leadership & Engagement, my goal is to help you find your community and provide you with opportunities to truly shine during your time here at NAU!

Katherine.Hanson@nau.edu

Becoming involved was one of the most transformative experiences of my college career. It not only helped me build a strong sense of community and belonging, but also pushed me to grow as a leader and communicator. As a Campus Living Assistant in McConnell Hall, I developed confidence that prepared me for job interviews and professional opportunities, and it even inspired me to study abroad, an experience that broadened my perspective in ways I never imagined. The skills I gained and the connections I made continue to shape my personal and professional journey in meaningful ways.

Colin.Birnbaum@nau.edu

Becoming involved on campus was a transformative part of my undergraduate experience at Northern Arizona University. Building a sense of community helped me navigate the many challenges of college life and provided a strong foundation for personal and academic growth.

Through  leadership roles in my fraternity and various student organizations, I developed practical skills that continue to benefit me today. Finding a group of peers who shared my goals and interests significantly contributed to both my social and professional development.

My involvement at NAU inspired me to approach every opportunity with dedication and purpose. I truly believe I would not be as motivated or driven without those formative experiences. I am excited to serve as a resource for current students and to help foster an environment where everyone can thrive, connect, and grow during their time at NAU.

Brendan.C.Trachsel@nau.edu

My involvement during undergrad at NAU completely changed the trajectory of my life and contributed more to my college experience than any classroom ever could. From exploring my faith, to yelling about birds being drones, to eventually leading ASNAU, I will always cherish the memories I made through my involvement. I still remember my first weeks at NAU going door to door in Tinsley Hall recruiting fellow students to chip in money for a Minecraft server. That led to me being elected to my Community Council, which introduced me to the broader campus community. From there, everything took off. Now, working on the other side with the Office of Leadership & Engagement, I’m excited to help students discover their passions and find their own communities. I encourage every student to get involved in whatever way feels meaningful to them. You never know where it might lead!