For Regina Webster, ’24, volunteering with Northern Arizona University began with a simple desire to stay connected to the place that changed her life.
Now, whether she’s attending alumni chapter events, recruiting fellow graduates to get involved, or serving on the NAU Alumni Association Board, Webster says she’s all in.
“You guys are stuck with me,” Webster jokes. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Webster earned her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Applied Human Behavior through NAU’s 90/30 program, which allows students to transfer up to 90 lower-division credits from a community college before completing their final 30 credits through NAU. Designed with working adults and nontraditional students in mind, the program helps expand access and affordability for Arizona students.
Webster says she immediately felt at home at NAU: “Just coming up to NAU, being on campus and walking across that stage at graduation, I was like, ‘This is where I belong.’”
That sense of belonging, and the relationships she built with classmates and faculty, motivated her to stay involved as a volunteer. Webster specifically credits faculty members like Margaret Boatright in the Department of Educational Psychology with creating a welcoming and supportive environment during her time as a student.
“She took the time to meet with me and always made me feel supported,” Webster says.
Webster is now continuing her NAU journey by pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health at the North Valley campus.
“It’s the best experience ever, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” she says.
Today, Webster volunteers through the Phoenix alumni chapter and recently joined the Alumni Association Board. Through alumni chapters located across the country, Lumberjacks connect with fellow alumni through social events, networking opportunities, service projects, university gatherings, and more. Supported by volunteer chapter leaders, the NAU Alumni Chapter Program currently serves alumni in Chicago, Denver, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Portland, Prescott, San Diego, Tucson, Washington, D.C., Yuma, and through the Native American and Indigenous alumni chapter.
Volunteer opportunities extend far beyond alumni chapters. NAU volunteers serve as board members, mentors, classroom speakers, Commencement marshals, event volunteers, and more.
supported NAU through service this year
of volunteer service
Webster says alumni engagement helps strengthen the sense of community that makes NAU special: “It shows the compassion and heart that we have for our school.”
Ready to get involved?
Like Regina Webster, you don’t have to live in Flagstaff to make an impact at NAU. Connect with fellow Lumberjacks through alumni chapters, service projects, mentorship opportunities, and more.
