Elevate the campus experience
Spaces matter
Revitalizing campus
The spaces where students live, learn, and connect are critical to their success at NAU. They shape their learning environment, foster collaboration, and spark inspiration. With your support, we’ll continue to reimagine the student experience—investing in spaces like a new state-of-the-art College of Nursing building that will help address the significant shortage of healthcare providers in the state and revitalizing core areas of our Flagstaff campus to serve generations of Lumberjacks.
college of nursing
Nursing’s new era
Fundraising goal: $10 million
Arizona is facing the nation’s largest nursing workforce shortage, with a shortfall of nearly 30,000 registered nurses, and as a result, nearly three million residents lack access to primary care.
Currently, the college is forced to turn away up to 200 qualified students each year due to a lack of space.
NAU’s new 40,000-square-foot College of Nursing facility will be a vibrant, student-centered space featuring modern classrooms, advanced simulation labs, and inviting, collaborative spaces. The new home for the college will support academic excellence, create a sense of belonging among our students, and serve as a gathering place for faculty, students, and community partners alike. Most importantly, it will allow us to expand enrollment to meet Arizona’s growing demand for skilled nurses.
campus beautification
South Quad landscape and hardscape
Fundraising goal: $2 million to $3 million
The South Quad is where students study, play, and connect between classes. With your support, this green space will be transformed into a dynamic hub that enhances circulation and safety while welcoming concerts, festivals, and community events with amphitheater style seating. Set against the backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks, the revitalized South Quad will become a signature gathering place that reflects NAU’s spirit and community.
campus beautification
I-17 Edge Gateway signage and landscape
Fundraising goal: $1.5 million
The I-17 entrance is NAU’s front door—the very first glimpse thousands of students, families, alumni, and visitors see as they arrive on campus. Your support will transform this gateway into a bold statement of Lumberjack pride. Plans include enhanced landscaping and signage featuring an evergreen structure, vibrant seasonal color, and sustainable native meadow grasses. Designed with water conservation in mind, improvements will incorporate low-impact development basins and bioswales to reflect NAU’s commitment to stewardship of our environment.
campus beautification
Riordan Road landscape
Fundraising goal: $550,000 to $700,000
Enhancing the Riordan Road entrance will create a more welcoming and inspiring sense of arrival to Northern Arizona University. Improvements will showcase seasonal colors near iconic NAU signage, complemented by majestic ponderosa pines, vibrant deciduous trees, and sustainable native meadow grasses. Your gift will establish a beautiful, landscaped campus edge and add a new sidewalk along Riordan Road, offering both aesthetic impact and a warm invitation to all who visit our university.
campus beautification
“The Wedge” Landscape
Fundraising goal: $150,000 to $200,000
Southeast of the University Union, “The Wedge” is a central hub for student life. With your support, this space will be revitalized with shade trees, flexible seating, improved bike circulation, and sustainable landscaping. The transformation will turn a stark gravel area into a vibrant, welcoming destination that enhances connection, comfort, and community. Your investment will elevate “The Wedge” into a signature space that enhances student life while reflecting NAU’s commitment to sustainability and well-being.
With your help, five beautification projects will help transform the campus experience
Arizona is facing a workforce shortage of 30,000 registered nurses
The college turns away up to 200 qualified students each year due to a lack of space
“A modern, purpose-built facility will allow us to expand enrollment, strengthen clinical partnerships, and prepare more nurses to serve Arizona’s communities. The impact will be immediate and far-reaching, with more qualified graduates entering the workforce, more access to care for rural and underserved populations, and a stronger healthcare system across the state. Janina Johnson Dean, NAU College of Nursing
Stories of impact
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Growing impact through a secret garden
What was originally an abandoned and overgrown space was transformed into a secluded oasis.
Unveiling the Nakai Plaza
Grammy-nominated recording artist and NAU alum creates an Indigenous plant garden.
Where legacy lives
Old Main carries a new name that reflects the history and spirit of the university.