The Wyant Foundation—established by James “Jim” C. Wyant to support education and local nonprofits—is investing in three areas at Northern Arizona University that reflect its founder’s lifelong passions and the Wyant family’s connection to NAU.
In the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering, the foundation is funding student travel to the APS Four Corners Conference for the next five years, enabling students in Applied Physics and Materials Science to present research, connect with peers and mentors, and build early professional networks. The APS Four Corners Conference is a regional meeting of the American Physical Society that brings together physics students, faculty, and researchers from colleges, universities, industry, and government laboratories across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. It offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to present their work, network with professionals in their field, and engage with current scientific research in a supportive professional setting.
At the School of Communication, support for the renovation of the Media Innovation Center will provide students with access to modern production equipment, collaborative learning spaces, and real-world media training environments—preparing the next generation of journalists and communication professionals.
And in NAU Athletics, the Wyant Foundation is supporting enhancements to the university’s outdoor track and field facility, including resurfacing in preparation for hosting the 2028 Big Sky Conference Championship—ensuring student-athletes train and compete on a world-class surface.
Together, these investments expand access to hands-on learning, professional development, and high-quality facilities that support student success across disciplines.
Below, the family shares—in their own words—what inspired these gifts and what they hope to make possible.
What inspired you to give to these areas in particular?
Physics was the cornerstone of Jim’s life’s work, and he believed deeply in giving students opportunities to grow through hands-on experiences and professional conferences. Supporting travel to the APS Four Corners Conference will help young scientists build confidence and community early in their careers.
The Media Innovation Center is especially meaningful as Clair Wyant, ’04, Jim’s son, is an alumnus of NAU’s School of Communication. He knows firsthand how transformative it is for students to have access to modern tools, collaborative spaces, and real-world training. His experience working at NAZ Today, NAU’s student-run broadcast news outlet, helped him build valuable skills, applicable even outside the media industry. Supporting this renovation is a way to give future students the same opportunities that shaped his own education.
Athletics represent another dimension of student success. Jim ran track and cross country all four years during his undergraduate experience. Supporting this project is a meaningful way to honor that part of Jim’s journey while helping today’s student-athletes train, compete, and grow in an exceptional environment.
What do you hope students and faculty will gain from these renovations and from this funding?
We hope this funding helps foster an environment where every student feels that NAU believes in them—and their goals are worth investing in. Whether it is a physics student attending their first major conference, a journalism student learning in a cutting-edge media environment, or a student-athlete training on a world-class track, we want them to feel supported, inspired, and equipped to reach new heights.
For faculty, we feel these resources will make it easier to continue the exceptional work they are already doing. Strong facilities and funded programs help attract talent, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and build momentum for the future.
Any additional sentiments you’d like to share with NAU alumni?
We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a university that has shaped so many lives, including Clair’s during his undergraduate years and beyond. These gifts also honor Jim’s legacy and reflect our family’s belief in supporting future generations. We are thankful for NAU’s alumni, whose ongoing support, advocacy, and pride help create opportunities for today’s students, and ensure NAU continues to play an important role in Arizona’s educational landscape.
