I am so proud of our talented students and I hope you are too.
This time of year is always very exciting for new and returning students as they settle into the routine of the semester, work hard on their studies, and become involved in the local Flagstaff community.
As we mentioned last month, this fall is a special one for us as we officially celebrate our 125th anniversary as a driver of opportunity, a vehicle for upward mobility, and a powerhouse of social impact.
While we cannot say for certain what will happen in the next 125 years, NAU and our greater Flagstaff community are committed to innovation, resilience, and a mutual dedication to the people who call this place home. I am confident that we will boldly face the future with this.
At 125 years old, you may be wondering why I’m so bullish about our future. Here are some reasons.
This fall, we enrolled our most diverse class of first-year students ever, coming from all backgrounds and walks of life. Our newest Lumberjack is proud of NAU’s commitment to access and achievement, the national and international appeal of the Flagstaff Mountain campus, which represents participants in all 50 states and more than 90 countries, and the NAU education that provides 100% career success for graduates. It reflects the unparalleled value we offer. -Experience that prepares you for success after college.
Thanks to strong interest in retention and graduation across the university, more students continue their studies and succeed. This is a testament to NAU’s commitment to student success through its efforts. Our six-year graduation rate, a measure of our success in providing value to our students and promoting success, is at an all-time high. Never before has NAU retained and graduated more students.
To support student success and immersion on NAU’s Flagstaff campus, approximately 10,200 students will live in on-campus housing this fall. This is another record for NAU. In addition to offering an unparalleled campus living experience in one of the nation’s premier college towns, our proximity to classes, academic resources, student life activities, a rich sense of community, and on-campus employment opportunities make living activities a great choice for students. A proven way to improve academic performance. Experience and the driving force behind success.
And when we think about the connections between our universities and our communities, one of our most important contributions to our communities is to serve as a resource for knowledge. It’s about bringing experts together to tackle real-world problems. Graduates who are ready to contribute to society and improve their local communities. Generate economic impact and promote cultural vitality.
These are just a few of the reasons I’m optimistic that NAU is on the right track and stronger than ever.
And this year is a big anniversary for us in many ways. Not only are we celebrating our 125th, but we will soon be celebrating our historic 100th Homecoming. Join us on October 19th at the Skydome for a parade, tailgating, football game and more to celebrate the spirit of the Lumberjacks.
This tradition also gives us the opportunity to be a part of a special pride for our university and Flagstaff community.
NAU’s Lumberjack Marching Band was recently selected to represent Arizona in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Homecoming is a great opportunity to see the band in person during the Homecoming parade, before and during the football game.
The Macy’s Parade Band Committee shared that they are looking for a band with stage presence, musical and marching ability, and the ability to captivate millions of live audiences and viewers across the country. Our Lumberjack Marching Band was selected from over 100 applicants as one of 10 bands to march in the 99th Annual Holiday Parade. This is truly a dream come true for our students.
In a surprise announcement in August, the Macy’s team gifted the band $10,000 to help launch the fundraiser. NAU’s Lumberjack Marching Band will spend the next 14 months planning appearances and raising funds for a trip to New York in 2025.
I am so proud of our talented students and I hope you are too. This recognition spotlights the excellence of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the wonderful community we call home. We look forward to supporting the Lumberjack Marching Band again next year as they prepare for the march of a lifetime.
Go, Jax! FBN
Written by Jose Luis Cruz Rivera
Jose Luis Cruz Rivera is the president of Northern Arizona University.
