Lumberjack Spirit

Discover the traditions, pride, and deep sense of community that make being a Lumberjack more than just going to college, it’s a way of life!

When you become a Lumberjack, you join a community rooted in pride, purpose and school spirit. From cheering in the Walkup Skydome to hiking the peaks with friends, NAU life is filled with moments that bring people together.

Spirit lives in flannel Fridays, Louie sightings, and every high-five on the pedway. It’s the way students show up for each other, the way campus feels like home, and the way traditions connect us. Whether you're chanting the fight song at Homecoming or rocking blue and gold downtown, you’re part of something bigger, something unforgettable.

Enduring traditions

Running of the Freshmen

Kick off your Lumberjack journey by sprinting across the field at the first home football game. This beloved tradition welcomes first-year students into the NAU family and it’s just the beginning of your NAU story.

Freshmen sporting NAU colors while running across NAU's football field for the "Running of the Freshmen" tradition.

Homecoming

Homecoming has been a staple of Lumberjack pride since 1924. This week-long celebration brings together students, alumni, faculty, and staff for events, traditions, and memories. In 2024, we celebrated our 100th Homecoming, just in time for NAU’s 125th anniversary.

Family Weekend

Bring your crew to campus! Family Weekend is a chance for loved ones to experience NAU life alongside you, with events and activities that celebrate our vibrant community.

Lumberjack Tree Cookie

When the Lumberjacks score, you’ll hear the chainsaw roar. A slice from a log (called a tree cookie) is cut on the field to celebrate touchdowns, thanks to the Logging Sports Club. It’s loud. It’s proud. It’s NAU tradition.

A proud, freshman Lumberjack holds up a tree cookie while cheering to the crowd.

Show your NAU pride

The NAU hand sign

Throw the L-J! This simple, iconic hand sign is part of Lumberjack culture, whether you’re at a game, snapping a photo, or repping NAU pride around campus.

How to throw it:

  • Make an “L” with your right hand
  • Make a “J” with your left

That’s it! Now you’re official.

An N A U family throwing up the Lumberjack hand symbol during family weekend.

NAU Fight Song

Know it. Sing it. Shout it with pride. Our fight song is a rally cry that brings Lumberjacks together on game day and every day.

Fight, fight, fight for NAU!
Take the ball and follow through.
Lead the blue and gold to fame,
As we win another game.
Cheer, cheer, cheer for NAU!
We want a victory!
So fight, fight, fight with all your might,
For we want a victory tonight!

Celebrated symbols

Louie the Lumberjack

NAU’s mascot Louie is a legend. From leading cheers at games to representing school pride across the state, Louie brings the Lumberjack spirit wherever he goes. Look out for the 25-foot-tall “Muffler Men” statues on campus—they were donated in 1973 and have stood tall ever since.

Lumberjack statue

Created by student artist Charles Bonney in 1966, this statue of a rugged lumberjack with an axe is a tribute to NAU’s heritage. It stood at the bookstore until 2008 and now stands proudly between the University Union Expansion and the Field House.

A 25-foot tall Lumberjack statue in front of the Walkup sky dome.

Dress like a Lumberjack

From game days to attending classes, rocking blue and gold is part of life at NAU. Here's where you can stock up on official Lumberjack gear.

Retail in-store locations

Flagstaff
Prescott
Phoenix area
Yuma

Get your NAU gear online

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