Lumberjack Spirit

When you become a Lumberjack, you’re joining a community rooted in pride, purpose, and a whole lot of school spirit. From cheering in the student section at a game in the Walkup Skydome to hiking the peaks with friends, NAU is a place where connection runs deep and every win, big or small, is celebrated together.

Lumberjack spirit lives in every high-five on the pedway, every flannel Friday, and every Louie sighting. It’s in the way students show up for each other, the way campus feels like home, and the way traditions bring us closer. Whether you’re singing the fight song at Homecoming, diving into community service, or rocking your NAU gear around town, you’ll feel the pride that comes with being part of something bigger.

Here, you don’t just go to college. You become part of the Lumberjack family—and that’s something worth celebrating.

Enduring traditions

Running of the Freshmen

A cherished tradition where first-year students run across the field before the first home football game, symbolizing their initiation into the Lumberjack family.

Homecoming

Since 1924, NAU’s Homecoming has united the Lumberjack community through a week-long celebration featuring events for alumni, students, faculty, and staff. In 2024, NAU marked its 100th Homecoming, coinciding with the university’s 125th anniversary, highlighting the enduring legacy of Lumberjack pride.

Family Weekend

Family Weekend offers students and their families an opportunity to experience university life together, participating in various activities that strengthen the bond between the university and its extended community.

Lumberjack Tree Cookie

Every time NAU scores a touchdown, the NAU Logging Sports Club slices a round from a log, called a tree cookie, right on the field. It’s loud, it’s awesome, and it’s pure Lumberjack pride.

Show your NAU pride

The NAU hand sign

Throw the L-J! You’ll see Lumberjacks throwing the L-J at games, in photos, or while walking around campus.

Make your own L-J:

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

Now you’ve got the it. Simple, iconic, and packed with spirit.

Learn the NAU Fight Song

The NAU Fight Song brings Lumberjacks together. Learn the words and join the chant.

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

Louie the Lumberjack, NAU’s beloved mascot, has been a central figure in promoting school spirit. The iconic 25-foot tall Lumberjack statues, known as “Muffler Men,” were originally historic Route 66 icons before being donated to NAU in 1973. These statues now stand as enduring symbols of Lumberjack pride.

Lumberjack statue

In 1966, student artist Charles Bonney sculpted a mighty lumberjack holding an axe. This statue stood in front of the university bookstore until 2008 and now resides between the University Union Expansion and the Field House, serving as an emblem of NAU’s heritage.

Dress like a Lumberjack

Wearing blue and gold is a proud tradition at NAU. Whether you’re heading to a game or showing your Lumberjack pride, here’s where you can find official NAU gear.

Retail in-store locations

Get your NAU gear online