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.

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.

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.

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

The Louie statue outside the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome has a history tied to Route 66 and a local cafe. Originally, the statue was one of two "Muffler Men" created by Prewitt Fiberglass, designed to attract attention on Route 66.

They were purchased by the Lumberjack Café and can be seen in the 1969 film, Easy Rider. The café was purchased and renamed Granny's Closet and in 1974 the new owners, the Zanzucchi family, donated the statues to NAU. The statues stood at NAU’s Lumberjack Stadium until they were moved to the Skydome in 1979.

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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