Jana Harper Hikes Mt. Humphreys

Jana Harper, an NAU alumna and current President of the NAU Alumni Association Board, will hike Humphreys Peak on June 10 with her son, Ben—a newly minted NAU alumnus—just ahead of her birthday. Standing at 12,633 feet, Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, and Jana is turning every foot of elevation into an opportunity to support NAU students.

Jana’s goal is to raise $12,633 for the LEAF (Lumberjack Emergency Assistance Fund), which provides emergency grants to students experiencing unexpected financial hardship and helps ensure they can continue their education during difficult times.

Elevate Emergency Support through a Gift to LEAF

For many students, an unplanned expense can put their education at risk. LEAF grants help students stay enrolled and continue progressing toward graduation by supporting urgent needs like:

• Required course materials and academic supplies
• Medical and dental expenses
• Food insecurity and other basic needs

During the 2024–25 academic year, LEAF supported 135 students through emergency grants totaling more than $62,000.

Every gift helps students keep climbing toward their goals. Hear directly from one LEAF Grant recipient about the tremendous impact of emergency assistance: 

"The LEAF funding has allowed me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress, giving me additional time for coursework, community involvement, and my responsibilities as a mother. This generosity has not only provided financial relief but also motivated me to work harder and strive for excellence, as well as complete my mandatory internship and push toward graduation in May 2026." - NAU Student

Reminding Students We BE-LEAF in Them 

This hike is about more than reaching the summit. It is about reminding students that the Lumberjack community believes in them and is willing to walk beside them through difficult moments.

Please consider supporting Jana’s climb and helping NAU students continue their journey.