The NAU Review — How to get involved, NAU’s secret garden and Notes from the President

Sept. 22, 2022

When Michelle Gardner arrived at NAU as a freshman, she didn’t know a single person. She wanted to make friends but had no idea how to meet people. Then, she attended the Welcome Week Club Fair and learned about New Student Government. She didn’t have a particular interest in government, but the people at the booth were nice, so she decided to get involved. The rest is history. She went on to join the Honors program, work for The Lumberjack newspaper, serve as an orientation leader, teach HON/NAU 100 and even host a radio show on KJACK—making countless friends and even more memories that shaped her entire college experience. Nearly two decades later, she now serves as the director of the Office of Leadership & Engagement and helps ensure all Lumberjacks have access to finding their own “home” or community. She has simple advice for students: GET INVOLVED—it will change your life.

NAU’s very own Secret Garden 🤫

You read that right—NAU has a Secret Garden. Last week, ENV 181 students added the finishing touches to this restored campus green space planting native edible and pollinator plant species, assembling Subpod vermaculture composting units and building a picnic table for the campus community to enjoy. This transformation of the abandoned space was made possible by the Green Fund and the Begovac family, whose generous endowment will guarantee ongoing maintenance. Though an official grand opening of the space will take place later this semester, the Secret Garden is open to visitors and for compost drop off in the designated bins. The Secret Garden Atrium entrance is in the north hall that connects the Science Annex and Physical Science buildings.