Gold Axe 2025
This year, the College of Health and Human Services at Northern Arizona University is excited to recognize a select group of students and the esteemed Educators of Influence who have been honored with the prestigious Gold Axe Award. These individuals embody the values of dedication, service, and leadership, continuously going above and beyond in their roles and making a meaningful impact on the community. Hear directly from the honorees below to learn about the remarkable achievements and the inspiring ways they contribute to the betterment of those around them.
CHHS Student: Chiara Holgate
Educator of Influence: Dr. Scott Drum
Chiara: I chose Dr. Drum as my Educator of Influence because he has provided meaningful opportunities for me to grow in my field and connect with surrounding Indigenous communities—like presenting research at the ACSM Southwest conference and visiting Havasupai Elementary for a Field Day. His dedication to research, education, and advocacy for Indigenous students like me has deeply inspired me. Dr. Drum has had a lasting impact on my academic and professional journey at NAU and continues to be a strong supporter of my future in Fitness Wellness!
Scott Drum: Chiara embodies curiousness and productivity. She actively seeks out research, volunteer, and leadership activities, especially with regard to improving indigenous health and educational opportunities. The Golden Axe Award underscores her NAU achievements and how she will flourish as a professional and leader in her field
CHHS Student: Maegan Jensen
Educator of Influence: Megan Meyer Maegan: I selected Megan as my Educator of Influence because of her impact on me over the last few years, not just because of her exceptional teaching, but because of the way she genuinely cares about and supports every student she comes across. Megan goes above and beyond helping me and other nutrition students succeed, both academically and personally. Her passion for teaching and supporting her students has shaped my experience here at NAU in the best way possible.
Megan Meyer: Maegan has embodied the Lumberjack spirit throughout her college career. In addition to being a member of the swim and dive team, she was a double major in two very challenging majors, involved with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and conducted research with Health Science Faculty. Maegan is respected by her peers, faculty, and everyone she has met and will go far!
CHHS Student: Becky Leonard
Educator of Influence: Lisa LewisBecky: Dr. Lisa Lewis is far more than an ordinary professor. While many educators teach, few care as deeply and passionately about their students’ success as she does. Lisa is one of those rare individuals who makes a lifelong impact. She saw my potential, understood my drive to grow, and challenged me to become someone I hadn’t yet imagined. I’m deeply grateful for her extraordinary gift as an educator and her unwavering commitment to excellence—both of which have profoundly shaped my future.
Lisa Lewis: I could not dream of a better representative of the NAU Gold Axe award. Becky Leonard has a deep passion for learning and for serving others that was visible from day 1 – even before I met her in person. Becky is an inspiration to all of us to live our life to its fullest, follow our dreams and never stop striving to be the best version of ourselves as possible.
CHHS Student: Viviana Mendoza
Educator of Influence: Vial Mendoza
Viviana: My mom has been my greatest inspiration. As a first-generation college student herself, she pursued her education while raising my brother and I, never once letting go of her dreams. Her strength, sacrifice, and perseverance have shaped who I am today, and I carry her example with me in everything I do.
Vial Mendoza: Viviana Mendoza has made a lasting impact at Northern Arizona University through her campus leadership, commitment to wellness, and dedication to cultural empowerment—significantly expanding student engagement and transforming key programs. She has elevated historically excluded voices and helped peers grow in confidence through initiatives like the Hispanic/Latine Leadership Program and Voces Unidos. Her journey from a shy, uncertain freshman to a confident and impactful leader embodies the spirit of the Gold Axe and President’s Award.
CHHS Student: Melvita Nez
Educator of Influence: Rachael Shapiro
Melvita: Over the past three years, Rachael has played a significant role in my personal and professional growth. As my former supervisor during my time as a Peer Mentor for TRiO Student Support Services, Rachael has been a constant source of guidance and support. She has stood by me through my challenges and has always been the first to celebrate my accomplishments. Her unwavering presence and encouragement have meant a great deal to me throughout this journey.
Rachael Shapiro: Melvita is deserving of the Gold Axe award due to her exceptional leadership and dedication to her community. Her journey as a first-generation college student, combined with her commitment to public health and advocacy for Indigenous communities such as her own, showcases her resilience and determination. Melvita’s empathetic mentorship to students from similar backgrounds and her impactful contributions to NAU and beyond highlight her as an inspirational and much-deserving candidate for this prestigious award. Melvita is leaving a strong legacy here at NAU and her impact will live on in myself, in her mentees, and the clubs and organizations she invested her time, energy, and passion in.
CHHS Student: Niah Nieuwenhuis
Educator of Influence: Dr. Benjamin V. Tucker
Niah: I chose Dr. Tucker as (one of) my Educators of Influence because he opened the doors of speech science for me. His classes sparked my interest in exploring the hidden intricacies of how we communicate through speech. I am extremely grateful for his mentorship, as he always went above and beyond as my HURA mentor, and for his time spent in developing my skills as a researcher.
Dr. Benjamin V. Tucker: Niah Nieuwenhuis is an outstanding student and has tremendous potential. During her undergraduate career she has consistently surprised me with her hard work and the depth of her understanding. Niah was also announced as the 2025 Keim Undergraduate Research Excellence Award – Runner Up. She is an exemplary student and a fantastic representative of Northern Arizona University and the Communication Sciences and Disorders department.
Kassandra Vasquez | College of Health and Human Services