Northern Arizona University’s student voice since 1914 Vol. 113 Issue 11 | April 7, 2022 — April 13, 2022
NAU renames health and learning center to honor former president Haeger
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NAU holds inaugural Student Organization Service Day
WILLIAM COMBS III
AU held a ceremony April 1 to rename the Health and Learning Center (HLC) in honor of John Haeger, former president of the university. According to NAU’s biography of Haeger, he served as president from 2001 to 2014. His tenure was focused on rebranding NAU through roughly $1 billion in new building development, which led to a 40% increase in enrollment. Haeger was also an advocate for diversity and inclusion through the implementation of “The Pledge” — NAU’s commitment to a flat tuition rate for incoming first-year students’ first four years. The third floor of the HLC was filled with distinguished guests, including members of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), Coconino County Board of Supervisors and President José Luis Cruz Rivera. The formal event started out as a cocktail mixer with drinks and appetizers until the crowd funneled into the northwest wing, where a podium and media crew were waiting. Positioned next to the stage was an acrobatic pyramid structure where two hired gymnasts were practicing their aerial routine. As guests began to crowd the wing, the structure created some difficulty in finding a place for individuals to stand. When Chief Administrative Officer Christy Farley took the stage, the gymnasts rolled down the structure and stood in attendance with the rest of the crowd. Farley began her speech by explaining her relationship with the former president, noting his contribution in the development of the HLC and other buildings on campus such as the High Country Conference Center. She then introduced the other guest speakers of the evening and stepped off the podium. See HLC page 4
Joseph Strode, biomedical science major, contributes to the club clean up through the Student Organization Service Day event of cleaning up the local community, April 1. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack
Morgan Lewis, Kodi Boersma and Alison Pickett pose for a quick photo during the club collaboration, April 1. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack See SERVICE page 6
Patrons and staff call for Firecreek boycott
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DAISY JOHNSTON
eports of a mice infestation, unsafe working conditions and transphobia at Firecreek Coffee Company began circulating on social media March 24. While Firecreek has served as a beloved venue to many local artists, patrons are now calling for a boycott. Firecreek is based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Firecreek also roasts coffee for sale to restaurants and grocery stores, with three locations in northern Arizona. According to its website, the team consists of entrepreneurial engineers, artists, musicians and designers who are passionate about living and working in good company. Moreover, the coffee shop is one of few local businesses to offer its space for musicians and poets to put on events — with many of these artists identifying as part of the queer scene in Flagstaff. However, former patrons and employees have taken to Instagram in recent weeks to say Firecreek’s inclusive image is a misrepresentation. Jade Price started working at Firecreek in May 2021. Price was working as lead barista when they were terminated. “I went in for my shift and I was voicing my concerns to my manager,” Price said. “The manager looked me in the eyes and said, ‘If you don’t like it you can An orange sign covers the front door to the local Firecreek Coffee Company leave.’” See FIRECREEK page 5
explaining the closure by order of the Coconino County Department of Public Health, March 26. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack