Joy Gaeraths honored as Jeff Ferris Volunteer of the Year award recipient

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (09/28/2012)(readMedia)-- While Joy Gaeraths is no longer a student at Northern Arizona University, she continues to embody Lumberjack pride with everything she does. Gaeraths' work with the university and the Volunteer Alumni Network are what makes her deserving of the 2012 Jeff Ferris Volunteer of the Year award.

Gaeraths, '98 BS and '05 MED, is a two-time graduate of NAU, earning her undergraduate degree in sociology on the Flagstaff campus and her master's degree in counseling via NAU's Extended Campuses program.

As an active member of the Volunteer Alumni Network since its inception in 2001, Gaeraths has contributed more than 225 hours of service toward recruiting new NAU students, attending college fairs on behalf of NAU, awarding incoming freshman scholarships to attend NAU and assisting with various Office of Alumni Relations events.

She also served on the NAU Alumni Association board of directors for six years.

Gaeraths continues to represent the NAU Alumni Association at the Extended Campuses graduation reception every spring. As a graduate herself of the Extended Campuses program, Gaeraths instills her passion for NAU to the new graduates and encourages them to stay connected to NAU in any capacity they can.

Gaeraths' volunteer service extends into her community, as well. She has donated countless hours with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and is a tireless fundraiser for the cause.

Gaeraths said she was ecstatic when she opened the mailbox to learn of her award. "Many people have joked and said that if you cut me open, my blood wouldn't be normal, it would be blue and gold," she said. "I consider that normal in my eyes and a great compliment."

Her award is one of four that will be presented at NAU's homecoming football game Oct. 20. For information about the award, visit nau.edu/alumni/awards.