FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (July 25, 2019) – NAU Athletics is mourning the loss of a legendary supporter of the entire Northern Arizona University community, with the passing of Sam Borozan on Thursday at the age of 90.
Borozan, known affectionately as "Mr. NAU", epitomized the true Lumberjack spirit for more than 60 years. He was a staple at the campus in Flagstaff since his arrival as a freshman in 1953 on a football scholarship, when NAU was still known as Arizona State College.
"Sam is a mental snapshot that generations of past student-athletes will carry with them forever," NAU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
Mike Marlow said. "NAU Athletics is eternally grateful for the passion that Sam consistently exhibited proudly for his beloved Lumberjacks."
Following his graduation in 1957, Borozan continued to contribute to the evolution and growth of NAU at every level, first returning to the campus to earn his second master's degree before working in the school's financial aid office in 1970. Soon after, Borozan transitioned to the NAU Alumni Office, before being hired by NAU Athletics where he remained until his retirement in the early 1990's.
An avid photographer and sports official, Borozan utilized those passions in giving back to NAU Athletics during his decades of unwavering support. For over 20 years, Borozan taught classes in the university's health science department, focusing on sports officiating. He was also a fixture at NAU athletic events with his camera in hand, readily willing to contribute his captivating snapshots of the Lumberjack student-athletes with the athletic department and fellow supporters.
His dedication to women's athletics was also paramount. Borozan established a scholarship for the NAU women's soccer program in 2000 and contributed funding that led to scoreboards that were previously installed at Lumberjack Stadium, Rolle Activity Center and the Wall Aquatic Center.
This was not even close to the first time that Borozan had given back to the university he adored so much. He began his quest to help others, in the same way he was supported shortly after graduation, establishing the Borozan Memorial Scholarship Fund in 1960 to honor his father.
Borozan went on to establish new scholarships nearly every decade that followed which benefit both athletes and non-athletes at NAU - allowing for generations of past and future Lumberjacks to have even more opportunities to enjoy the experiences that helped shape his own life.
Borozan was inducted into the NAU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004 and served as the Hall of Fame's chairman from 1984-91. He was also very active in the sports officiating community working youth, high school and collegiate events for over 50 years. The Arizona Softball Hall of Fame recognized him for these efforts, inducting him as an umpire in 2003.
The Bisbee, Ariz., native was a triple alumnus at NAU, graduating with a bachelor's degree in elementary education before going on to earn a master's degrees in education administration and educational psychology. Borozan also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1947-53.
NAU Athletics created the Sam Stevan Borozan Lumberjack Legacy Society in 2016, which recognizes individuals who have established athletic scholarship endowments and estate gifts, in Sam's honor.
During his time at NAU, Borozan was a student, faculty member, university scholarship coordinator and an assistant to the university's Alumni and Athletic Directors.
