UAF Development News

UAF Earns CASE District VIII Communications Award

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 01:15:00 +0000

UAF Development and Alumni Relations earned the Bronze award in the 2018 Council or Advancements and Support of Education (CASE) District VIII Communication Awards competition for the 2017 Blue and Gold Gala: Celebrating a Century of Community and Education.

Nine judging coordinators from CASE VIII institutions, and the judges they recruited, evaluated Special Events entries from 152 higher education institutions from the Pacific Northwest.

District VIII includes Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and the Canadian territories of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Colombia, Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territory. District VIII is the largest geographical district within the CASE system.

The recognition ceremony will take place on February 8^th in Seattle, WA. Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2017 Gala such a smashing success!

Centennial Highlights - 2017 in review

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:13:00 +0000

UAF celebrated its centennial in 2017. For a message from Centennial Committee co-chairs Michelle Renfrew and Emily Drygas as well as a few highlights by-the-numbers, follow this link:

https://news.uaf.edu/?mailpoet_router&endpoint=view_in_browser&action=view&data=Wzc3MCwwLDgxLCI3ZTYzN2UiLDQ0OCwwXQ

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Engineering Learning and Innovation Facility

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:09:00 +0000

The recently completed Engineering Learning and Innovation Facility celebrated its official opening on Friday, December 8 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Fundraising Initiative Co-chairs Janet Weiss and Ethan Schutt commemorated the occasion alongside UA and UAF leadership, faculty and staff, and the generous donors who helped make this facility possible: BP, ConocoPhillips Alaska, and Usibelli Coal Mine. Attendees participated in student led activities and toured the facility, including the three named areas: the BP Design Theater, the Usibelli Coal Mine Student Atrium, and the ConocoPhillips Alaska High Bay Structural Testing Lab. Thank you to the ACEP initiative co-chairs and our steadfast supporters for helping to make this vision a reality.

Co-chairs, donors, and university leadership commemorate the official opening of the ELIF Building, December 8, 2017. Photo Credit: JR Ancheta

REI Inspiring Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 18:29:00 +0000

REI – an internationally renowned outfitter – recently gave $25,000 in support of the Inspiring Girls Expeditions program. Of over 500 applicants, Inspiring Girls Expeditions was one of 26 non-profits to receive a portion of REI’s $1 million initiative to create more opportunities for women and girls in the outdoors.

The annual expedition is a tuition-free excursion that dedicates 12 days to exploring and learning about glaciers and the alpine or marine environment. UAF is proud to be a part of initiatives like REI’s Force of Nature. Congratulations, Inspiring Girls!

To learn more about the Inspiring Girls Expeditions program, visit: www.inspiringgirls.org/

To find out more about REI’s Force of Nature or class offerings, Visit: www.rei.com/h/force-of-nature

Photo Courtesy UAF Inspiring Girls Expeditions

UAF Remembers Grace Berg Schaible - Distinguished Philanthropist, Alumna, and Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 23:56:00 +0000

On June 9^th we learned of the passing of our dear friend, Grace Berg Schaible. Grace was an amazing woman, UAF alumna, and steadfast supporter of all things UAF. We are honored to have known her as a friend, and we will miss her very much.

News of Grace’s passing was felt deeply by the community that she loved. Some of the reactions are featured in the remembrances below.

A Message from UA President Jim Johnson:

Dear UA Community,

As many of you may have read in the weekend news, our dear friend, alumna and devoted supporter Grace Schaible passed away on June 9. Grace was an incredible woman who served our state, our community and our university with integrity, wit and an admirable leadership style.

Graces swears in as Alaska's Attorney General

As a university regent and UA Foundation trustee, Grace was generous with her time and talent; as Alaska’s first female attorney general she served with integrity and fairness; as a philanthropist, she was unwavering in her generosity; and as a friend of the University of Alaska, she was devoted to our mission and values. Grace carried her alumna status proudly and had many close friends within the university community. We will always remember her spirit, love of family, good humor and statesmanship. She truly loved this university and, I can assure you, that sentiment remains mutual.

All of us at the University of Alaska extend our sincerest condolences to Grace’s family and will always remember the bright light of her remarkable life.

Sincerely,

Jim Johnsen

A Note from Chancellor Dana Thomas:

The University mourns ardent supporter Grace Schaible

It’s with great sadness that I learned of Grace Schaible’s passing this weekend. Her long history with the University of Alaska goes back to the 1940s when she served as President Charles Bunnell's secretary. She graduated in 1949 with a history degree, obtained a master's at George Washington University and then earned a degree from Yale Law School. She married Dr. Arthur Schaible in 1958. Both would later serve as University of Alaska regents; he from 1961-1969, and she from 1985-1987.

After a private law career during which she helped the Arctic Slope Regional Corp. navigate its early years, Grace became Alaska's first female attorney general under Gov. Steve Cowper in the mid-1980s. She twice served as an Alaska Permanent Fund board member.

Grace was a staunch supporter of the university and embodied the values we hold most dear. She served as a model for philanthropists across the state. Her generous gifts to the university have helped create scholarships, expand the University of Alaska Museum of the North and much more. In February 2017, UAF deemed Grace one of three Philanthropists of the Century because of her benevolent spirit.

Polar Passion — a special exhibit on display now at the UA Museum of the North — includes a portion of the more than 800 pieces Grace gave to the museum.

Grace and Arthur with their great pyrenees.

The life of Grace Berg Schaible ’49 was as dynamic and inspiring as Alaska, a place she loved and helped build as advocate, philanthropist and Alaska’s first female attorney general.

A Message from Diane Kaplan – Rasmuson Foundation President and CEO

Remembering Grace Schaible

I met Grace Schaible in the early 1990’s when I was the CEO of Alaska Public Radio Network. She was the State’s first woman Attorney General and her philanthropy in Fairbanks was legendary. She was an obvious “target” to serve on the Network’s endowment exploration campaign. She said yes and a long relationship began.

In the late nineties I saw Grace at the Downtown Deli in Anchorage. I was raising money to build the Alaska Native Heritage Center. I remember that we asked for $50,000 in increments of $10,000 a year for five years. She said that her donations were already committed for the next three years. I suggested a five-year pledge of $50,000–nothing due in years one, two and three, $25,000 in years four and five. We shook on the deal.

But we really got to know each other while standing under the eave in the rain outside the Westmark Hotel in Sitka. Grace spent time in Sitka each summer to fully experience the Sitka Summer Music Festival. She had a longstanding arrangement to have an apartment set up in the hotel each summer. We ran into each other that evening in the rain because we were both smokers back then–me a bummer, she an enthusiast.

We served on The Foraker Group board of directors together with our dear friend Jeff Cook, and Ed Rasmuson, too. We four and others came together at the inaugural meeting of the Golden Heart Community Foundation. Eventually Grace invited me to her home to see her incredible collection of polar bear art. Sculptures, paintings, photographs, even Christmas ornaments. The finest in the world, I’m told. Once I found a tacky polar bear floor mat at a flea market in Brooklyn and sent it to her. I chuckled whenever I went to visit and saw that mat on the floor in front of her sink.

I could listen for hours to Grace’s stories about her annual trip to Norway to see the polar bears, which continued until she was almost ninety. The other passengers came on the boat for a week. She stayed for a whole month. She never took a photo–there were always plenty of professional photographers on board who were eager to sell their work. She just wanted to be with the bears.

Grace celebrate's her 90th birthday with friends. (Photo courtesy Diane Kaplan.)

One of the greatest honors of my life took place at the 2009 Annual Philanthropy Awards event. Grace was being honored as philanthropist of the year. She did a beautiful, humble speech and then said she wanted to single out three of her mentors. I was shocked when I heard my name because, clearly, Grace was the mentor in this relationship. She said I helped her think of herself as an Alaska philanthropist for the first time because no one from outside Fairbanks had ever before asked her to support a statewide effort.

On Grace’s ninetieth birthday a couple of years ago, her beloved University of Alaska colleagues put a lunch together in Fairbanks to celebrate. We sang her a special version of “Amazing Grace” with Schaible lyrics.

Rest peacefully, dear Grace. You were loved and admired by many. Thank you for inspiring me.

Grace's catch. (Photo courtesy Grace's archives.)

The Fairbanks Daily News Miner honored Grace with this article, Grace Schaible, UA benefactor and first female Alaska attorney general, dies by Rod Boyce, Jun 10, 2017.

For more on Grace’s story, read these features published in UA Journeys and the Aurora.

Gootee Family Nanook Hockey Scholarship set to award this Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 May 2017 19:14:00 +0000

UAF is excited to share the news that the Gootee Family Nanook Hockey Scholarship will begin awarding with the 2017-18 season!

Go to this link for the featured story on the Gootee family's gift.

Robert and Jason Gootee with Dallas Ferguson - Head Coach for UAF Men's Hockey.

Centennial Scholarship Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 03 May 2017 18:40:00 +0000

More than 240 students, donors and faculty attended the Centennial Scholarship Breakfast on Tuesday, April 18 at the UAF Wood Center Carol Brown Ballroom. UAF has more than 450 privately funded scholarships and awards that provide over $1.25 million in student financial aid each year. The financial support of members of the community, businesses, alumni and faculty demonstrates the strong and enduring relationship between UAF and its Nanook Family.
Please view the photos from the Scholarship Breakfast here.

AGC Members pause for a photo with students.

During the program, the Associated General Contractors of Alaska presented a $100,000 gift to UAF with the majority applied to their three endowed scholarships supporting students within UAF’s School of Management, College of Engineering and Mines and the UAF Community and Technical College.


Ann Tremarello poses with Jaylee Mays and Nanook.

UAF Alumna and donor, Lorna Shaw of Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo, emceed the event introducing Chancellor Dana Thomas, graduate student Carolyn Kozak, Professor Alex Hirsch, and alumna and long-time donor Ann Tremarello ’57, who spoke of the historic relationship between UAF and Alaska, and why investing in student success is a critical investment for the state. To view the program from the Scholarship Breakfast, please click here.

Moda Hosts Nanooks in Portland!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 21:23:00 +0000

Alumni and friends gathered on Tuesday, March 21 for a special event at the Portland Trail Blazers game at the Moda Center in Portland. UAF Alumni Association President Jason Gootee '05 generously hosted the event in Moda’s private suite while attendees watched the Blazers take on the Milwaukee Bucks.

Not pictured above, but in attendance that evening, was Sindy Mendez-Espino, a 2015 elementary education graduate and member of the UAF Centennial Scholarship and Fellowship committee, and her roommate and fellow Nanook graduate, Shanann Hojos, a 2015 Mechanical Engineering alumna. The two are thrilled to have recently found jobs in their related fields and are living in the Portland area.

In addition, an off-court highlight of the evening occurred when Jason Gootee (center) and his father, Robert Gootee (left), presented a check to Nanook hockey head coach Dallas Ferguson marking the establishment of the Gootee Family Nanook Hockey Scholarship endowment.

2017 Blue and Gold Gala - a Smash Hit!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 23:58:00 +0000

Chancellor Dana and Kay Thomas on the Red Carpet

UAF received overwhelming support from throughout the community leading up to the 2017 Blue and Gold Gala. On Feb. 11, that energy carried through the evening in fabulous fashion. Your Story Wedding and Events Planning did an extraordinary job transforming the Carlson Center into a high-class speak-easy, and attendees certainly looked the part.

Pamyua set the mood and provided musical entertainment during the cocktail hour and post-program socializing. Mike Sfraga made a return to the Far North and provided his emcee skills during the program, accompanied by Chancellor Thomas and UA President Jim Johnsen.

Among the evening's honorees were the Emil Usibelli Award recipients for Distinguished Teaching, Research, and Service; Distinguished Alumna Virginia Farmier and William R. Cashen Awardee Jo Ryman Scott; and Philanthropists of the Century Grace Berg Schaible, the Usibelli Family, and the late Elmer and Mary Louise Rasmuson. Our student speaker, Luke Rollie Rogers spoke to the crowd about his experiences at UAF, and what generosity through scholarships has meant to him.

The audience members exceeded the goal of raising $100,000 in students support with the bulk of the gifts benefiting the Centennial Cornerstone Scholarship and Fellowship Endowment. Once again UAF friends and alumni demonstrated the spirit of philanthropy that has made UAF the place it is today.

Thank you, Fairbanks, for your continued support and enthusiasm! We look forward to our next Centennial Event: May 3 Creation of college anniversary.

Three New UAF Funds Support Studies in Alaska's Natural Resources

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 21:10:00 +0000

Brian Jackson had a great appreciation of environmental and agricultural production. He was passionate about outdoor adventures and always had one or more new adventures on his "to do list." Brian's transition from an agronomist in Wisconsin to an environmental specialist in Alaska was facilitated through obtaining his masters in natural resources management through the University of Alaska Fairbanks. His hard work was evident in all he did. Brian's untimely death brought about the establishment of the Brian Jackson Memorial Scholarship that will assist UAF students who are making changes within their professions through obtaining an advanced degree in environmental sciences. Last month Brian’s father, Gary Jackson, made a generous contribution that boosted this fund to the endowment level – creating a lasting memorial in Brian’s honor.

In addition, Premium Oceanic of Boise, ID has established the Blue Evolution Mariculture Fellowship. Starting this spring semester, this fellowship will support a graduate student studying mariculture at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.

In Alaska, Premium Oceanic has specific interest in developing kelps, such as Saccharina, for commercial food products. Currently, there is no commercial production of seaweed by any of the aquaculture farms in Alaska; although several permits do include provisions to grow various seaweed species. Therefore, Premium Oceanic is working with the UAF on the hard science of identifying the most effective species and techniques for growing seagreens.

The third newly created fund comes from Wendel Raymond — a UAF Ph.D. student located in Juneau, AK — who established the Sea Otter Research fund. The Sea Otter Research fund will provide support for sea otter research in Southeast Alaska within the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences program.

As industry and academia continue to explore new areas of our changing environment, UAF is proud to be home to students, faculty and alumni that continue to make an impact.

Centennial Blue & Gold Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 20:14:00 +0000

Celebrating 100 years of education and community!

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will celebrate its first 100 years at the Blue & Gold Gala, which will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Carlson Center.
The centennial celebration will recognize distinguished faculty, alumni and friends, as well as philanthropists of the century. The event will include fine dining and live music. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire from the 1920s or semiformal wear.
Tickets for the gala are $100. Net proceeds will benefit UAF students through the Centennial Cornerstone Scholarship and Fellowship Endowment.
For more information about the event, go online to www.uaf.edu/chancellor/gala or call the UAF Development and Alumni Relations Office at 907-474-2619.

Countdown to UA centennial begins

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 21:03:00 +0000

Centennial co-chairs, respective director of Development and Alumni Relations, Emily Drygas, and director of University Relations, Michelle Renfrew.

By Michelle Renfrew and Emily Drygas

It’s the final countdown! We are just a couple weeks away from the start of our centennial year!

UAF’s centennial celebrations will kick off Dec. 31, 2016, with the New Year’s Eve Sparktacular event and continue throughout 2017. It is a time for us to celebrate milestones, share UAF’s story and illustrate our crucial role in Alaska.

This year’s Sparktacular will offer a few surprises. The fireworks program will have a centennial flair, and, for the first time, KUAC 89.9 FM will play a music soundtrack that corresponds with the entire program. We hope you will tune in, whether it’s from campus or the comfort of your warm vehicle or living room. If you attend in person, don’t miss out on the hot chocolate generously provided by the University of Alaska Museum of the North! Many thanks to ALL who have been involved in the preparation of this kickoff event, especially our generous sponsors, Mike Thomas of University Chevron and the Fairbanks Curling Lions.

We have a number of centennial events and activities planned for 2017. A special tab outlining these and more will be inserted into the Jan. 29 edition of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. In the meantime, you can find out everything you need to know about UAF’s Centennial at www.uaf.edu/centennial/. Be sure to check out the interactive timeline, video, people profiles and big ideas. These are some of the people and ideas that have helped shape us into the world-class research university we are today … and we’re just getting started.

We cannot express enough our gratitude and appreciation to members of the centennial planning committees and campus community, who have helped create a memorable year of celebrations and activities. A lot of time, thought and effort has contributed to commemorate this important milestone in our history.

Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Sparktacular kickoff with music on KUAC 89.9 FM
Feb. 11 Blue and Gold Gala
May 3 Anniversary of college creation and Centennial Square dedication
May 6 Centennial commencement ceremony
May 9-11 Week of the Arctic
July 20-22 Nanook Rendezvous alumni reunion/Golden Days
Nov. 5 Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra performance of commissioned centennial piece
Dec. TBD Holiday gathering and centennial finale

Check out this link for more details.

Happy 100th birthday UAF — you have much to celebrate!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 23:35:00 +0000

The New Year is right around the corner - that means it's almost time for the UAF Gala! Check out this link for details.

Gala Evite*

Kinross Fort Knox celebrates 20 years with gift to UAF

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 21:41:00 +0000

Eric Hill, ’08, Kinross Fort Knox Vice President and General Manager, presents a check to Interim Chancellor Dana Thomas at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.

At a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Kinross Fort Knox pledged a tremendous gift to the College of Engineering and Mines at UAF. This gift coincides with their 20 year anniversary of operations in the Fairbanks area. Kinross' new scholarship, established with their $600,000 gift, will benefit students in the mining-related engineering fields. UAF is proud to share a strong and multifaceted relationship with Kinross and the Fairbanks community.

Distinguished Alumna Chantal Walsh Honored at Rendezvous

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 16:58:00 +0000

Chantal receives her award from Alumni Relations Director, Kate Ripley, and UAFAA Board President, Jason Gootee. Photo Credit: UAF Photos, JR Ancheta.

Chantal Walsh was honored with the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award on September 23 at the UAF Nanook Rendezvous Reunion. Chantal earned her bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from UAF in 1985. During her 30 years of experience in Alaska’s oil and gas industry, Chantal’s resume includes work with BP, ARCO, Chevron and Petrotechnical Resources Alaska. Read more about Chantal and the six other distinguished alumni recognized at the UAF Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumnus Awards webpage.

UAF is #1 College for Hikers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 23:35:00 +0000

The University of Alaska Fairbanks was recently named #1 College for Hikers by Backpacker Magazine! This is no secret to the students, staff, and faculty that call our campus home, but check out the article at Backpacker Magazine.

Development and Alumni Relations Team Building

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 16:26:00 +0000

Development and Alumni Relations Team Building:

Pictured Left to Right: (Back Row) Maggie Hess, Susanne Bishop, Sharon Hildebrand, Genevieve Bright, Morgan Dulian, Amanda Straight, Tiana Elkins, Emily Drygas; (Front Row) Becky Lindsey, Allison Carter, Megan Bean, Anne Doyle

Friday, June 24 was a day of collaboration for the Development and Alumni Relations Office.

The team and our colleagues came together for a much needed brainstorming and strategy session in preparation for the upcoming year.

For more information on the development and alumni relations team members and their work, please visit www.uaf.edu/giving.

2016 UAF Scholarship Breakfast Connects Donors and Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 May 2016 18:13:00 +0000

On April 12, UAF students, donors and campus represesntatives attended the 2016 Scholarship Breakfast at the Wood Center Carol Brown Ballroom to celebrate the connection between donor generosity and student success. Lorna Shaw of Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo emceed, introducing Chancellor Mike Powers, student speakers Forrest Campnell and Sage Tixier, and donor speaker Meg Nordale, President of GHEMM Company. Meg spoke of the importance of the relationship between UAF and GHEMM Company, and why investing in student success is a priority for their business. View the program here.

Donors have created more than 440 privately funded scholarships and awards at UAF which provide over $1.3 million in financial aid to students each year. The financial support provided by the community, alumni, faculty, staff and even current UAF students is an incredible source of encouragement for deserving students, showcased at the annual Scholarship Breakfast. View the event photos here.

UAF will be celebrating its Centennial anniversary in 2017. We look forward to celebrating this tremendous impact again next year at the Centennial Scholarship Breakfast.

Anchorage event highlights the Alaska Center for Energy and Power

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 22:45:00 +0000

On September 24, 2015, nearly 30 guests representing industries and corporations from across Alaska gathered for an exclusive presentation and dinner at the home of Janet Weiss, BP Alaska President. Guests learned about the global impact of UAF’s Alaska Center for Energy and Power. The event was co-hosted by UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative co-chairs Weiss and Ethan Schutt, CIRI senior vice president. The guests enjoyed the culinary expertise of Chef Patrick Hoogerhyde of the Bridge Seafood Restaurant of Anchorage while they learned more about this important initiative.

The UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative will provide state-of-the-art space at UAF to allow researchers and students the ability to tackle complex energy challenges facing the state, the nation and the world. This initiative seeks to raise $6.5 million to build-out the fourth floor of the new engineering building under construction now on campus, providing a new home for the UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power. To date, more than $1 million was raised, with generous support from the Usibelli Coal Mine and ConocoPhillips.

A heartfelt thank-you to Janet and Troy Weiss for their hospitality and making this special event such a success. We appreciate initiative co-chairs, Weiss and Schutt, for their continued leadership on the UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative.

If you are interested in learning more about the UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative, please contact Emily Drygas, UAF Development and Alumni Relations director, at 907-474-2619, or the Alaska Center for Energy and Power Director Gwen Holdmann at 907-590-4577.

For more information:

UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative co-chairs Ethan Schutt, CIRI senior vice president, and Janet Weiss, BP Alaska president.

Chef Patrick Hoogerhyde and staff of the Bridge Seafood Restaurant of Anchorage created the exclusive culinary experience for guests on Sept. 24, 2015.

Janet Weiss, BP Alaska president, welcomes guests to her home and shares the importance of the UAF Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative.

ConocoPhillips Alaska has committed $500,000 to the Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 16:57:00 +0000

Scott Jepsen, VP External Affairs ConocoPhillips Alaska and UAF Chancellor, Brian Rogers

We are proud to announce a commitment from one of the university’s long-time friends. ConocoPhillips Alaska has committed $500,000 to the Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative! Please join us in thanking ConocoPhillips Alaska for their tremendous gift and for their belief in the work of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power.

This gift from ConocoPhillips Alaska helps to ensure that the Alaska Center for Energy and Power continues to prepare the next generation of engineers for Alaska, while solving current energy challenges within the state and beyond. This gift from ConocoPhillips Alaska is an investment in what UAF graduates and researchers can provide to our state.

In addition to the ConocoPhillips Alaska support, we must gratefully acknowledge a gift from the Usibelli Coal Mine. The family-run, Alaska business generously gave the lead gift of $500,000 to the Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative last fall.

The Alaska Center for Energy and Power initiative is dedicated to raising $6.5 million to create a permanent home for the center on the fourth floor of the new engineering facility.

Chancellor Brian Rogers and Victor Joseph

On July 6, 2015, we began centennial celebrations commemorating our rich history and welcoming our next 100 years. The day started with a traditional blessing at Troth Yeddha' Park, followed by a procession down Yukon Drive and reception at Cornerstone Plaza. The day culminated with a rededication of the original cornerstone set by James Wickersham on July 4, 1915, in expectation of the university's formation. Event information and a schedule can be found at www.uaf.edu/chancellor/centennial.

Spreading Nanook pride with Portland alums and supporters

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 20:40:00 +0000

UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers and Sherry Modrow and Moda Health co-hosted Portland area donors at the Portland Trailblazers game on March 24, 2015 at the Moda Center in Portland.

UAF alumnus, UAF Alumni board member and university advocate Jason Gootee '05, '13, generously hosted the event. UAF donors, alums and friends in the Portland area enjoyed the gathering while watching the Trailblazers in action.


Front row: Rhonda Widener, Charles Fedullo, Emily Drygas, Katie Murphy. Back Row – Trailblazer alums who visited the UAF group. Photos courtesy of Jason Gootee.

2015 Chancellor's Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 20:27:00 +0000

        Chancellor Brian Rogers and Sherry Modrow welcomed guests to the 2015 Chancellor's Gala
   on February 27, 2015, in the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel. The event drew more than 300
               people and the proceeds will support community mental health programs and
                                            UAF's clinical-community psychology program.

UAF celebrates donors at annual reception

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 00:33:00 +0000

Chancellor Brian Rogers and Sherry Modrow honored UAF donors at the annual reception, Giving Comes Full Circle, on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in the Regents' Great Hall of the UAF Fine Arts Complex.

The 2014 featured honorees include John and Fran Zarling, Individual; Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Corporate; Digital Globe, State-of-the-Art Equipment/Special Gift; John and Sally Howard, Longevity.

To learn more about this year's honorees, go to http://www.uaf.edu/giving/impact/events/2014/.

The honorees or their representatives with the special recognition gift made by members of the UAF Art Department. Pictured are Sherry Modrow, university advocate; Bob McCoy, Director, Geophysical Institute; John Parrott, President and CEO, Totem Ocean Trailer Express; Hannah Bayless da Costa, UAF student phonathon caller; Fran Zarling, honoree; Chancellor Brian Rogers.

Chancellor Brian Rogers introduces the honorees at the 2014 Donor Reception.

My Turn: Supporting higher education pays dividends, by Susan Anderson

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 19:35:00 +0000

Susan Anderson, chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Alaska Foundation, writes in the Nov. 20, 2014 issue of the Juneau Empire about helping to "open pathways to education for thousands of Alaskans." Follow the link below to read the entire article.

My Turn: Supporting higher education pays dividends

http://juneauempire.com/opinion/2014-11-20/my-turn-supporting-higher-education-pays-dividends#.VG56aIc0_p1

Joe Usibelli and Peggy Shumaker gift will benefit museum gallery renovation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 18:58:00 +0000

A $1 million personal gift from longtime UAF supporters Joe Usibelli, '59, and Peggy Shumaker will support renovations to the university museum’s oldest gallery.

The donation allows the University of Alaska Museum of the North to begin work on a $5 million upgrade of the Gallery of Alaska, built in 1980, and the only portion of the museum not updated during an expansion completed in 2005.

“Joe and Peggy have been generous supporters of both the museum and the University of Alaska Fairbanks,” said museum director Aldona Jonaitis. “Soon, Otto, the brown bear; Blue Babe, the 36,000-year-old mummified Alaska
steppe bison; and other treasures will be exhibited in a state-of-the-art, family-friendly space.”
When complete, the Peggy Shumaker and Joe Usibelli Gallery of Alaska will have modern lighting and displays that will protect artifacts, along with hands-on elements to make the exhibits an interactive experience for visitors of all ages.

“The Alaska Gallery is part of our home. We make this donation to help create exhibits that protect the fragile and priceless objects on display,” noted Shumaker and Usibelli. “We support this fresh Alaska-built gallery that will tell many stories — for Alaskans and for visitors from around the globe. We invite all Alaskans to join us in presenting to the world our Alaskan legacy.”

The couple received the 2013 Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Eugene R. Wilson Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award. The Usibelli family and Usibelli Coal Mine have a long history of giving to UAF, and have donated more than $4 million in personal, corporate and Usibelli Foundation gifts in addition to their annual endowment which funds five awards for staff and faculty excellence.

“This gift, and Joe and Peggy’s ongoing support of the university, is a testament to the power of individual philanthropy and engagement,” said UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers. “Our strength is in our people: the individuals who give their time, influence and resources to ensure a vibrant university now and in the future.”

Peggy Shumaker and Joe Usibelli are honored at the Alumni Rendezvous event on Sept 26, 2014
at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, where the gift was announced.
Photo by Todd Paris