Gifts at Work
Academic year 2024-2025
Thank you.
Were grateful for your support. Your generosity makes a meaningful impact on students
and communities throughout Alaska, across the nation and around the world.
Explore the pages below to see how gifts like yours advance UAFs mission in teaching,
research and public service.
2024-2025 Total Giving: $9,131,421
$3,276,267.41 in privately funded scholarships
were awarded to 903 students
Student voices: reflections from scholarship recipients
Athletics Support
This past year was filled with firsts and many program records for Alaska Nanooks
athletics. Your Nanooks volleyball team ended its season with a historic 21 wins and
a second place finish in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference standings. Nanooks
skiers competed on the brand new UAF competition ski trails for the first time, and
Kendall Kramer became an NCAA national champion. The Nanooks hockey team secured the
Alaska Airlines Governors Cup for the 14th straight season. The Nanooks rifle teams
Cecelia Ossi won the NCAA individual smallbore national championship, the team claimed
the NCAA smallbore championship trophy, and it took home a third overall finish. The
Nanooks men's basketball team ended its amazing season by securing a spot in the GNAC
championships. These and so many more successes occurred this season, and it is thanks
to Chancellor White, President Pitney, our coaches and staff, and amazing student-athletes.
Most importantly, it is thanks to you our donors, fans, volunteers and advocates
for supporting Nanooks athletics and ensuring the longevity and success of our programs.
Thank you.
Brock Anundson, Athletics Director
Thank you for making a difference here at UAF.
Photos by UAF Advancement staff unless otherwise noted.
Ashley Burnett
I am attending the 窪蹋勛圖厙 because it offers a unique and highly respected program in fisheries and marine science, perfectly aligning with my passion for marine ecosystems. The flexibility of fully online classes allows me to pursue my bachelors degree without the need to relocate, making it possible to balance my studies with personal and professional commitments. This opportunity enables me to gain a comprehensive education in a specialized field, all while staying connected to my local community and responsibilities.
Jordanna David
In addition to expressing my gratitude, I would like to share that this scholarship has not only relieved financial stress but also reinforced my commitment to my education and future. It has given me the chance to focus fully on my studies and pursue my passions without distraction. Your generosity has made a significant impact on my life, and I am more determined than ever to make the most of this opportunity. I want you to know that your support goes beyond the financial aspect; it has inspired me to keep pushing forward and to give back in the future. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future your kindness will never be forgotten.
Kaylyn Riley
Because of others generosity, I was able to pursue a degree in biology. I am committed to studying to work in dentistry in the future, so a degree in biology is essential before dental school. I am a full-time student and mother, so the scholarship helps ease my financial worries. I am able to work part time as a pediatric dental assistant, which gives me valuable knowledge of the dental field.
Working part time presents its financial challenges, so this scholarship has tremendously helped me with the financial gap. I am very grateful for the support. It is truly motivating to find that others believe in me as much as I believe in myself.
Nicholas Danjin
My decision to pursue higher education later in life stems from a desire to be the first in my family to earn a degree, which I believe will empower not only myself for our future but also inspire others in our community.
Darren Tan
I chose to attend the 窪蹋勛圖厙 for graduate school because of its exceptional graduate program in volcanology. As a student, I have the unique opportunity to collaborate daily with a multidisciplinary team of experts and actively contribute to the monitoring efforts of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. My experience at UAF has been incredibly rewarding, both academically and professionally, and I feel that the work I contribute to has real-world impact, even at this stage in my career.
Kristen Reece
With this award, I can further my education at the 窪蹋勛圖厙. As an interdisciplinary studies major, I have been able to tailor a degree that draws from and integrates Indigenous knowledge systems, community and rural development, Alaska Native education, fisheries, and environmental change. This academic preparation will place me in an ideal position to begin a career at the International Arctic Research Center as a tribal liaison or research staff, allowing me to stay connected to the university system while connecting Alaska Native communities and research. I have a great interest in educating Indigenous youth in rural communities in Alaska, supporting their Indigenous knowledge and experience in the field of sciences. My focus is to empower youth to utilize the Two-Eyed Seeing principles to Indigenize salmon science in the academic systems.
窪蹋勛圖厙 of Business and Security Management
With help from donors, the 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Business and Security Management was able to:
- Host the UAF Business Leader of the Year: This event celebrates leadership and provides students with valuable hands-on experience in budgeting, marketing, teamwork and project management.
- Coordinate the annual UAF Arctic Innovation Competition: This competition invites participants across Alaska and the United States to engage in creative problem-solving and showcase innovative ideas.
- Fund microawards for students: These one-time financial awards provide crucial support to students facing unexpected challenges, covering expenses that financial aid packages do not address or that students simply cannot afford.
- Host the Professionally Polished program: This program offers students interactive training in business etiquette and provides awards to help students acquire professional attire as they launch their careers.
- Support Native Alaskan Business Leaders: Donor funding enabled students from the Native Alaskan Business Leaders student organization to compete in a national business plan competition in Las Vegas.
窪蹋勛圖厙 of Engineering and Mines
FY25 Highlights: What Your Gifts Made Possible
Thanks to donor support, the 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Engineering and Mines continued to elevate engineering education and open doors for students across Alaska and beyond. This years impact reflects the strength of your investment.
Degree conferrals
Our graduates are entering critical fields across Alaska and the globe, ranging from
energy and infrastructure to aerospace and research. CEM conferred 104 degrees this
year:
- 76 B.S. degrees
- 24 M.S. degrees
- 4 Ph.D. degrees
Steel Bridge Team: Engineering Excellence
This marks the 32th year CEM has qualified for nationals and reflects the long-standing
commitment of donors who fund materials, travel and mentorship for the team. CEMs
team continued its tradition of excellence in 2025, earning a place at the National
Steel Bridge Competition in Iowa. Out of more than 43 top engineering teams competing
nationally, our students placed:
- Third in construction speed (with a build time of just 6:33)
- Third in structural efficiency
- Fourth overall
Scholarships: Removing Barriers, Rewarding Excellence
CEM awarded dozens of scholarships across disciplines, made possible entirely through
donor generosity. These awards help students stay enrolled, pursue fieldwork and internships,
and focus on building professional pathways. Several graduating engineering seniors
were recognized for academic achievement, research and leadership:
- Seth Waln, electrical Dual major and lead on CEMs CubeSat project.
- Noah Goltz, geological 4.0 GPA; research in Arctic infrastructure.
- Harrison Riggs, petroleum Stroecker Scholar and carbon capture researcher.
- Elizabed Angel, mining First-generation college student and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
- Jack Kendall, computer Work in laser sensing and Space Grant projects.
- Darya Kholodova, civil Honors 窪蹋勛圖厙 student and American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter leader.
- Andrew Mattson, computer science Robotics innovator and participant in the B.S./M.S. accelerator pathway.
- Vance Underwood, mechanical Member of Tau Beta Pi and working in industry.
Innovation in Learning
- Autonomous Construction Our 3D printing lab continued to support real-time robotic construction research in the Usibelli High Bay.
- Teaching Through Technology The T3 program expanded its reach to bring hands-on engineering experiences to rural and urban classrooms across the state.
- Engineers Week Ice Arch The student-designed ice arch returned, representing more than 50 years of tradition in Arctic civil engineering and collaborative design.
Career-Ready Engagement
CEM students connected with industry leaders and peers at top national conferences,
thanks to donor support that covered travel, registration and professional development.
These experiences help students grow professionally and expand their future career
paths.
- Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Explorations Minexchange
- American Geophysical Union is the worlds largest Earth and space science conference.
With donor support, our students were able to:
- Present original research and co-author papers with faculty from the Water and Environmental Research Center and the Institute of Northern Engineering.
- Gain national exposure to federal agencies (like NASA and the National Science Foundation), potential grad programs and professional collaborators.
- Showcase UAFs leadership in Arctic engineering, permafrost science and northern infrastructure design.
窪蹋勛圖厙 of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
The generous contributions of donors provided support for our 139 undergraduate, 79 master's and 43 doctoral students in academic year 2024-2025. These included gifts, scholarships and fellowships, including:
- The Ted Stevens Distinguished Professorship of Marine Policy through the Pollock Conservation Cooperative. This professorship has offered CFOS the opportunity to conduct research and teach courses on several topics in fisheries, including economics of salmon aquaculture in Alaska and mathematics for fisheries economics, and contributed to the development of the new Master of Marine Policy degree.
- Presidents Professor of Quantitative Fisheries and Ecosystems.
- Frank and Marjorie Meek Chair in Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
- Lowell A. Wakefield Chair in Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
- Rasmuson Fisheries Research Center Fellowship Award. Recipients were Maris Goodwin, Josianne Haag and Noelle Picard.
- Tamamta Program Fellows through the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.
窪蹋勛圖厙 of Liberal Arts
Donor support from the past year has allowed the 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Liberal Arts to accomplish the following:
- Provide discretionary funding for CLA departments to offer world-class experiences to our vast community.
- Offer scholarships to so many of CLAs outstanding students providing tuition and opportunities to pursue experiences in the arts, social sciences, languages, and humanities.
- Award three CLA students and one stellar faculty member the opportunity to participate in the 11th annual Rancho Mirage Writers Festival.
- Endow prestigious chair positions for faculty members in CLAs Department of History (Arthur T. Fathauer Chair, Tyler Kirk), Department of Music (Steve and Cynthia Holmberg Choral Director Chair, Jaunelle Celaire) and Department of Journalism (C.W. Snedden Chair, Paula Dobbyn).
- Celebrate the 50th anniversary of CLAs Arctic and Northern studies program honoring its alumni, students and faculty (particularly Mary Ehrlander).
- Expand the breadth of our writing, visual and performing arts offerings showcasing actors, artists, authors, musicians and scholars from near and far.
- Continue to partner with the Fairbanks Symphony Association to offer courses, performances, presentations and other opportunities.
- Honor, remember and celebrate the loved ones, friends and colleagues for whom these gifts have been created.
窪蹋勛圖厙 of Natural Science and Mathematics
The UAF 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Natural Science and Mathematics is experiencing significant demand for our programs. Through instruction and research, the work of our faculty, staff and students challenges boundaries and improves lives within Alaska, the nation and the global community.
With help from donors, CNSM was recently able to:
- Provide funding to host Science Potpourri, CNSMs largest K-12 outreach event.
- Graduate 141 students, including 31 with master's degrees and 15 with doctorates.
- Support the Midnight Sun Science Symposium.
- Fund geoscience summer field camps and eight scholarships to geoscience undergrads to offset the cost of summer field course work.
- Provide 106 scholarships to CNSM departmental students.
- Provide seven kids with support to attend summer camps.
- Send 35 kids from Alaska communities including Aleknagik, Deering, Glennallen, Huslia, Kasigluk, Nuiqsut, Ruby and Shungnak to attend GeoFORCE Alaska, a four-year summer-based geoscience academy touring the desert Southwest.
- Upgrade computers for the Physics Department.
- Purchase a projector unit for one of the geoscience teaching classrooms.
窪蹋勛圖厙 of Indigenous Studies
Donor support helps the UAF 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Indigenous Studies continue to offer academic programs designed to serve Indigenous and rural communities and build a new generation of leaders. CIS serves over 160 rural communities statewide, offering 11 remote degree programs from certificate to Ph.D. In 2025, CIS conferred 91 degrees, including two doctorates and 23 masters.
With help from donors, CIS has been able to:
- Host the annual Rural Alaska Honors Institute in Fairbanks, offering 100% free college prep to rural Alaska and Alaska Native high school students. Last year, 52 students completed the program, earning an average of nine college credits each and joining ranks with the programs 1,948 graduates since its creation in 1983.
- Support Rural Student Services, a vital program that creates pathways to success for Alaska Native and rural students. RSS provides students a home away from home, offering culturally responsive advising and directly improving student retention and academic achievement.
- Strengthen the Center for One Health Research, expanding research and outreach in 72 Alaska communities and offering the 100% online One Health masters program.
- Maintain the Alaska Native Language Center, which supports language revitalization efforts by offering academic programs and courses in six languages and hosting resources for 20+ languages in the worlds largest Alaska Native language archive.
- Support UAFs four rural campuses in Dillingham, Bethel, Nome and Kotzebue, serving a combined area of over 180,000 square miles statewide, offering accessible, relevant and culturally responsive education.
Community and Technical 窪蹋勛圖厙
This past year, the UAF Community and Technical 窪蹋勛圖厙 continued to grow in response to Alaskas labor needs, serving more than 3,500 students, with programs that lead directly to in-demand careers. Donor support played a key role in helping students access training, complete degrees and enter the workforce.
With help from donors, CTC was able to:
- Celebrate the graduation of 169 first-generation students across CTC programs.
- Receive initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing for the licensed practical nurse program and celebrate the graduation of its first class further strengthening Alaskas health care workforce.
- Expand scholarship funds to support students in welding, diesel/heavy equipment and business programs.
- Strengthen training provided by the Mining and Petroleum Training Service through funding for instructors and program support.
- Establish new scholarship opportunities in early childhood education, aviation and information technology.
- Enhance hands-on learning through equipment donations, including vehicles for fire science and law enforcement, a turboprop engine for aviation and a large-format printer for construction management.
These contributions make a lasting difference in the lives of students and help build a strong, skilled workforce for Alaska.
School of Education
The School of Education is committed to preparing exceptional teachers and counselors who inspire and empower Alaskas K12 students. Your generous donation fuels this mission, making a lasting impact on education across our state.
Your support helps us:
-
Empower Future Educators
Provide stipends and scholarships to student interns, reducing financial barriers as they complete the rigorous journey toward earning their teaching licenses. -
Expand Access to Education Careers
Fund scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, opening doors for an even greater number of talented individuals to become educators and counselors. -
Strengthen Alaskas Schools
Support the preparation of skilled professionals in elementary, secondary, music and special education, as well as in school and clinical mental health counseling.
Last year, the SOE proudly graduated 62 students each now shaping classrooms and communities throughout Alaska. With your continued support, we can prepare even more passionate, dedicated educators who will uplift and transform the lives of Alaskas youth.
Geophysical Institute
The Geophysical Institute continues to be a leader in Arctic research. For more than 75 years, scientists at the GI have studied geophysical processes from the center of the Earth to the surface of the sun and beyond, turning data and observations into information useful for state, Arctic and national priorities.
GI is grateful for the donors who support our faculty and student research. Philanthropic gifts to the GI support things such as the Science for Alaska lecture series, Ph.D. student tuition and research stipends, student researcher travel to science conferences, scientific equipment upgrades, guest lectures, and specific research activities.
International Arctic Research Center
IARC continues to strengthen its role as a collaborative leader in the Arctic, building on science, research and adaptation to environmental and political changes.
Some highlights from the past year include:
- Providing support for students with education costs.
- Leading another season of Inspiring Girls* Expeditions Alaska programs for high school-aged youth to inspire confidence and increase participation in field sciences, art and outdoor recreation.
- Growth in the newly launched open online course Climate Change in Arctic Environments.
- Continuation of the Research Networking Activities for Coordinated Observations project to improve international coordination among Arctic observing networks.
- Turning science into music by working with a composer using data and math to produce a song that captures the sound of climate change.
Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension
The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension works to enrich the lives of Alaskans through research and outreach in areas that include agriculture, health, Alaska ecosystems and much more. Support for IANRE has allowed for the following programs:
- Eight young people aged 14-18 traveled to Juneau, Alaska, to participate in the Alaska 4-H Youth in Governance program to learn about Alaskas governmental process.
- A science communicator for the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station was hired to increase communication to Alaskans about the science happening at the institute.
- Donations to the Georgeson Botanical Garden contributed to salaries for critical staff, including seasonal garden maintenance staff who keep the garden beautiful for thousands of summer visitors and install a holiday lights display during the months of December and January.
- One Tree Alaska was able to provide support for programs like the annual green-up tracking, Fairbanks pollen count, K-12 outreach and other science, technology, engineering, art and math activities.
Toolik Field Station
Toolik Field Station is a leading year-round Arctic research, observation and education facility, providing insight to address local and global challenges in the rapidly changing Arctic. As the worlds largest Arctic research station, Toolik promotes a greater understanding of the Arctic by safely, sustainably and openly fostering research and education in response to the needs of science and society. Thanks to donor support in 2024-2025, Toolik Field Station:
- Awarded five students and early career researchers with our Tundra award, which provides recipients with 10 days at the station to complete an independent project. Read more about the Tundra award on the award programs website and learn more about this years awardees.
- Hosted a five-day artist residency with illustrator Sophie Binder and supported a returning visit from previous artist-in-residence Kristin Link to share Arctic research through the convergence of art and science.
Large Animal Research Station
Large Animal Research Station
The Large Animal Research Station is a 130-acre facility that supports research, education and outreach related to some of Alaskas most charismatic large animal species. LARS houses animals for a variety of research projects involving reproduction, nutrition, energetics and behavior.
Your donations help provide husbandry support for our muskoxen and reindeer. Contributions to LARS also allow us to continue important community outreach activities, including the LARS Birthday Bash, Local's Day, Story Time and tours for K-12 groups.
Alaska Sea Grant
Alaska Sea Grant continues to prioritize research, education and outreach, as well as protection and restoration of healthy coastal habitats and economies. Support for Alaska Sea Grant funded the following programs:
- Competitively selected research projects are currently underway, each supporting a graduate student. Over $1.2 million in federal funding is supporting Alaska researchers and graduate students through these projects. The investigations address state and regional issues including coastal erosion, the effect of environmental changes on fish species interactions and marine mammals, environmental stressors on oyster mariculture, and approaches to improving stock assessments.
- The Coastal Connections, a camp in a box program, continues to expand, reaching middle school youths in coastal communities across the Gulf of Alaska region. The unique model includes training camp leaders and providing them with supplies and resources needed to successfully organize and lead camps in their own communities.
- Hands-on training workshops that are highly targeted to meet the needs of members of the oyster and seaweed mariculture, wild-caught fisheries and seafood processing industries. Programs range from those that provide skills to new entrants to the fields to administrative leadership for growing business owners.
- Convening groups throughout the state to address localized resilience issues and develop plans to address the needs of each community. Each workshop is highly tailored to meet the evolving needs of coastal communities.
- Managing a state-of-the-art seafood research and development facility, the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, which helps discover better methods to harvest and preserve Alaska seafood.
Basketball
The Nanooks' Taylor Pilot, no. 23, plays in the "pink out" basketball game against the Central Washington University Wildcats in February 2025.
The Nanooks men's basketball team huddles with Coach Frank Ostanik during a game in the 2024-2025 season.
Your Nanooks mens basketball team secured a spot in the GNACs championships after going 14-4 in the season and placing sixth in the conference. Your Nanooks are thankful for the support this season. Your donations helped the new coaching staff with recruitment, new gear, specialty jerseys and so much more.
Womens basketball saw a member of their team conclude their athletic career with a GNAC All-Conference Team honorable mention and enter the 1,000 points club. Your donations to womens basketball supported specialty jerseys for the next season, scholarships and travel.
Your support of both teams also went toward promoting partnerships with the Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska, the Fairbanks Community Food Bank and the 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Indigenous Studies. Thank you for your support, and your Nanooks look forward to the next season.
Cross-Country
The Nanooks women's cross-country running team gathers at the NCAA championships in November 2024.
Your Nanooks womens cross-country running team had a historic season with great showings at the GNAC championships, NCAA DII West regionals, and NCAA Division II national championships. At the NCAA Division II championships, your Nanooks took 13th in the country, and Kendall Kramer finished in second place for the blue and gold. On the mens side, your Nanooks had strong showings at both the GNAC championships and the NCAA DII West regionals. Your support of cross-country running helped your Nanooks receive scholarship support, travel aid and more.
Hockey
The Alaska Nanooks celebrate winning their 14th-straight Alaska Airlines Governor's Cup in February 2025.
Your Nanooks hockey team secured the Alaska Airlines Governors Cup for the 14th straight season after one of the closest competitions for the cup in recent memory. Your Nanooks claimed big wins against universities such as Notre Dame and Minnesota-Duluth. The season ended with several signings for seniors and the announcement of next seasons 100-year anniversary celebration.
Your support of hockey this last season supported scholarships, team-bonding activities while on travel and more. Your continued support will aid in efforts to make Nanooks hockey a prominent independent team with activities such as program updates and competition in an independent tournament.
Rifle
The Alaska Nanooks rifle team gathers with their trophies after placing third at the 2025 NCAA Championships.
The Nanooks rifle team finished its stellar season as NCAA smallbore champions and as third-place finishers overall, marking their fourth straight year on the podium. Cecelia Ossi became the first individual smallbore national champion for the Nanooks since 2014. Rachael Charles was named the most outstanding performer at the championships. Additionally, five of your Nanooks were named to the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association's All-American teams.
Your support aided the team in a retreat and training in Greece, specialized gear and scholarships. The team thanks you for your support and looks forward to making you proud next season.
Skiing
Your Nanooks Nordic womens and mens skiing teams had an unforgettable season, recording five race wins, 11 podium finishes and an individual national champion. The mens team ended its season with a Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association individual champion and three All-American finishes at the NCAA championships. On the womens team, Kendall Kramer ended her collegiate career as a national champion and one of the best skiers in the country. Several members of the team went on to make a name for themselves and UAF on the international circuit at world championships.
Your support of Nanooks skiing helped bring the very first ski races to the brand new UAF competition trails right at the heart of campus. Your continued support will allow for more races to be hosted and establish UAF as a premier ski competition destination.
Swimming
An Alaska Nanooks swimmer takes to the pool.
The Alaska Nanooks swim team gathers after the annual blue vs. gold meet in September 2024.
Nanooks swimmers continued their steady improvement this season with personal and program best performances and a fifth place finish at the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference championships. Several student-athletes ranked in the top 10 times in program history for several events. Donations to the Nanooks swim team supported scholarships, team-bonding activities and more. Nanooks swimmers look forward to next season and their continued climb through the conference ranks.
Volleyball
Alaska Nanooks volleyball team members celebrate a win during the 2025 season.
Your Nanooks volleyball team concluded its historic season with 21 wins and a second place ranking in the GNAC standings. Several members of the team received postseason accolades, including an All-American and GNAC First Team All-Conference honors and selections.
Nanooks volleyball saw increased support, not only from fans filling the stands and cheering but also from philanthropic gifts. Support gave the team the opportunity to travel and train in Costa Rica as they prepared for one of the best seasons in program history. The volleyball team members thank you for the continued support and growth of their program.
UAF First Gen Support
The UAF First Gen Support Fund helps UAF celebrate students who are in the first generation of their families to go to college. Students have been directly impacted by scholarships, and funds have been used for recognition ceremonies like UAFs celebration of the National First-Generation 窪蹋勛圖厙 Student Celebration Day in November and the First-Gen Baccalaureate Cording Ceremony and Trailblazer Recognition Ceremony held each spring.
UAF TRIO Student Support Service
Student Support Services serves bachelors degree-seeking students who are low income, are first generation or experience a documented disability. Thanks to the donations from our community, we will be able to award scholarships to students who need additional support to help make ends meet. Some of our focus areas include funding for studying abroad and providing scholarships for students to purchase textbooks and other course materials. In addition, these funds have allowed us to purchase food items for our SSS Food Pantry to support SSS students experiencing food insecurity.
UAF Student Support
The Student Support Fund assists UAF students with unanticipated or unexpected emergency needs. The Student Support Fund has provided funding for emergency situations, including travel for loss and medical expenses, as well as housing and food insecurity. Students are able to connect to one place to review funding and academic advising support opportunities customized to their needs. The funds have been used to keep students enrolled in school by providing basic needs, as well as to lessen the financial burden of withdrawing from school when a break is needed due to an emergency situation. The applications are reviewed by case managers at the Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability to ensure quick responses to emerging situations. This fund is a lifeline for students and helps ORCA extend that help when our students need it most.
General Support
The UAF General Support Fund is one of the university's most important funds. It gives us the flexibility to support campus events, projects that require a little extra funding and students who need help pursuing their education.
UA Museum of the North Support
The UA Museum of the North thanks our wonderful community of donors! Together we were able to:
- Make exciting changes in the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery, including a new space to showcase community art.
- Provide a field trip experience for over 4,000 local youths to explore Alaska's science, art, cultures and history.
- Welcome 1,377 participants to monthly Family Days with themes such as fossils, ice, moose and trees.
- Offer an art-making experience for all visitors with supplies and prompts in the Thinking Made Visible exhibit.
- Share wildlife imagery from a UAF camera-trapping research project.
- Participate in Museums for All to increase access to the museum's exhibits and programs.
- Train UAF undergraduate and graduate students in collection management and curation skills.
Rasmuson Library Support
Thanks to the assistance of generous donations, the Rasmuson Library celebrated the following achievements this past year:
- Supported a student's archival research project on "I簽upiaq Skin-Sewing Through Photos" with the Paul H. McCarthy Student Research Award.
- Indexed and processed 40 shelves (120 banker boxes) of the William O. Field Collection, including many photographs. William Osgood Field (1904-1994) was known as the father of modern glaciology in North America. The UAF archives' Field collection includes diaries, survey notes, subject files, photographs, correspondence, tables, graphs, office files, publications, maps, biographical materials and an extensive film collection.
- Acquired four albums of gelatin silver captioned photographs of Fairbanks, as well as some postcards. The images were taken and compiled by Frederick and Essie Noyes, members of a prominent pioneering family in Fairbanks.
- Acquired numerous rare books and maps, including an amazing book consisting of a 19th century Japanese travel account which describes the first circumnavigation performed by the Japanese people. It became the only open original source of information about Russia in Edo-era Japan. The title is "Kankai ibun" ["Observation in Foreign Countries; the Story of the Travels of Four Shipwrecked Japanese, as told to Gentaku Otsuki"].
- Purchased archival storage containers for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's original National Weather Service map collection, including more than 60,000 窪蹋勛圖厙 maps from 1960 to the present.
- Purchased more than 100 books for our general circulating book collection.
- Digitized and made available many historical films and videos, including a film containing interviews about the 1964 Alaska earthquake that has likely never before been seen in Alaska, films about 1940s Alaska Native activities in Wales, films about 1930s Fairbanks, and videos of dog mushing in Interior Alaska.
Troth Yeddha Indigenous Studies Center Support
The Troth Yeddha Indigenous Studies Center will be the future home of the UAF 窪蹋勛圖厙 of Indigenous Studies, the first such college in America within a public system of higher education. The creation of this college is a huge step forward and advances the position of Indigenous education within academia at large.
Now, its time to build a physical home for that college. The Troth Yeddha Indigenous Studies Center is the critical missing piece that brings together the full vision of transforming Indigenous higher education. Its more than just a building; its critical to student success. It will be a Native and Indigenous gathering place with classes, services and activities, and a breathtaking tribute that affirms Alaska Native culture and contributions.
Troth Yeddha is about giving Native and Indigenous students not just a college but a physical place where they feel at home, right down to the food thats served. Its about students hearing their own languages, feeling safe and inspired, and graduating on time so they can go out and change the world. It will also serve as a hub, allowing growth in existing academic and research programs while fostering new ones. Its about creating sparks that light a movement.
Currently, UAF plans to break ground on the project in spring 2027. Fundraising is ongoing, and the UA Board of Regents has authorized UAF to match all Troth Yeddha donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10 million. The match challenge ends on Dec. 31, 2026. If youre interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity to double your impact, we encourage you to contact UAF Development.
The Troth Yeddha Indigenous Studies Center team is grateful for all of our donors who are helping turn this vision into reality.
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Support
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the 窪蹋勛圖厙 is a program under Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning. It is dedicated to offering social and educational opportunities to adults aged 50 or older in the Fairbanks and surrounding areas. Our program and the courses we offer would not have been possible without your support!
With your donations this year, we were able to accomplish the following:
- Support 1.75 office staff to plan, organize and implement program courses and events.
- Offer 200+ engaging courses in various accessible formats (in-person, online and hybrid).
- Partner with the Osher Foundation to offer an additional selection of online courses.
- Recruit 130 volunteer instructors and give them the space and materials needed to share their expertise or stories with students.
- Provide opportunities for continued learning and social engagement to 536 older adults across Alaska.
UAF Trails Support
The North 窪蹋勛圖厙 UAF trail system is an amazing community resource that provides space for organizations to host races, tournaments and more. The 1,100 acres also allow for valuable research, education and recreation opportunities for UAF faculty, staff students, visiting educators and scientists, and community members. Support for the UAF trails system this past year has allowed for the maintenance of all 26 miles, which includes groomed and ungroomed ski trails, walking trails and commuter trails.
Continued support will go toward updating the trail wayfinding and signage improvements, as well as cleaning up the trails and making them safer and more visually appealing. In partnership with the Fairbanks Disc Golf Association, there have been improvements to the UAF Gold Course, including tee pads, signage and general wayfinding. As of May 2025, there is also a new memorial bench on the Wildfire Walk.