Stories of Impact

Chancellor’s Report on Philanthropy

Winter 2025-26

Dear Seawolves,

Winter has a way of slowing the world just enough for us to notice the light we’ve created together. In these months, when the sun glints off snow in a brilliant reflection against the dark skies of winter, I’m reminded of the contrast that makes beauty possible. As I reflect on this year, I’m struck by how often our community has been the spark behind every moment of progress at UAA. This year brought meaningful change and inspiring growth and every one of our donors, partners, alumni, faculty, staff and students have stepped up with courage and collaboration. Together, we are charting UAA’s course into many bright tomorrows.

This year, we demonstrated what it truly means to be a trusted community partner. From hosting 800 delegates and media during an historic meeting between the U.S. and Russia, to sheltering 200 Western Alaska neighbors displaced by Typhoon Halong, UAA showed up with compassion and readiness when our community needed us most.

Your generosity and partnership made it possible for us to welcome thousands to campus this quarter: nearly 1,500 ASD 9th graders came to campus for the Freshman Academy College Experience, over 1,000 guests explored STEM Day, several hundred stakeholders engaged in our Business Showcase and many Alaskan families received vital care through our annual no cost Dental Days. These, and many other events, are reminders that our mission thrives because you believe in it.

This spirit of support also powered major milestones:

In October, hundreds of alumni and friends returned to Cuddy Hall to raise crucial support for the UAA Alumni Scholarship and share stories of UAA’s foundational role in their lives.
A transformative $200,000 gift from Peter Jahnsen is opening new doors for business students.
The Suddock Foundation’s $50,000 commitment is expanding opportunities in health sciences and student support.
The College of Business and Public Policy opened its new SUITE — an inviting, student-designed hub for collaboration and success.
More than 40 donors contributed to our Fuel the Seawolves campaign, helping ensure our student-athletes have the nutrition they need to excel.

We also celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our UAA Alaska Justice Center, recognizing the impact the Center has had on public safety in Alaska. This remarkable milestone makes the upcoming grand opening of the John E. Havelock Trial Simulation Courtroom, Alaska’s only mock courtroom, so much more meaningful. This world-class learning environment will serve students across the state, support public and private law offices and inspire the next generation of young Alaskans through Youth Court and mock trial programs. Funded through a powerful combination of federal support, state partnership and philanthropic generosity, this project stands as a wonderful example of what public-private collaboration can achieve.

As we head into 2026 with a clear sense of purpose, I’m grateful for the shared momentum we are building together. Thank you for lifting our students, empowering our faculty and staff and helping UAA to continue to keep students at the heart of all we do. Many wishes for a warm and joyful holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Cheryl Siemers
UAA Interim Chancellor