Stories of Impact

Chancellor’s Report
on Philanthropy
Spring 2023

Dear Seawolf Nation, 

As we begin to make headway in the spring semester, I have so much to be thankful for, and I want to celebrate you and all you have done to make our continued success possible. 

UAA enrollment increased for the first time in years

UAA’s year-to-year enrollment headcount and student retention percentages are increasing for the first time in many years.. UAA saw some tough years with declining student headcounts and credit hour loads dropping 10-12% per year during the pandemic. In a positive turnaround, UAA enrollment is  trending up 1.8% (Feb. 10) year over year.

With more students returning to campus, UAA is focusing on fostering and rebuilding our sense of community. Two such examples are the development of the Alaska Native Gathering Place and the recent grand opening of the University of Alaska System’s first Pride Center on Jan. 17. The Student Union was full of students, faculty and staff celebrating the event. 

The Rasmuson Foundation provided an initial investment to help UAA learn from our Alaska Native students, faculty and staff what elements would be most beneficial in a new Alaska Native gathering place. We are taking all the information we gathered and creating conceptual designs and outlining what the space will look like. 

I am proud that UAA is growing our  diversity, equity and inclusion culture, and I look forward to seeing how these new spaces contribute to the UAA community. 

UAA’s internal and external stakeholders are investing for the long haul

Not only are more students coming back to UAA, but it is heartwarming to see all the investments from our internal and external stakeholders. 

For instance, Dr. George Geistauts, who devoted 42 years of teaching  students in UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP), and gifted $350K to the college to establish a Distinguished Professorship in Alaska Native Organizational Management as part of his estate plan. If he could be here, I am confident he would be proud of how Dr. Sharon Lind, assistant professor of management in CBPP plans to grow this program with his investment.

Marcia Trugen, staff emerita at the Institute of Social and Economic Research , recently established the Vic Fisher Undergraduate Research award. 

The UAA community also came together to establish the Sheri Buretta Family Scholarship, which will provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need and are Alaska residents.

Thank you for your incredible efforts that form the backbone of our university’s success. Your support is how we fulfill our mission and serve our students. Your support and generosity empower our students to dream big and continue to pursue their passions.

All the best, 

Sean Parnell

Chancellor