
"It feels so much more satisfying to connect someone to the resources they need.”
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
Recent Benefactor Highlights
Leadership-level gifts of $10,000+
Nov. 21, 2022–Feb. 14, 2023
Ann Fienup-Riordan
UAA/APU Consortium Library Non-Foundation
Anonymous
Excellence in Aviation Technology
Anonymous
ANSEP Alumni Scholarship
Anonymous
Excellence in Culinary Arts
Bart B. Quimby
Excellence in Civil Engineering Students Professional Development
ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
-Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program General Support
-ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building Planetarium Support
David W. Sonneborn
UAA General Scholarships
Denali Medical Resource Specialists, LLC
Excellence in Skiing
Dolly N. Barton
Darla Dolly Barton and Dany Rivera Nursing Scholarship
Ellen Lekisch
Toni Croft Developmental Education Scholarship
ExxonMobil Corporation
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program General Support
First National Bank Alaska
-Bernie Klouda Memorial Scholarship
-Excellence in Finance Endowment Spendable
-Masterpieces of the Theater Endowment Spendable
Foundation Health Partners
School of Nursing Expansion - FMH
Fran H. Rose
Excellence in Arts and Sciences
GCI Communications
Building Futures
George A. Geistauts
Alaska Native Organizational Management Distinguished Professor
John R. Stalvey
Excellence in Arts and Sciences
Kathie K. Bethard
Excellence in Hockey
LPL Financial
ISER Excellence
Marcia L. Trudgen
Vic Fischer Undergraduate Research
Rasmuson Foundation
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program General Support
Sallie Hamm
Matanuska-Susitna College Non-Foundation
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
Della Keats Summer Enrichment Program
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program General Support
The Alaska Community Foundation
Ted and Gloria Trueblood Arctic Engineering Endowment
U.S. Treasury
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program General Support
Read stories of impact and continue to check back for updates highlighting the Anchorage campus and community campuses.
"It feels so much more satisfying to connect someone to the resources they need.”
“I’m very grateful for that donation. I know how important it is for students’ motivation and growth.”
“When students find a sense of belonging and feel safe, they're more likely to stay and finish school.”
"I’m grateful to the opportunities UAA provided me, and I know my colleagues feel the same.”
“Alaska Airlines is not simply a sponsor of UAA Athletics, but a foundational partner of the program.”
Hautman recalls her father often told her, “No one can take away your education.” Now, by establishing the new Mary Ann Hautman Indigenous Nursing Endowed Scholarship at UAA, she will provide a gift to others that, in her father’s words, “cannot be taken away.”
“When I first came to Alaska, the UAA community was such a great help for me. It was really influential for my career,” van den Top said. “Now, I want to do my part to provide the tools that UAA needs to be successful.”
"I've always been a really big believer in education," said the donor. "And I think that the jobs of the future are going to require more education. It is important for our state and our country to invest in this. I want this gift to help Alaska in particular."
"During my time at UAA in the early ’80s, I was the recipient of a $500 scholarship, which really came at just the right time to help me complete my degree. This (gift) is an opportunity for me and Jane to pay it forward and help UAA students and the future business leaders of our state."
"I am grateful to Ms. Lewis for her devotion to higher education in Alaska,” said Roberta “Bobi” Rinehart, UAA associate vice chancellor for development. “She wanted to help more Alaskans pursue their academic dreams in their home state, and that's what her gift will do. We are humbled to have the opportunity to carry her vision forward."
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