Stories of Impact

Chancellor’s Report on Philanthropy

Dear Seawolves,

Spring semester is well underway at our university! UAA is actively engaged in our communities, and growing opportunity across Alaska as a dual mission university.

Last week, the UA Board of Regents convened its quarterly meeting at Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) in Soldotna. The meeting showcased KPC’s important role in higher education on the Kenai Peninsula. KPC is one of Alaska’s leading workforce providers. Their Process Technology program is nationally recognized and trains hundreds of students for high-demand careers in resource industries such as oil and gas. KPC helps grow Alaska’s health workforce by providing nursing education and a paramedicine program which trains first responders throughout the state.

Quality educational programs like those at KPC don’t happen on their own. The college’s success is made possible through collaboration with community and industry partners, as well as a tradition of philanthropic giving. The college’s Kenai River Campus in Soldotna came to fruition in the 1970s through the generous donation by Clarence and Anna Goodrich of prime real estate along the Kenai River. This spirit of giving continues today. KPC has benefited from consistent local contributions during the past five years, which have raised nearly $2.4 million to advance the college's mission. This in turn helps expand KPC’s reach across the Kenai and throughout Alaska. Enrollment at KPC has increased more than 61% in the last three years! What was started as only an idea and a desire to create opportunity, has grown to become Alaska’s largest community campus. It is a testament to the Kenai Peninsula region, and generations of donors and committed local stakeholders.

KPC is a wonderful example of how the University of Alaska Anchorage empowers people by meeting them where they are in their professional journey. UAA is a “dual-mission” university. We blend traditional four-year and graduate degree programs with career and technical education. For example, a student on the Kenai Peninsula can access more than 100 degree programs through attending KPC.

It’s an all-of-the-above approach that benefits our students and our state. Our university makes educational achievement obtainable through flexible programs and stackable credentials. Students can cumulatively build expertise on a schedule that fits their lives, budgets and personal aspirations. Creating these opportunities makes an impact across Alaska businesses and communities, and are just some of the programs we hope to raise support for during UAA Giving Day.

UAA Giving Day is March 25 - 27. This annual event unites our university and community supporters to leap forward in growing support for UAA. Join us for 49 Hours for Alaska! It’s your chance to support what you value at UAA – scholarships, athletics, academic programs, student support and the impact our university has in the lives of Alaskans.

Thank you for your commitment to UAA and helping create a brighter future for Alaska.

Sincerely,

Sean Parnell, UAA Chancellor