50 Years of the College of Arts & Sciences at UAA

CAS is 50

In 1976, the University of Alaska Board of Regents established the College of Arts and Sciences at UA,A. That fall, CAS opened its doors to students, beginning a 50-year history of teaching, research, discovery and service to Alaska.
The vision for the new college was laid out in the Board of Regents’ February 1976 meeting:

"The campus will be organized in three major academic groupings: Anchorage Community College, College of Arts and Sciences and the Professional Schools and Centers. The University of Alaska, Anchorage will for the first time be in a position to offer a well-rounded comprehensive undergraduate curriculum embodying the fine arts, humanities, behavioral and natural sciences as well as the professional areas of teacher education, business and public administration and engineering."

For 50 years, CAS has grown alongside Alaska, as the state's biggest college. Now, we invite you to look back, celebrate the present, and help shape the next 50 years.

 

Explore Our History

People, places and milestones from 1976 to today.

50th Anniversary Events

Lectures, gatherings, and special events throughout our anniversary year. We’re always adding more, so check back often for new events!

Give to CAS

For 50 years, the College of Arts and Sciences has helped Alaskans learn, discover, create and lead. Celebrate our anniversary by giving $50 for 50 — or take your gift a little deeper…

  • $50 | To celebrate our anniversary.
  • $250 | $50 for each decade of our 50 years.
  • $2,500 | $50 for every year we’ve been educating students.
  • $5,000 | $50 for every spring and fall semester that CAS has been offering classes.
  • $30,000 | $50 for every month CAS has been open.
  • $912,500 | $50 for each day CAS has made our world-class education and research available to Alaskans.
  • $21,900,000 | Giving $50 for each hour (…hey we can dream can’t we!)

  • Studentsss

    Student Success

    Invest in High Impact Practices and opportunities that help CAS students thrive

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    Staff Development

    Staff are vital in creating a positive student experience in CAS. Invest in their professional development to amplify their impact on campus.

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  • Student

    Faculty Development

    Empower CAS to recruit and retain world-class faculty by investing in their ability to pursue research and new opportunities, fueling the innovation and talent that strengthen Alaska’s future.

    Give Here