Email: uaf-alumni@alaska.edu

Joe served as representative in the Alaska Legislature and is a UAF alumnus. While attending UAF Joe was the first-ever African-American UAF student body president and UA student regent. At graduation he received the Joel Wiegert Award as the outstanding senior man. Joe has been working hard for the university for many years, and he will continue to bring his energy and experience to the table and represent the university and alumni well.

Email: barounds@alaska.edu

Bess' family arrived in Alaska in1974 for an 18-month tour at Eielson AFB which turned into 38 years. After her husband Phil got out of the Air Force, he was hired at UAF Fire Dept as a captain and quickly promoted to the Battalion Chief position in 1985 until his retirement in 2008.

Bess owned a small business for 24 years and also was a member of the North Pole Chamber of Commerce managing the North Pole Visitors Center for three years. She was a superintendent at the Tanana Valley Fair for many years as well as with the Fairbanks North Star Borough and State of Alaska Election Office from 1975 until 2004. In 2000, Bess started a second career working for President Hamilton at UA Statewide for 11 years. She is presently a University Fire Service Commissioner. She is the proud grandparent of six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Bess is proud to be part of the UAF Alumni Association Office to help in the advancement and educational goals of the UAF students. She is committed to promoting membership and supporting the Executive Officer and Board of Directors in their organizing and planning efforts.