The University of Alaska Fairbanks honored more than 200 of its donors at an evening reception at the University of Alaska Museum of the North Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008.
During the event, UAF recognized five donors in particular for their commitment to philanthropy and dedication to the university's mission: Joe and Ann Tremarello for individual giving; BP and ConocoPhillips for corporate giving: the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for foundational support and Syun-Ichi and Emiko Akasofu for faculty and staff support.
“Our honorees and all of our donors in attendance put into action through their philanthropic giving the notion that building a stronger and better Alaska is done through support of higher education--our students, our faculty, our staff,” said Judyth Wier, associate vice chancellor for development (shown at left, holding a cast iron decoration that was part of a collection by a donor, Nate Gerson, now deceased, who remembered UAF in his will with gifts so far totaling $1.2 million).
Joe and Ann Tremarello
The Tremarellos have been part of the UAF community for more than five decades as students, staff members and supporters. Their donations have established and supported several UAF scholarships, including the Earl Maxwell Memorial Scholarship, named for Ann’s father, and the Joseph Sr. and Rose R. Tremarello Scholarship, named for Joe’s parents.
BP and ConocoPhillips
Special focus was on Corporate Donors BP and ConocoPhillips who are consistent and long-standing supporters of the university.
BP donates to a wide variety of university programs and has been an important supporter of the university’s International Polar Year efforts.
ConocoPhillips is known for its support of Alaska Native programs, KUAC, the UA Museum of the North and the Alaska Nanooks. The broad-based support from each corporation has produced lasting effects on the programs and people of UAF.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
A donation from the Mellon Foundation established a new fellowship program at UAF designed to increase the number of Alaska Native students earning doctorates at UAF and becoming higher education faculty members. The fellowship supports doctoral students in the dissertation-writing phase of their studies.
Syun-Ichi and Emiko Akasofu
A new category of donors to be honored was launched this year, with Faculty/Staff donors Dr. Syun-Ichi and Emiko Akasofu. Syun-Ichi’s affiliation with the university began more than a half century ago when he was a graduate student at UAF. He is the founding director of the International Arctic Research Center, a professor emeritus and an international ambassador for UAF. He and Emiko have supported a variety of university programs, including IARC and the Geophysical Institute, the UA Museum of the North, Georgeson Botanical Garden and KUAC.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded $700,000 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks over the next five years to provide financial support to students in the dissertation writing phase of their doctoral programs. The aim of this gift is to increase the number of Native students earning doctoral degrees.
“The Mellon Foundation’s total commitment to eradicating disparities in our Ph.D. faculty and students goes beyond benefiting UAF,” said Chancellor Steve Jones. “This is an opportunity that impacts our entire state, because educational attainment is closely related to economic and political prosperity for Native peoples. We are proud of our convergent goals and of the strong partnership we share with the Mellon Foundation.”
The “Dissertation Fellowship Program for Alaska Native Scholars and Others Committed to the Advancement of Indigenous Alaskan History and Culture” will fund up to four competitive graduate fellowships for doctoral students in the dissertation-writing phase this fall. Recipients are eligible to receive a $30,000 stipend, research and travel funds in addition to tuition and fees. Read the entire press release announcement....
Chancellor Steve Jones announced on Monday, June 16th that he was naming David Monson, Susan Butcher's husband and fellow dog sled racer, as the founding director of the new institute named in her honor. The intent of the institute is to inspire leadership and empowerment in people of all ages.
The institute will provide Alaskans with opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, through a wide variety of workshops and seminars. Monson will develop a range of programs intended to inspire people, especially youths and emerging leaders, to improve their own communities through public service, volunteerism and taking on new challenges. The institute expects to offer the programs on a regular basis starting in fall 2010.
Butcher was a longtime Alaskan and accomplished outdoorswoman who once summited Mount McKinley by dog team with Iditarod co-founder Joe Redington Sr. She died of acute myelogenous leukemia in 2006.
“This institute will, first and foremost, honor where we live. It is such a gift to live in this beautiful state,” Monson said. “It is our hope that the institute will instill a desire to give back to our communities and help Alaskans thrive for generations.”
UA System President Mark Hamilton said it’s fitting for the university to have an institute named after Butcher. “She is a symbol of inspiration for many of us, especially those struggling toward a goal, whether it be athletic, personal, professional or spiritual,” said Hamilton. Read the entire news announcement...
The Doug Schamel Memorial Fund is pleased to announce the availability of grants for fall 2008. Established in March 2005, in memory of an inspirational UAF professor of biology and education known throughout the community for organizing science fairs, the fund is to promote and support science education and enthusiasm for science in K-12 age children.
EXTENDED Closing Date: October 17, 2008
Proposals received after 5:00 p.m. on October 17, 2008 will not be considered. Grant recipients will be notified by October 31, 2008.
Maximum Grant Amount: $500
The fund committee may award more than one grant depending on available funds and amounts requested. Requests for smaller amounts or partial funding will be considered.
Submission Guidelines:
Proposals are encouraged from anyone in the Fairbanks community whose goal is to inspire and educate K-12 age children in the sciences, including teachers, both professional and amateur scientists, home school mentors, and others. Funding may be used for equipment and supplies, field trips, guest scientist in the schools, and the like – but not for training, workshops, continuing education or other activities that do not directly touch students.
To apply, please submit a letter of 2 pages or less describing your proposal. Make clear how you will foster an enthusiasm for science. Include a brief, but clear, budget. Explain how the grant funds will make a difference to the students. Include complete applicant information, including name, address, phone number and email address, and affiliation with an institution or organization if applicable.
Questions: Jeff Drake (907) 474-7077, jdrake@gi.alaska.edu
Jacqueline D’Auria (907) 479-2930, jdauria@northstar.k12.ak.us
Send proposals to: Schamel Memorial Fund
c/o UAF Advancement Services
4001 Geist Road
P.O. Box 757530
Fairbanks, AK 99775
You’re Invited to an educational seminar,
“How to Provide for your Financial Future– and your Heirs'–in Economically Challenging Times,”
with a panel of financial and retirement planners, CPA’s, and attorneys to answer questions about your financial future.
10am-noon, Thursday, October 30th, 2008 at the UA Museum of the North.
Please RSVP to Emily Drygas at 907-474-6631 or emily.drygas@uaf.edu
by October 23, 2008. Light refreshments will be served.
