ALASKA RENAISSANCE PROJECT PREMIERS AT UA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 26, 2000

Fairbanks, AK-- A new student-created academic program which focuses on creativity, project-based learning and public service is the subject of an open house to be held Thursday, Sept. 28 on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.

The Alaska Renaissance Project is the brainchild of six UAF students from diverse academic backgrounds. In lieu of regular class schedules, these students will receive course credit based on eight projects they're scheduled to complete this academic year, including an amateur feature film, a book of creative writing and an educational video game developed for Alaskan elementary school students.

The six participants not only developed the curriculum and established a faculty oversight committee, but also raised funds for the project by painting local houses this past summer.

"We've put together a great group of students for this project," said ARP member Joseph Hardenbrook. "The support from the university has been truly amazing. We're looking forward to a very productive, challenging year."

The group includes a national merit scholar and award-winning amateur filmmakers, songwriters and musicians, along with members of the university's Honors Program, student government and the highly successful math modeling team. They've also been active in university advocacy and have excelled academically. The open house is open to everyone and will take place Thursday, Sept. 28, from 4:30-6 p.m. on the fourth floor of Skarland Hall on the UAF Campus. ARP students, UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind and the faculty members of the ARP Oversight Committee are expected to attend. Further information on the ARP is available on their website at http://www.alaskarp.org.

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CONTACT: Joe Hardenbrook, Alaska Renaissance Project, (907) 455-3619, or by email, alaskarp@uaf.edu.

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