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University Relations 202 Eielson Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7520
(907)474-7581 Fax (907)474-6492
fynews@uaf.edu

November 25, 1998

Fairbanks, Alaska - A recent donation announced at "Crossroads," an annual fundraiser for the William R. and Dorothy Jane Wood Talent Grant, has increased the total funds in the endowment set up to benefit University of Alaska Fairbanks creative and performing arts students to more than $100,000.

Crossroads, named after a poem written by University of Alaska President Emeritus William R. Wood, was held Oct. 31.

Wood, 91, was the UA president for 13 years until his retirement in 1973. Since then, he has been Fairbanks city mayor and remains active in community events, including the Fairbanks Industrial Development Corp. and Festival Fairbanks, a non-profit group he founded in 1984 to celebrate Alaska’s 25th year of statehood. The group now promotes Fairbanks to the state and to the rest of the nation.

Dorothy Jane Irving Wood, 78, is an accomplished violinist and founding member of the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra. Along with her husband, she has been an active supporter of a variety of Fairbanks community events and joined Wood at this year's Crossroads. Karen Parrish, the couple’s daughter, announced Dorothy Jane's contribution to the William and Dorothy Jane Wood Talent Grant, which took the total Talent Grant Endowment over the $100,000 mark.

Candidates for the grant are nominated based on their talent in the creative and performing arts, and their academic or athletic achievements. James Spontak, who is pursuing a master’s degree in music, was named this year’s recipient.

"James was an outstanding candidate for the Wood Talent Grant," said Art Buswell, chair of the College of Fellows and chair of the scholarship committee. "The Scholarship Committee recognized James’ great desire to go further and enhance his skills in piano. We saw a combination of a strong academic background in the sciences, a tremendous talent in music, and a willingness to share with the community," said Buswell. "We just want to give him the opportunity to enhance his skills."

Wood and UA President Mark Hamilton presented two "Nanook" Awards at Crossroads. Joe and Ann Tremarello shared the honors with Buswell.

Joe Tremarello has been involved in UAF and area high school athletics for over 40 years. Joe volunteered as an assistant coach for the UAF women's basketball team for many years and from 1989-92 was head coach of the team.

Ann Tremarello was hired by the original registrar of the university more than 41 years ago and has worked as UAF's registrar since 1974.

Said Hamilton, "Ann and Joe have been fixtures at UAF for so many years. Between Joe's positive role modeling with the UAF women's basketball team to Ann's vigilant attention to detail in the Registrar's Office, UAF would not be the same without their life-long dedicated work."

Wood and Hamilton also honored Buswell for his work in Extension at the university and for his continued community activism. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner has recognized Buswell for his outstanding volunteerism. He is also active with the Boy Scouts, United Way and Rotary. Buswell was joined at the event by his wife Frances.

Said Wood, "[Buswell] brings … warmth and dignity to the College of Fellows. He has worked as an unflappable supporter of the University of Alaska, its mission and its future."

Crossroads ‘98 was co-chaired by Diane Borgeson and Carolyne Wallace. This was the seventh year the College of Fellows, a volunteer arm of the UA Foundation, has sponsored the event. This year the theme of the event was "Unmasked…and in the Mood." A fashion show by Cynde's Boutique and dance music by Sand Castle entertained the audience of almost 300.

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CONTACT: UAF Associate Director of Development Ann Secrest, (907) 474-6402 or via email at fnaws@uaf.edu.

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