Distinguished Alumnus Award
The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the association's most prestigious award. It was first awarded in 1962 and continues to annually recognize living graduates of UAF. Alumni are selected for the award based on meritorious service on behalf of UAF, distinguished accomplishments in business and professional life, or distinguished human service in community affairs.
All alumni are encouraged to nominate individuals for the Distinguished Alumnus Award. There must be three letters of support for the nomination, all from UAF graduates or former students. The nomination should include information on the candidate's life achievements.
2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award winner
Brianna "Bri" Gray ’11, ’12
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni Association has named its 2023 award recipients. Educator Brianna Gray will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Award are selected based on meritorious service on behalf of UAF, distinguished accomplishments in business and professional life, or distinguished human service in community affairs.
Gray ’11, ’12 is a school administrator who has dedicated her life to serving others.
She grew up in King Cove on the Alaska Peninsula and received her bachelor’s degree
in rural development and an associate degree in applied business from UAF.
Gray, who is Black and Alaska Native, is working toward a doctorate in Indigenous
studies. She said her advocacy for education goes beyond subjects learned in school.
“We should identify common skill sets that you actually need to be successful in a
leadership position,” she said.
In addition to her academic and professional work, Gray participates in several community
boards, focusing on Indigenous organizations and groups that work with people who
are experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.