2026 William R. Cashen Service Award

Bruce Cech

Bruce Cech is the recipient of the 2026 William R. Cashen Service Award, honoring his more than four decades of outstanding service to UAF. For generations of fans, Cech has been the beloved and enduring “Voice of the Nanooks.”

Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Cech began his broadcasting career in Fairbanks, where an early radio position led to a lifelong connection with UAF athletics and the Fairbanks community. Now in his 37th season broadcasting Nanook hockey, Cech’s career has spanned nine head hockey coaches and 18 athletic and interim athletic directors.

Cech credits the support of colleagues, friends and partners across UAF and Fairbanks, along with KSUA student radio, for his successful career. His dedication and passion have helped shape the Nanook experience for generations of alumni, students and fans.