College of Liberal Arts
Kat Reichert, CLA Public Information OfficeApril 21, 2026cla-pio@alaska.edu
Congratulations to Gwen Retterer: 2026 Chancellor’s Cornerstone Award Recipient
The College of Liberal Arts is delighted to congratulate Gwen Retterer on receiving a Chancellor’s Cornerstone Award, a university honor recognizing employees whose dedication, service and everyday excellence strengthen the foundation of the UAF community. The award celebrates those who make a meaningful difference through their work, relationships and commitment to others, and Gwen exemplifies all three. In the English Department, she is known as a welcoming presence, a thoughtful problem-solver and a steadfast supporter of students, faculty and staff alike. Described as the 'heartbeat of the department' and 'someone who truly sees every student,' Gwen has made a lasting impact through her generosity, professionalism and the sense of community she helps foster each day.
"My favorite part of working at UAF are the relationships that have grown among my colleagues. My first role at UAF was in the Registrar's Office. As communications coordinator, I interacted with staff, students, and faculty mostly by phone. At first everyone was a new name. As time passed their names became familiar and our conversations became more personable. I appreciated the humor people brought into the situation or the anecdotes they ended up sharing once we got to know one another. While I never met many of the people I spoke with, for me a connection was still forged. On the flip side, just as a phone call can brighten someone's day, it can also break a day. I was fortunate to have colleagues who went above and beyond in lifting me up, especially on rough days.
When I transitioned to my role as an administrative assistant in the English Department, it was surreal to meet some of the voices who used to be on the other end of the phone from my time in the Registrar's Office. What's nice about moving to a different role within UAF is that I get to stay in communication with all of my colleagues, whether that's due to daily work or crossing paths around campus. Being part of CLA and the English Department, I've been enveloped in community that I'm proud to be part of. Our faculty, adjuncts, teaching assistants, and students keep me on my toes in the best way possible. We make an awesome team.
An additional layer to my current role is that I get to interact with students more frequently. I feel lucky that I get to be on a first name basis with some of our undergraduates and that I can help support our teaching assistants as many of them are juggling multiple jobs, not including being a student themselves!
I might not be the most outgoing person, but I cherish my relationships. UAF in particular has connected me to people who have become dear friends outside of work. I wouldn't feel confident or competent as an administrative assistant without all the people who have trained, mentored, listened, and encouraged me over the years. They have made all the difference."
-Gwen Retterer
