Spring 2025
From the chancellor
Investing in students, strengthening ²ÝÁñÉçÇø
Friends of ²ÝÁñÉçÇø,
As the seasons shift and we look toward celebrating another graduating class, I’m reminded of how far ²ÝÁñÉçÇø has come — and how much potential lies ahead. We are a university steeped in history, rooted in ²ÝÁñÉçÇø and driven by innovation. Our mission remains clear: to educate, conduct transformative research and strengthen our communities.
A shining example of this evolution is the Mining Engineering Research Endowment, established nearly 15 years ago through the generosity of Kinross ²ÝÁñÉçÇø and Pogo. What began as a $2 million investment has grown to nearly $6 million, thanks to continued donor support. This endowment allows graduate students to explore groundbreaking research in modern mining practices — research that’s not only shaping the future of mining but also supporting local communities.
Ph.D. student Jabel Kwaw is leading research into hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage in coal seams, work that could drastically reduce the carbon footprint of mining operations. Master’s candidate Zakiya Nurudeen is finding ways to extract rare earth elements from coal ash, turning waste into valuable resources for new technologies. And graduate student Sujan Joshi is focused on improving critical mineral extraction methods, essential for everything from renewable energy to national security.
These students embody ²ÝÁñÉçÇø’s mission of combining academic excellence with real-world impact. Their work isn’t just about solving technical challenges — it’s about creating a more sustainable future.
Beyond research, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø continues to be a vibrant hub of culture and tradition. Events like the Festival of Native Arts bring our community together, while initiatives like the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center reflect our commitment to being a place of belonging.
As we strive toward achieving R1 research status — a goal that will place us among the top research universities in the nation — your support remains essential. Together, we’re building a future where students thrive, industries innovate and communities grow stronger.
Thank you for being part of the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø community.
Dan White
Chancellor
Recent benefactor highlights
Businesses, corporations, individuals and foundations give generously to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø. This report reflects gifts and donations totaling $25,000 or more to the University of ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Fairbanks between Nov. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025.
BUSINESS AND CORPORATE
CCI Industrial gave to the Bristol Bay Campus Support Fund.
Chugach ²ÝÁñÉçÇø gave to the Troth Yeddha' Indigenous Studies Initiative Support Fund.
Coeur ²ÝÁñÉçÇø-Kensington Mine gave to the Mining and Petroleum Training Service Support Fund.
ConocoPhillips ²ÝÁñÉçÇø gave to the GeoFORCE ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Support Fund, College of Engineering and Mines Support Fund, Rural ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Honors Institute and ²ÝÁñÉçÇø ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Science Olympiad Support Fund.
Google gave to the College of Engineering and Mines Support Fund.
Native Movement gave to the Festival of Native Arts Support Fund.
The Pollock Conservation Cooperative, composed of Trident Seafoods, Glacier Fish Company and American Seafoods Company, gave to the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center Endowment.
Usibelli Coal Mine gave to the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, CBSM Arctic Innovation Competition Support Fund, the Usibelli Coal Mine Diesel/Heavy Equipment Certificate Scholarship and the Usibelli Coal Mine Welding and Materials Technology Occupational Endorsement Endowed Scholarship.
Wright Air Service gave a PTGA-140 turboprop engine to the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Community and Technical College aviation maintenance program.
INDIVIDUAL
An anonymous donor gave to the Northern Gulf of ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Applied Research Fund.
Walt and Marita Babula gave to the Dr. Walt & Marita Babula Children's Garden Fund.
William and Andrea Benitz gave to the Jack Distad Memorial Scholarship.
DeLois and Roger Burggraf gave their personal collection of gold specimens to the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Museum of the North.
Raymond A. Fallen established the Dr. Christopher Fallen Memorial for Space Physics and Aeronomy Endowment.
Susan M. Henrichs gave to the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Food Pantry, the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Rural Student Support Services Scholarship, the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Faculty and Staff Excellence Endowment and the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Rural Student Support Services Scholarship, and established the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø CTC Information Technology Scholarship.
Robert and Patricia Meritt established the Patty Meritt Early Childhood Education Endowed Scholarship.
Alice O’Dell established the O’Dell Family Veterinary Medicine Endowed Scholarship.
Carol Reeve gave to the Richard D. Reeve Scholarship in honor of Lt. Col. Alanson Bartholomew and to the ACUASI General Support Fund.
Joseph E. Spratt established the Herbert Lee Griffin Jr. Aviation Endowed Scholarship.
Lowell Jackson Thomas Jr.* gave to the Lowell Thomas Jr. Scholarship.
Helga and William Watterson gave to the CBSM Business Leader of the Year event, Nanook Men’s Basketball Fund, Nanook Women’s Basketball Fund and the Bill and Helga Watterson Scholarship.
FOUNDATION AND ASSOCIATION
The George and Stephanie Suddock Foundation gave to the Museum Annual Fund.
The Harold F. John Revocable Living Trust gave to the Ornithology Endowment.
The Jim and Vicki Jansen Foundation gave to the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Lynden Diesel and Heavy Equipment Certificate Scholarship.
The Johnson Scholarship Foundation gave to the Johnson Scholarship Foundation Business Scholarship.