Chancellor’s Report on Philanthropy
Spring 2021
As our academic year comes to an end, I would like to reflect on the resilience of our UAF community. By working hard and responsibly, we have emerged from this challenging year with renewed enthusiasm for our university.
Donors like you show us that the world is full of champions and advocates, and you inspire us to do our best work.
This spring we hosted a successful virtual Blue and Gold Celebration, unveiled our new state-of-the-art Alaska Esports Center and helped to launch our first-ever statewide philanthropic campaign, “For Alaska.”
May 1, UAF awarded over 1,300 degrees. Graduates were celebrated both in-person and virtually. UAF hosted its first drive-in Car-mencement, followed by a parade around campus. A virtual ceremony was held later that afternoon. It was a pleasure to see so many graduates and their families come together safely to celebrate. Faculty and staff were also on campus to cheer the graduates and celebrate their achievements. These newest UAF alumni look forward to the future and the positive impact they will have on our community, thanks in part to the generosity of donors like you.
It is evident that UAF is a living, adaptable, innovative and nimble entity, capable of persevering through challenges — much like our students. Your generosity ensures that UAF continues to support our students and build a positive future for our state and the world.
Thank you for your generosity and support, and thanks for choosing UAF.
Daniel M. White
Chancellor
Roger Markle ’59 anonymously gave $2.1 million to climate adaptation research at UAF. After his death in January 2020, the university can now celebrate the gift.
Northwest Farm Credit Services supports education of Alaska’s next-generation commercial seafood harvesters.
The 2021 Blue and Gold Celebration, presented by Kinross, raised funds to support UAF students and a four-year, need-based scholarship program.
UAF launched its new Alaska Esports Center, thanks to a $500,000 multiyear commitment from GCI, on March 25.
Recent gifts to UAF of $25,000 or more came from many generous donors.