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November 2020

Giving Day success achieved

Four students wearing masks and 6 feet apart are outside the MBS Complex. There is a sign for New Student Orientation, and the logo for UA Giving Day is superimposed. A blue UAF banner is at the top of the image.
The university's first-ever Giving Day event, “49 Hours for the 49th State,” was a success by every measure, built on the foundation of our incredible community of Nanook Nation. Our goal was participation. Of the 1,110 total donors who gave during the systemwide effort, more than half gave to UAF.

Following months of preparation, readying stories about our students and working with our generous challenge sponsors, the event began at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Names and donations filled up the donor wall. More than 580 alumni, donors and supporters took time to participate, giving a combined $416,000 to UAF programs that are meaningful to them.

“What I feel most is gratitude,” said Interim Alumni Relations Director Kate Ripley. “To all the deans, faculty and staff from across UAF, who helped make this event a success for our students and the mission of teaching, research and service. I’m thankful to Chancellor White and his leadership team for their unwavering support. The collaboration with our colleagues at the UA Foundation and UAF University Relations was key.”

Read more about the event

UAF alumni profiles

UAF hockey's heart of gold

Scott Roselius ’81 is UAF’s hockey guy.

This award-winning alumnus has helped to brand UAF hockey and the Alaska Nanooks as a popular team by creating many of the programs that support the sport today.
UAF mascot Nanook and athletic Director Gary Gray pose with Scott Roselius, center, during his induction into the Nanook Hall of Fame in 2016, when was given the Alumni Achievement Award for Community Support.

Campus news and events

Looking for Alaska 4-H alumni

Originally from Anchorage, Roselius decided to attend UAF because it was far enough away from home without having to leave Alaska. Recognizing his passion for sports, he decided to pursue a degree in physical education.

When Roselius arrived on campus in 1977, he played on a club team in town leagues and even competed against Anchorage teams, reminiscent of what the hockey program had been in the past. But Roselius had a vision for the future. Whether it was putting fliers up on campus or hanging banners around town, he knew there needed to be an awareness about the team.

“While I played, I also — for whatever reason, I still don't know today — I always had a drive to say, How can we get more fans in the game? How can we do things?’” Roselius said.

Read the rest of the story on our website.

looking for alumni
Alaska 4-H is looking for alumni who have participated in its programs, no matter where you are currently living. The goal is to create a map and gallery to showcase Alaska's 4-H alums and their connections to the state.

Take this survey and stay tuned! Throughout the month of November, Alaska 4-H will hold drawings to giveaway some themed prizes.

TEK Talks launch at UAF

Graphic of dog team on snowy tundra advertising TEK Talks, Mondays at noon. A lecture series for scientists to foster understanding.
You are invited to join a new lecture series.

The goal of TEK Talks is to help scientists respectfully engage Indigenous people in research projects.
The series takes place at noon on Mondays via a Zoom link. Learn more about the lecture series, including recordings, resource links and publications, on the TEK Talks website. The next event in the series will feature Kaare Erickson presenting "A Sharing Culture" on Monday, Nov. 9 at noon.

Time for Techstars Startup Week Alaska

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The co-chairs for this year's all-virtual Startup Week are Erin Baca (49th State Angel Fund) and Jake Carpenter (Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association). If you'd like to get involved or have an idea for an event you would like to hold, email the statewide organizing committee at akstartupweek@gmail.com and follow Alaska Startups on Facebook.

Follow this link for more information.

2021 alumni association award nominations

The University of Alaska Fairbanks, in partnership with the nonprofit UAF Alumni Association, is seeking nominations for the Distinguished Alumnus Award and William R. Cashen Service Award. Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 30, 2020.

Honorees are selected by a committee of alumni, past recipients and members of UAF’s leadership team. Both awards will be presented on Feb. 6, 2021, at the Blue and Gold Celebration, UAF’s signature event honoring donors, faculty and alumni. The event will be held online this year.

Nomination forms may be submitted online.

UAFAA news and events

Final push for UAF alumni directory project

Thank you to all of our alums who have already reached out to our partner, Publishing Concepts Inc., known as PCI. The publishing company is creating a UAF alumni directory that is only available through the company. They are offering a variety of packages if you are interested in purchasing a copy for yourself. Non-digital packages have a shipping and handling charge.
pci packages
We appreciate your time and effort in assisting us. Please confirm that you'd like to be listed in the directory and make sure your contact information is correct. You should receive a personalized postcard, email or even a phone call. Let us know if you have not yet received a communication.

NOTE: If you do not wish to be contacted by PCI, please let us know. You can update your contact information with us directly if you prefer, or you can be removed from the calling list. Get in touch with us by sending an email to uaf-alumni@alaska.edu.

Meet up in an online space just for us!

nanook network image
We are excited to announce Nanook Network, an online platform for alumni, staff, students and friends. Use it to connect with others, get event information, find UAF jobs and more. Stay tuned to learn about mentoring opportunities.

NANOOK NETWORK is a place for #NanookNation to gather!
  • RECONNECT with classmates.
  • BECOME A MENTOR to students and alumni.
  • NETWORK for career opportunities.
All students, parents, friends and fans of UAF are welcome. Join now!

The benefits of UAFAA membership

Membership in your UAF Alumni Association helps support student scholarships, alumni outreach, programs like Nanook Network, events such as the Blue and Gold Celebration and Grad Bash, and many other projects.

UAF alumni membership rates:
One-year membership = $50
Three-year membership = $140
Lifetime membership = $1,000
Friends of UAF = $60
As a UAFAA member, you are also eligible for discounts on your Geico insurance policy. You get savings, and the alumni association earns rewards. Visit them at geico.com/alum/uafaa/ to find out how much you can save.
Geico board banner
Members also have access to Polar Perks, which provide discounts and deals at restaurants and businesses all over the country. Check it out at UAFAA Polar Perks. Another deal offered to UAFAA members is the discount on admission to the UAF Student Recreation Center. Check out the rates for members at the SRC's website. Once you have your membership card, you also have access to campus libraries, career services and all the fun the Wood Center has to offer.

Go to our website to learn more about UAFAA membership.

Upcoming events — save the dates

Events are looking a little different at UAF this winter, but there are still many ways to stay connected with UAF:
Keep up to date with all UAF events by checking the events webpage.
Questions or comments? Please contact us at:

UAF Alumni Association
201 Constitution Hall
P.O. Box 750126
Fairbanks, AK 99775-0126
Phone: (907) 474-7081
Fax: (907) 474-6712
#UAFAlumni | #NanookNation
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