Alumni Giving - Elaine Williamson

Leading the Way for Students
Elaine Williamson

My journey to SOM spans several years and some changed dreams. I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1984. The summer before graduation was spent in Fairbanks visiting my older sister and working at Gate 5, a local Fairbanks restaurant.

After graduation, I returned to Fairbanks with plans to stay for only one year while applying to law schools. Once I moved back to Fairbanks, I didn’t want to leave. With UAF in my backyard, I enrolled in accounting courses in the School of Management. At first I wasn’t planning on getting a degree, but after a few semesters it seemed logical to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. I decided it would be acceptable to change my journey.



In an accounting class, Professor Tom Bartlett made an announcement about the Alaska Society of Certified Public Accountants, and encouraged us to apply for its Paul Hagelbarger Memorial Scholarship. I was selected as one of the recipients. That summer, I received a phone call from Garry Hutchison, from Kohler, Schmitt & Hutchison, PC, (KSH) asking if I was interested in interning at the firm. Jean Schmitt, one of his partners, who had served on the society’s scholarship committee, had showed him my resume.

I was energized by the offer and things began moving quickly. That internship led to a permanent position at the firm in the fall of 1990, and ten years later, I became a partner. I am grateful for the education I received at UAF’s School of Management and feel very fortunate for the opportunities and successes I have enjoyed as a result.

I also feel privileged to have worked with Jean Schmitt prior to her retirement. She was a great role model and I am very proud that KSH is able to annually support the scholarship established in her honor.



My journey is far from over. I feel a connection to SOM and continue to stay involved in numerous ways - such as serving on the SOM Accounting Advisory Board, participating in the Spring Etiquette Dinner, helping Kohler, Schmitt & Hutchison to recruit accounting students, and making personal and business gifts to SOM.

I encourage you to join me in a journey to SOM. Chart your own course, find different ways to reach your destination, but find a way to get involved. Volunteer your time to speak to students, host a student organization at your work, participate in a SOM event, or give a gift to SOM to help students to succeed. Anything you do will help support future SOM students in their own journeys.