The Legacy of Michael Noel Wien
When someone holds a special place in your heart, makes a significant impact in your life, and changes the community for good, it is fitting to honor these contributions. This is especially true for those who seek to memorialize individuals through a scholarship. Education is the gift that lasts a lifetime, and a memorial scholarship provides a meaningful way for a family to honor that special person while carrying the legacy forward to future generations of students.
The Wien family has recently started an endowed memorial scholarship in honor of Michael Noel Wien, middle named after his grandfather. Michael loved his Alaskan heritage, loved Fairbanks, loved the Interior, and loved Southeast Alaska. This scholarship will benefit students and encourage them to get a better education.
After a weekend of skiing, Michael Noel Wien passed away unexpectedly on January 19, 2017. Michael is the son of Richard and Sally (O’Neill) Wien. He has two sisters, Leslie (Hajdukovich) and Kelly. He was proud to be from Fairbanks and to have the parents and family history that he did.
Michael worked his entire life in the visitor and travel industry. His humble beginning was that of a bellman at the Traveler’s Inn (now the Westmark Hotel), before he moved on to work as a tour guide. He then spent almost 20 years with Holland America Cruises, ultimately as Director of International Sales. In 2011, Michael moved back to Alaska as VP Marketing for Alaskan Dream Cruises and most recently as the VP of Sales and Marketing for Ravn Alaska.
Michael attended UAF for a year and a half then transferred to the University of Arizona where he graduated. Michael worked hard to earn his degree. He was very proud of his nieces and nephews and always encouraged them to pursue higher education. With Michael’s guidance, all five (Nick, Alec, Connor, Neill, and Anya) have graduated from, or are currently attending, a school in the UA system.
SOM wanted to share this story so Michael Noel Wien Memorial Scholarship recipients could learn more about the man for whom it was named. The Wiens miss Michael terribly, and this scholarship is just one way for the family to honor and remember him.
