A Night of Gold: Highlights from the Blue & Gold Celebration
On September 14, the University of Alaska Fairbanks held its annual Blue & Gold Celebration, a vibrant gathering that raised nearly $163,000 to support scholarships for UAF students. Presented by Kinross Alaska, the event welcomed 250 local leaders and supporters, creating an inspiring atmosphere of community and philanthropy.
The College of Liberal Arts played a significant role in this year's celebration.
Art Pull
Attendees participated in the annual art pull, taking home original artwork crafted by students and faculty from the UAF Student Ceramics Art Guild (SCAG). This vibrant group, housed in the UAF Department of Art, generously donated all 93 pieces for the event. Guests made donations, drew numbers, and claimed wrapped mystery artworks, raising $5,600 for the Student Ceramics Art Guild.
SCAG, a student-run club of UAF ceramic students and community members, is dedicated to sharing the art and craft of clay. In addition to contributing to fundraising efforts like the art pull, SCAG regularly hosts public presentations and workshops featuring world-renowned ceramic artists. These extracurricular experiences are open to both students and the wider community, fostering creativity and connection through the ceramic arts. The ceramics studio also awards four scholarships annually: the Tom Rohr Memorial Scholarship, the Liz Berry Memorial Scholarship, the Marianna Missy Boaz Woodward Memorial Endowed Scholarship, and the Krist Anderson Memorial Scholarship.
Live Painting & Outcry Auction
Art also took center stage with a captivating live painting performance by Kyle Agustines, a senior BFA candidate in the Department of Art. Agustines, who was named the ‘23-‘24 Outstanding BFA Art Student of the Year, showcased his creativity and skill, engaging attendees in a unique and dynamic way. His live painting demonstration offered guests the opportunity to witness the artistic process firsthand, further highlighting the talent fostered within the College of Liberal Arts. The completed painting, Golden Spiral, was featured in the outcry auction later that evening, adding an exciting and personal touch to the event.
About Kyle Agustines: Born in Japan and raised in Alaska, Agustines is a senior BFA candidate at UAF and a graphic designer for University Relations. His artistic practice spans acrylic painting, digital design, mixed media, and more, with a focus on exploring the relationship between environment and experience. You can view more of his work at his BFA Thesis Exhibition, The Sway of Surroundings, Nov. 4-15, 2024, at the University Art Gallery.
Live Music
Guests also enjoyed the debut performance of a special band composed of UAF alumni and members of the UAF Music Department, marking the first time these talented musicians performed together. The warmth of fire pits added to the atmosphere as attendees mingled and celebrated the talent on display throughout the evening.
Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award
A highlight of the night was the recognition of Dr. Brandon Boylan, professor of political science and director of the Arctic and Northern Studies program, who received the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching Award. This honor celebrated his exceptional contributions to education within the College of Liberal Arts, emphasizing the college's commitment to academic excellence and student success. Dr. Boylan’s achievements reflect the college’s dedication to nurturing critical thinking and fostering a deeper understanding of global issues. His award underscores the vital role faculty play in shaping the educational experiences of UAF students.
About Dr. Brandon Boylan: Dr. Boylan’s research fields include international security, terrorism, ethnic conflict, and separatist movements. At UAF, he directs the Arctic and Northern Studies program and teaches courses in international relations, comparative politics, and research methods. His extensive research has been published in numerous journals, and he has received grants from the National Science Foundation and other prestigious institutions.
Overall, the Blue & Gold Celebration was a night to remember, showcasing the power of collaboration across disciplines and the transformative impact of community support on the lives of UAF students.
