Oct. 20, 2021

Dear UAF faculty and staff,

I was saddened to learn that Gerd Wendler died last week.

Gerd was a professor emeritus of geophysics. He began working at UAF in 1966 and, among many other things, served as director of the Alaska Climate Research Center. He was a highly successful researcher who continued an active professional relationship with UAF long after his retirement in 1999. Gerd was a mentor to many scientists at UAF. My condolences go to his family and friends, and to the staff and faculty who knew him.

If you or someone you know is struggling with this loss, please don’t struggle alone. Free help is available. Employees are eligible for free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-993-7650, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

— Dan White, chancellor