Nov. 11, 2021

Dear students, staff and faculty,

Every year when we honor Veterans Day, I am reminded that we are only able to do so because of the freedoms veterans have secured for us. They, together with their families, committed themselves to democracy and everything that is required to keep it.

As a university, we also contribute to sustaining democracy through education, discovery and the open exchange of ideas. Many veterans and their families are among our students, faculty and staff, and in that way they continue to support our country even as we support them. We have strong partnerships through our learning centers at Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base, and dedicated staff throughout UAF, including the Department of Military and Veteran Services, who work every day to expand the opportunities for veterans and active-duty personnel.

Please take time this week to thank a service member, and be sure to spend a few moments on the virtual Honor Wall, where you can see some of the faces behind the name of “veteran.” To all those who serve or have served, and to their families and loved ones who have made that service possible, thank you.

Thanks for choosing UAF.

— Dan White, chancellor