Jan. 7, 2022

Dear UAF faculty and staff,

As many of you have heard, Ed Rasmuson died earlier this week. His stewardship of philanthropic projects to enhance the lives of Alaskans was remarkable.  

Ed was a third-generation Alaskan whose family was deeply committed to education in our state. He served for a total of 14 years as a member of the Board of Regents and helped support UAF in a variety of ways.

Ed’s leadership and stewardship of the Rasmuson Foundation resulted in tremendous philanthropic support for UAF in many areas. Notably, he supported the $5 million grant from the Rasmuson Foundation for the revitalization of the undergraduate fisheries program at UAF. This program has been instrumental in promoting excellence in a field that is vital to Alaska. He was a member of the Rasmuson Fisheries Research Center Board, which funds fellowships for graduate students. Without Ed’s support, the fisheries program and many other programs at UAF would not be what they are today. 

The contributions of the Rasmuson family to UAF are widespread, from the Rasmuson Library to the UA Museum of the North. You can see the family’s impact in programs and places. 

We are deeply grateful for Ed Rasmuson’s lifetime commitment to service, philanthropy, education and our state. His dedication and contributions will not soon be forgotten, and I send my deepest condolences to his friends and family. 

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