Jan. 13, 2022

Dear UAF community,

Last year, the Alaska State Troopers made an arrest in the murder of Sophie Sergie. Sophie was a young Alaska Native woman from Pitkas Point who was found murdered on the Fairbanks Troth Yeddha’ campus in April of 1993. After a delay, the trial of the suspect, Steven H. Downs began this week. 

Sophie’s tragic death had a deep impact on our community and the pain of that loss is still felt across UAF and the communities we serve. I want to recognize that the news of the trial is painful to the many individuals that were directly or indirectly impacted by this case or similar incidents. 

For students, the Student Health and Counseling Center can provide support or counseling. Call 474-7043 to speak with someone, or, for more information, visit https://uaf.edu/chc/services/counseling.php. 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.

Sincerely,

Dan White