May 13, 2022

Dear UAF faculty and staff,

I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Dr. Daniel B. Hawkins.
Dr. Hawkins spent 23 years as a teacher, researcher and mentor at the Geophysical Institute and College of Natural Science and Mathematics.

Dr. Hawkins earned the respect of his peers and enthusiasm of his students with his uncompromising commitment to academic excellence, resulting in his selection as the outstanding teacher in the College of Environmental Sciences in 1982 and the outstanding faculty member in the College of Natural Sciences in 1989. In 1990, Dr. Hawkins was honored as a professor of geology and chemistry emeritus. As a member of scores of graduate committees, Dr. Hawkins counseled a generation of graduate students in the disciplines of geology, geophysics, marine science, hydrology, chemistry, and environmental engineering. Through his research activities, Dr. Hawkins’ significant contributions to the scientific understanding of the geochemistry of the world will long be remembered.

If you or someone you know is struggling with this loss, please don’t struggle alone. Free help is available.

For students, the Student Health and Counseling Center can provide support or counseling. Call 907-474-7043 to speak with someone, or, for more information, visit the student counseling services webpage. 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