March 23, 2023

Dear UAF students, faculty and staff,

I was saddened to learn that UAF employee Ian McClenny-Fernandez recently passed away. Mr. McClenny-Fernandez was a long-time employee of Facilities Services. He started in 2002 as a student employee and was promoted to a seasoned equipment operator with the Grounds Crew.

Mr. McClenny-Fernandez's impact can be seen across campus on almost every rock retaining wall, park bench, memorial plaque placement, lawn installation and landscaping project. He transplanted hundreds of trees and spent countless hours removing snow and ice from campus roads and sidewalks.

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 1-888-969-0155, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

— Dan White, chancellor