University of Alaska Newswire

The recently launched UA Newswire features press releases and articles from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Southeast and the UA Foundation, and is designed to keep Alaskans informed about the research, workforce training and economic development happening across the UA System. 

This edition features news from January and February 2022. 

UAF researchers plan in-depth Bering Land Bridge study

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a $1.7 million grant to construct a picture of what the Bering Land Bridge looked like during the last ice age. Contact Tanya Clayton for more information. 

University of Alaska Anchorage

Just warming up: Engineering alum reinvests in UAA's future

At a small, masked ceremony on the third floor of the Engineering and Industry Building in December 2021, UAA’s chancellor, the College of Engineering’s (CoEng) dean and others gathered to rename the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Lab in honor of Jan van den Top, a 1973 Master of Science in engineering alumnus, whose generous endowment will enable UAA’s mechanical engineering program to remain on the cutting edge of teaching and research. Contact Joe Selmont for more information. 

University of Alaska Southeast

Hecla Greens Creek Invests $300,000 in UAS Environmental Science Program

Hecla Greens Creek Mine has donated $300,000 to create an endowment to provide support for UAS’ Environmental Science program located at the Juneau Campus. The fund will provide monies for faculty and undergraduate research, paid summer internships, field courses and other student experiential learning opportunities. Contact Keni Campbell for more information. 

UA Interim President Pitney testifies before the Alaska Legislature 

UA Interim President Pat Pitney presented to the House UA Finance Subcommittee Friday. She shared the university system’s 10-year plan with lawmakers, discussed the university’s budget projections as well as strategic initiatives, and highlighted the Board of Regents 5 strategic goals. Pitney also discussed UA’s priorities to increase student enrollment, develop the Alaska workforce, promote arctic policies and research, advance the Alaska Native Successive Initiative, expand the finance industry workforce, increase fisheries and ocean science in Southeast, and revise the university’s business models for modernization and efficiency. Watch the hearing here.

UA Interim President Pitney prepares for 2022 State of the University address

Save the date for the annual State of the University Address, to be delivered by UA Interim President Pat Pitney at 12 p.m. on March 3 at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall in Juneau. 

Pitney will provide her perspectives on the momentum the university has built in its important role in the state’s economic recovery and in building Alaska’s workforce, and highlight excellence across the university system. The address also will feature our cutting edge research and address our budget and future plans.

This address is being presented in partnership with the Juneau Chamber of Commerce and is supported in part by the University of Alaska Foundation.

A live stream of the event will be available here.

For more information on the UA Newswire, contact UA Manager of News & Content Erin McGroarty at elmcgroarty@alaska.edu.