Connecting Alaska's press to UA News

April 26, 2022

Research, workforce development and economic growth news stories and other feature articles from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Southeast and the UA Foundation. Compiled by the University of Alaska System Office of Public Affairs.

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Ideas win big at virtual UAF Arctic Innovation Competition

The University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Business and Security Management awarded over $40,000 in cash prizes and awards after the 2022 Arctic Innovation Competition’s final presentations Saturday, April 16.

The competition, now in its 13th year, invites innovators to propose new, feasible and potentially profitable ideas for solving real-life problems and challenges. Contact Andrea Miller for more information. 
 

Darrow, Bhatt, Bret-Harte named 2022 Usibelli Award winners

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced the winners of the 2022 Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Research and Service Awards.

The Distinguished Teaching Award will go to Margaret Darrow, a professor of geological engineering at the College of Engineering and Mines. The Distinguished Research Award will be presented to Uma Bhatt, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the Geophysical Institute and College of Natural Science and Mathematics. Syndonia Bret-Harte, a professor of ecology at the Institute of Arctic Biology and College of Natural Science and Mathematics, will receive the Distinguished Service Award. Contact Marmian Grimes for more information.  

University of Alaska Anchorage

UAA Recognizes three alumni of distinction 

The University of Alaska Anchorage recognized three alumni of distinction. 

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, M.B.A. ’98, will receive the 2021 Alumni of Achievement award, Amanda Metivier, B.S.W. ’08, M.S.W. ’12, will receive the 2021 Alumni Humanitarian award, and Kira Apaachuaq Eckenweiler, B.M. Music Performance ’16, will receive the 2021 Alumni Emerging Leader award.

All three women were recognized for their achievements at the Alumni of Distinction celebration banquet on April 23.

Community leader Arliss Sturgulewski: A champion of UAA and Alaska

Reflections on Arliss Sturgulewski by UAA Chancellor Sean Parnell

A great personal friend and supporter of UAA and Alaska passed away Thursday. Arliss Sturgulewski was my state senator when I was a teenager and lived in Midtown Anchorage. She was one of the best legislators at constituent relations that I ever saw in the Capitol and was deeply connected to her community.

I remember her taking nightly walks through the neighborhood with her “Arliss Sturgulewski” T-shirt, and always stopping to talk with neighbors. She had an amazing ability to connect with the people she represented and was known for her moderate and bipartisan approach.

Arliss’ legacy in Alaska and at UAA assists and inspires future generations to pursue their dreams. Thanks for your service, Arliss. You will be missed. My condolences and the condolences of the entire UAA community go out to Arliss' family and friends.

University of Alaska Southeast 

937 Alaska students will graduate with the UA Scholars
Award distinction

Alaska’s graduating high school class of 2022 includes 937 students designated for the prestigious UA Scholars Award. Members of the cohort hail from 238 high schools in communities ranging from Akiachak to Yakutat.

Each year, high school officials in Alaska identify the top ten percent of the graduating class for the UA Scholars Award - meaning they are some of the top academic achievers in the state. This designation includes a $12,000 scholarship for use at the University of Alaska’s three institutions, UAA, UAF, or UAS, and their 13 community campuses. 

Contact Lael Oldmixon for more information. 

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