The University of Alaska Fairbanks, thanks to over 800 generous donors, raised more than $830,000 in 49 hours during its third Giving Day on Feb. 22-23, 2023.

The many individual gifts from alumni, parents, friends, business owners and benefactors together will bring great benefits to UAF and its students. 

Every UAF college and school participated in Giving Day by sharing student stories and recruiting champions to help spread the word. Champions shared their stories on social media — reminiscing about their time at UAF, posting pictures from their campus days and telling how the university helped them. 

During the 49 hours of the 2023 UAF Giving Day, 792 people donated. More than 40 community partners, alumni and friends offered nearly $500,000 in additional donations if a certain amount of money was raised or if a minimum number of people donated.

Such challenges increase the likelihood that a person will donate on a Giving Day by as much as 30%. Our alumni and friends pulled through to unlock every UAF challenge. 

Linda Schandelmeier and John Davies donated to the UAF Climate Scholars Program. It was just one of the many options — scholarships, research, programs or departments — available to donors.

“I feel that I am doing a small part to address the climate crisis,” Linda said. “I am grateful that we have teachers and students who are doing real work to that end. Also, it is an honor to be able to support the University of Alaska, because it shaped my life and helped me to become the person I am today.”

“We hope, if more people are aware of this terrific program, they will be encouraged to add their support,” John said.

Image courtesy of Sam Ervin.
Sam Ervin explained why she gave to UAF during UAF's 2023 Giving Day.

Image courtesy of Amy Kay Brown.
Amy Kay Brown shared her thoughts about UAF with this Facebook post during the 2023 Giving Day.