Inspiring stories
Abbey VandenBerg
- Senior from Gustavus, Alaska, studying biological sciences.
- 2017/18 recipient of the William S. Wilson Memorial Scholarship, Gerson Family Memorial Scholarship, and the Bill and Nell Biggs Scholarship.
“UAF has always been a part of my life, and I am proud to support higher education in Alaska. As a professor, I witness firsthand the tremendous impact that scholarships have on our students.” —Abbey VandenBerg
Martha Hood
- Senior
- Psychology major
- UAF scholarship recipient
- Born and raised in North Pole
- Member of the Nanook women’s swim team
- Alaska swimming's most valuable swimmer (2015-16)
- College swimming preseason all-America team (2016-17)
- Girl Scout Gold Award recipient
“As a student-athlete, the time commitments to athletics and academia leave little time for working during the school year. Scholarships support my ability to focus on maintaining a high GPA as a student and high performance level as an athlete.” —Martha Hood
Daniel Hornbuckle
- Sophomore
- Digital journalism major
- UAF scholarship recipient
- Born and raised in Fairbanks
- Continuing the family tradition of Nanook alumni
- Member of the Nanook men’s basketball team
- Appeared in 12 games as a rookie
“I would like for UAF scholarship supporters to know that their generous donations, in support of education, do not go unnoticed. I am extremely grateful to all of them whose faith in me compelled them to invest in my academic and athletic endeavors. My goal is to one day be sitting in the same seat that each donor is sitting in tonight, reflecting on the achievements of the students I have helped along the way.” —Daniel Hornbuckle
Joshua Menadelook
- Construction management major
- UAF scholarship recipient
- Originally from Little Diomede
- Member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
- Involved with construction on the new UAF combined heat and power plant
- Loving husband and father of three
“As a working parent, scholarships support my education while my income supports my family. This is a huge weight lifted from my shoulders and helps to make my education possible.” —Joshua Menadelook