Endowment

An endowment has been established to benefit the entomology collection at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. The family of Kenelm Philip has funded the Kenelm W. Philip Entomology Fund, with the hope of attracting additional donations.

Philip was a renowned collector of Alaska lepidopterans. He donated more than 83,000 arctic butterflies and moths to the Smithsonian Institution and other collections, including UAMN. It is the largest private collection of Arctic butterflies in the world. He passed away in March 2014.

Derek Sikes, curator of insects at the museum, said the fund will help establish a student research enhancement award to support entomological research in Alaska, with a preference for a focus on butterflies or moths.

“With this award, Ken’s legacy of Alaskan research will live on,” Sikes said. “Ken was a giant of Alaska entomology. We are thrilled his family chose to establish this fund to help continue the work Ken began.”

Sikes said the funds will also help provide for maintenance and improvement for the insect collection. To contribute to the endowment, visit the university’s giving form. The gift designation box should be filled in with “Kenelm W. Philip Entomology Fund.”

ON THE WEB: https://engage.alaska.edu/uaf