Conference of Young Alaskans seeks nominees

Submitted by Joseph Hardenbrook
Phone: (907) 450-8599
09/29/05

University of Alaska President Mark Hamilton today called on Alaska’s young people to chart their vision for Alaska’s future at a Conference of Young Alaskans, set for Jan. 13-16, 2006 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

During a press conference, Hamilton opened up nominations for young citizens interested in participating in the conference. The nomination period closes Oct. 28 and delegates to the conference--patterned after Alaska’s Constitutional Convention--will be announced Nov. 14.

"The young people chosen as delegates to this important gathering are very likely going to be among the next generation of leaders that will take Alaska far into this millennium,"? Hamilton said. "I encourage all young Alaskans interested in participating to check out the web site, coya.alaska.edu , and get involved."?

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Alaska’s Constitutional Convention and its 55 delegates, 55 young Alaskans will be chosen to meet at UAF to consider five challenges: Providing quality education; Developing healthy communities and families; Creating leaders for Alaska’s next generation; Responsible development of our natural resources; and Reviving the Alaska dream and "Last Frontier"? spirit.

Delegates will draft policy statements and proposed action to be submitted to Alaska’s current leaders. They’ll be charged to participate with the nonpartisan and cooperative civic spirit that characterized the real convention 50 years ago. A steering committee of nine young, committed Alaska leaders representing high school and university students, as well as young business leaders, was appointed by Hamilton to select delegates and guide the conference.

They are Walter DiSarro, Alaska Association of Student Governments President; Ben Shier, former Vice President of USUAS-Juneau Student Government; Kortney Hinsala, USUAA Vice President; Ian-Michael Hebert, former ASUAF government relations director; Jessica Lewis, Kuskokwim Campus student senator; Meagan Gleason, business development manager for Juneau Economic Development Council; Mark Graves, account executive for Lynden Transport; Patrick Race, owner/operator of Lucid Reverie Productions; and Sarah Sherry, program officer for First Alaskans Institute.

For more information, contact Patti Harper at (907) 786-1169, or Joe Hardenbrook at (907) 450-8599