Donors recognized for philanthropic excellence

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: (907) 474-7778
05/03/07

The University of Alaska Fairbanks honored more than 200 of its donors at an evening reception at the Regents’ Great Hall May 2, 2007. During the event, UAF recognized three donors for their commitment to philanthropy and dedication to the university’s mission: Paul and Terry Reichardt for individuals; Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. for corporate gift: and the Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation for foundational support.

"The recipients of the donor appreciation awards are exemplary," said Judyth Wier. "Their continued commitment often serves as inspiration for other donors. The impact of their giving empowers students through scholarships and fellowships and helps faculty obtain the research and travel dollars they need. UAF supporters invest today for a future of hope and creativity that will make our world a better community."

Provost Paul Riechardt and his wife, Terry, have been donating to the university since 1974. According to the University of Alaska Foundation, their personal and consistent contributions placed them in a league of the top 25 continuous lifetime donors to the university--for which the foundation chose to honor Paul with this year’s Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence. As provost, Paul established the Provost Fund for Excellence to help support university projects.

"You don’t have to be rich to be a philanthropist," said Paul Reichardt. "You give what you can over time and it adds up. We can all be philanthropists."? Terry is the founding director of Love, Inc. a local charitable organization. She worked there for 16 years before retiring.

"When you have been given a lot, it is easy to give back," said Terry Reichardt. "Paul and I have been given so much from UAF and its great faculty, staff and administrators. How can you not give back when you have been given so much?"?

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. was also honored as the corporate donor. Alyeska, which donates millions of dollars to nonprofit organizations around the state each year, has been a significant supporter of the university since the 1970s. The company’s most recent commitment to the university of a total of $500,000 over five years will support scholarships, the Rural Alaska Honor’s Institute and the Science for Alaska statewide lecture series. The multiyear commitment will allow programs to plan for the future.

"We think of most of our contributions as just that: contributions," said Curtis Thomas, corporate communications manager for Alyeska. "We consider the money we gave and are planning to give to UAF an investment in our future as well as the future of Alaska."

The Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation was also honored at the event. Hugh Ferguson traveled from Seattle to attend the reception. The foundation supported the University of Alaska Museum of the North’s recent expansion and the Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery in the museum’s new wing in honor of Jack Ferguson, Hugh Ferguson’s late brother. Hugh is the trustee of the Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation.

Hugh Ferguson, who first came to Alaska in 1941 as a pilot in the U.S. Army, said, "The University of Alaska Fairbanks and Interior Alaska are very dear to me."? Founded in 1987, the Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation, based out of Seattle and founded in 1987, awards gifts annually to organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

Visit the Development website to find out more about giving at UAF.