News briefs

Submitted by Marmian Grimes
Phone: 907-474-7902
12/03/08

UAF artist featured in New York gallery
Artwork by UAF faculty member and artist Da-ka-xeen Mehner is included in an exhibition at the Alaska House gallery in New York City in November and December. Curated by the Alaska Native Arts Foundation, the exhibit examines how Mehner and other featured Alaska Native artists create work that questions and sheds light on the complicated issues surrounding their identity as Alaska Natives. Mehner was also featured in the October issue of American Indian Art in a piece called "A Generation of Innovators in Southeast Alaska: Nicholas Galanin, Stephen Jackson, Da-Ka-Xeen Mehner and Donald Varnell."

UAF instructors, students participate in Anthropological Association meeting
Alaska Native Language Center instructors and doctoral students Walkie Charles and Hishinlai’ "Kathy" Sikorski presented papers during 2008 American Anthropological Association annual meeting in November. Charles presented "Critical Pedagogy: A Yup’ik Eskimo Perspective," which examines and redefines the traditional role of the male in the Yup’ik family. Sikorski presented "Interface of Ideology, Identity and Politics: Effects on Ancestral Language Learning," an ethnographic exploration of the author’s experiences as she learns her ancestral language. ANLC director Lawrence Kaplan participated in the annual meeting as a discussant.

Northern Studies alumnus wins prize
The Alaska Historical Society recognized UAF Northern Studies Program alumnus Chris Allan with the Alaska Journal Best Article Award and a $500 cash prize at its 2008 conference. The conference was organized by another Northern Studies alumna, Katie Johnson Ringsmuth, and featured presentations and participation by Northern Studies students, alumni and faculty: Chris Allan, Ross Coen, Janine Dorsey, Kathy Price, Talis Colberg, Roger Kaye, Bob King, Katie Johnson Ringsmuth, Terrence Cole, Kes Woodward and Judith Kleinfeld.

Fundraiser honored by Association of Fundraising Professionals
The Alaska Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized Gretchen Gordon as this year’s Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy. Gordon is the director of development and outreach at KUAC FM and AlaskaOne public television network. According to the AFP, Gordon is dedicated to educating others and advancing philanthropy, and has published numerous articles and facilitated workshops on the fine art of fundraising to local, statewide and national audiences.

Bustamante joins Sea Grant Advisory Committee
Princess Tours vice president of community and public affairs Bruce Bustamante has joined the Alaska Sea Grant College Program Advisory Committee. The 28-person advisory committee is composed of marine and coastal community leaders, policymakers and stakeholders and guides the program’s statewide mission of marine, coastal and fisheries, research, education, and Marine Advisory Program extension services. Bustamante has been an Alaska resident since 1992 and holds a degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Trail renamed to honor university supporters
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has renamed the Calypso Trail on UAF’s West Ridge in honor of Les and Teri Viereck, both longtime university supporters. Les Viereck, who recently passed away, was a UAF researcher, instructor and forest ecologist. Along with Les, Teri Viereck has been involved with UAF for more than five decades of dedication to research and education about Alaska native plants and their edible and medicinal uses. According to North Campus manager Luke Hopkins, UAF will look for ways to enhance users’ experience on the Viereck Nature Trail, including improvements to the trailhead, additional interpretive signs and other educational materials.

CONTACT: Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu.

KCK/12-03-08/069brfs-09