Event highlights privately funded scholarships
April 13, 2010
Marmian Grimes
907-474-7902
The University of Alaska Fairbanks honored more than 100 donors at its 13th annual scholarship breakfast today at the Wood Center.
The yearly event allows donors to meet with the recipients of their scholarships. The university awarded $850,000 in privately funded scholarships to 380 students this academic year. During 2009-2010, donors established 16 new scholarships at UAF.
“Given the challenges that we are all experiencing with the downturn of the economy, private giving to UAF is increasingly vital in allowing us to fulfill our mission,” said UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers. “Research shows that the average U.S. student graduates with $19,000 in debt. Because of scholarship and other support programs UAF has in place, our donors are helping to reduce student debt burdens.”
Two UAF honors students and scholarship recipients, Megan Richards and Molly Dischner, spoke at the event. Richards is a triple major in Japanese, mathematics and physics. Dischner is a journalism major.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Emily Drygas, UAF development director, at 907-474-6631 or via e-mail at emily.drygas@alaska.edu.
MG/4-13-10/196-10