Thank you to science summit organizers and volunteers

March 22, 2016

By Larry Hinzman
Vice chancellor for research

I am very proud of the incredible display of unity and pride displayed by our army of meeting organizers, helpers and volunteers during the Arctic Science Summit Week and Arctic Observing Summit. I think each of you should feel personally very proud of the role that you played in helping us to convene many important meetings this past week. We were hosts to the world’s leaders of Arctic science, policy and communities. They came to Fairbanks with hopes of advancing coordination of national and international partnerships and found through many discussions common interests and pathways to greater understanding and collaborations. We did not just hold a large meeting, but a truly wonderful conference, providing excellent IT, coordination of multiple sessions, superb web resources and all of the logistical support so critically important to a good meeting.

There were over 200 UAF and Fairbanks community members helping with organization and convening of these meetings.

I was overwhelmed by the amount of congratulations and thanks we've received and proudly acknowledge the success of these meetings was due to the generous contributions of ideas and labors of our wonderful team. It seems every participant was pleased with the quality of the meetings, the support of the volunteers and staff, the structure and organization, the facilities, the great meals and the assistance provided by the professional conference staff in blue vests and the warm welcome from the friendly golden vests of Explore Fairbanks. Indeed, every person across campus and in every hotel, restaurant, store and taxi in Fairbanks and North Pole gave our guests a positive impression of our great cities. One email comment that I received was, “you did an outstanding job of hosting the ASSW and AOS. I have been coming to UAF Fairbanks campus off and on since 1977 and I never felt more welcome.”

This was a very successful meeting, and all left feeling productive and energized. But there are indeed many other tangible benefits. We brought a positive economic impact to all of Alaska, and we demonstrated to Alaska and the world that the University of Alaska serves our state, our nation and the global community.

And now, we look forward to the Arctic Council Ministerial to be held at UAF in May 2017. Again the eyes of our nation will be upon us as Arctic leaders from around the world return to Fairbanks to further advance Arctic policies.

On behalf of Hajo Eicken and Scott Rupp, we sincerely thank you for your help in making the ASSW and AOS an astounding success.