Keller's leadership gift establishes Jake Poole Family Summer Scholarship
June 14, 2012
907-474-5204
6/5/2012
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Athletics is pleased to announce a series of leadership gifts has created a new scholarship for student-athletes to attend summer classes at UAF.
Dr. Cary S. Keller, M.D. FACSM, the Alaska Nanooks Official team physician and owner of Sportsmedicine Fairbanks, has given three separate gifts totaling $40,000 to create the Jake Poole Family Student-Athlete Summer Scholarship. Keller's generosity has inspired additional commitments from Nanook boosters, alumni, and university staff, elevating the total pledged to over $50,000.
Dr. Keller is a Nanook sponsor, booster, and legacy donor, for including the University in his family's estate plan. In 2011, he was named Alaska's Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Alaska Chapter.
"The Keller family continues to enhance the student experience at UAF through their generous donations of time, energy, counsel, and financial resources," said UAF Vice Chancellor for Students Mike Sfraga. "Their investment supports our student-athletes while honoring the Poole family - a family that has had a positive and long-lasting impact on our UAF and Fairbanks community."
The Jake Poole Family Student-Athlete Summer Scholarship will enable student-athletes to attend summer classes, help them stay on track to graduate in four years, train for their sport on campus, and experience summer in Fairbanks.
John C. “Jake” Poole will retire this month from his post as UAF Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. Since September 2004, his administrative duties at UAF have included overseeing athletics, alumni relations, community advocacy, development, KUAC, and public events. Poole came to UAF in 1997 after a twenty-two year career in the U.S. Army that included serving as garrison commander of Fort Wainwright from 1992-1995.
Poole and his family have been involved in Alaska Athletics for over a decade. His wife, Janice, was the recipient of the 2011-12 Owen Tinker Fan of the Year Award at the All-Sports Banquet on May 5th. His son Christopher volunteered as the Nanook mascot for two seasons.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Director of Athletics Forrest Karr said, “Dr. Keller wanted to help the department provide summer financial aid for academically eligible student-athletes taking courses that count toward their degree. He also wanted to do something special to acknowledge the time and energy that Jake, Janice, and their son Christopher have given in support of all 10 Nanook athletic programs. The Jake Poole Family Scholarship will provide opportunities for 20 student-athletes to attend the University this summer and we hope that number will grow each year. Thank you to Dr. Keller and to everyone who has already contributed.”
Those who pledge $50 or more will receive an Alaska Nanooks lapel pin thank you gift, while supplies last. Any individual, group, or business can make a charitable contribution to the Jake Poole Student-Athlete Summer Scholarship online at www.alaskananooks.com by clicking the 'Give' button. Checks can be made to the Poole Family Scholarship and mailed to PO Box 757440 Fairbanks, AK 99775-7440, or hand delivered to the Patty Center any time between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Sheena Cummings, UAF development director for athletics, at 907-474-5204 or smcummings@alaska.edu.