Zuckerman gift to benefit research, academic programs
December 22, 2011
907-474-7902
12/22/11
The family of a recent University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate has donated a tract of land that will provide an endowment to support three research and academic programs at UAF.
Dr. Jeffrey and Jo Zuckerman this week signed paperwork to donate a 50-acre parcel of land in Wilshire Glenn Estates, a subdivision off McGrath Road north of Fairbanks. Under the agreement, the land will be held by the university for three years and then can be sold. The estimated value of the land is about $960,000. The proceeds are slated to benefit two academic programs, Spanish and psychology, as well as research by faculty member Kelly Drew at the UAF Institute of Arctic Biology.
The Zuckermans’ daughter, Bianca, graduated in 2010 with a double major in Spanish and psychology and a minor in biology. She is currently seeking a doctorate in physical therapy in Texas. She chose the programs that would receive funds generated by the donation.
“These people and programs inspired me when I was a student at UAF,” she said. “I hope that this donation will further the growth of these departments and benefit the students, the university and the community."
UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers, university leaders and representatives from the programs met with the Zuckerman family this week.
“This gift will benefit these programs—both their students and their research—for years to come,” Rogers said. “The Zuckerman family’s dedication to higher education is an inspiration to students and to donors and we truly appreciate their generosity.”
The Zuckermans’ donation is one of the largest one-time gifts made to UAF by an individual donor.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Emily Drygas, UAF development director, at 474-6631 or emily.drygas@alaska.edu.
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