Muspratt, Ward honored with UAF alumni awards

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni Association has named Ryan Muspratt and Kelly Ward as recipients of its 2024 awards.

Muspratt, an executive with Petro Star Inc., received the association’s Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Ward, the co-owner of Robinson & Ward PC, received the William R. Cashen Service Award.

UAF will honor Muspratt and Ward at the Nanook Rendezvous alumni reunion in July 2024.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award recognizes meritorious service on behalf of UAF, distinguished accomplishments in business and professional life, or distinguished human service in community affairs.

Muspratt received bachelor’s degrees from UAF in accounting and management and organizations in 2008. He played for the Alaska Nanooks hockey team throughout his academic career and helped establish a scholarship that supports student-athletes in need of financial assistance at UAF.

Muspratt is the senior vice president and chief financial and marketing officer at Petro Star Inc., an Alaska-based refining and fuel marketing company. Muspratt stays connected to UAF by serving on the UAF College of Business and Security Management Business Advisory Council.

Nominators praised Muspratt’s role as a mentor.

“Ryan was not only a mentor to me, but I think he set a record for the most people to formally nominate him as a mentor,” said Daniel Jensen, a former colleague at KPMG. “He keeps a strong network and is an advocate for those he can help succeed.”

Muspratt, who lives in Anchorage, is a board member for the Special Olympics of Alaska and a supporter of Junior Achievement of Alaska and the Boys & Girls Club. He was named to the Top 40 Under 40 list by the Alaska Journal of Commerce in 2021.

The William R. Cashen Service Award celebrates outstanding service to the university and its alumni association.

Ward is a CPA and the co-owner of Robinson & Ward PC, a Fairbanks accounting firm. She received her MBA from UAF in 2009 and was an adjunct instructor for 12 years, teaching courses in applied business and accounting.

Hayden Nilson, a professional colleague, said in his nomination that Ward has gone above and beyond to connect students with professional opportunities in Fairbanks.

“In addition to her accomplishments, Kelly Ward continues to embody the spirit of UAF by maintaining a connection with the institution through participating and speaking at events hosted by CBSM and by recruiting employees directly from the institution,” Nilson said.

In addition to serving as chair of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, Ward is on the board of the Alaska Society of Certified Public Accountants and a national committee representing American Institute of Certified Public Accountant members.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Felicia Burud, fjburud@alaska.edu, 907-474-7081

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