Spring 2025
From the chancellor
Investing in students, strengthening Alaska
Friends of UAF,
As the seasons shift and we look toward celebrating another graduating class, I’m reminded of how far UAF has come — and how much potential lies ahead. We are a university steeped in history, rooted in Alaska and driven by innovation. Our mission remains clear: to educate, conduct transformative research and strengthen our communities.
A shining example of this evolution is the Mining Engineering Â鶹¹ÙÍø Endowment, established nearly 15 years ago through the generosity of Kinross Alaska and Pogo. What began as a $2 million investment has grown to nearly $6 million, thanks to continued donor support. This endowment allows graduate students to explore groundbreaking research in modern mining practices — research that’s not only shaping the future of mining but also supporting local communities.
Ph.D. student Jabel Kwaw is leading research into hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage in coal seams, work that could drastically reduce the carbon footprint of mining operations. Master’s candidate Zakiya Nurudeen is finding ways to extract rare earth elements from coal ash, turning waste into valuable resources for new technologies. And graduate student Sujan Joshi is focused on improving critical mineral extraction methods, essential for everything from renewable energy to national security.
These students embody UAF’s mission of combining academic excellence with real-world impact. Their work isn’t just about solving technical challenges — it’s about creating a more sustainable future.
Beyond research, UAF continues to be a vibrant hub of culture and tradition. Events like the Festival of Native Arts bring our community together, while initiatives like the Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center reflect our commitment to being a place of belonging.
As we strive toward achieving R1 research status — a goal that will place us among the top research universities in the nation — your support remains essential. Together, we’re building a future where students thrive, industries innovate and communities grow stronger.
Thank you for being part of the UAF community.
Dan White
Chancellor
Recent benefactor highlights
Businesses, corporations, individuals and foundations give generously to UAF. This report reflects gifts and donations totaling $25,000 or more to the University of Alaska Fairbanks between Nov. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025.
BUSINESS AND CORPORATE
CCI Industrial gave to the Bristol Bay Campus Support Fund.
Chugach Alaska gave to the Troth Yeddha' Indigenous Studies Initiative Support Fund.
Coeur Alaska-Kensington Mine gave to the Mining and Petroleum Training Service Support Fund.
ConocoPhillips Alaska gave to the GeoFORCE Alaska Support Fund, College of Engineering and Mines Support Fund, Rural Alaska Honors Institute and UAF Alaska Science Olympiad Support Fund.
Google gave to the College of Engineering and Mines Support Fund.
Native Movement gave to the Festival of Native Arts Support Fund.
The Pollock Conservation Cooperative, composed of Trident Seafoods, Glacier Fish Company and American Seafoods Company, gave to the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Â鶹¹ÙÍø Center Endowment.
Usibelli Coal Mine gave to the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, CBSM Arctic Innovation Competition Support Fund, the Usibelli Coal Mine Diesel/Heavy Equipment Certificate Scholarship and the Usibelli Coal Mine Welding and Materials Technology Occupational Endorsement Endowed Scholarship.
Wright Air Service gave a PTGA-140 turboprop engine to the UAF Community and Technical College aviation maintenance program.
INDIVIDUAL
An anonymous donor gave to the Northern Gulf of Alaska Applied Â鶹¹ÙÍø Fund.
Walt and Marita Babula gave to the Dr. Walt & Marita Babula Children's Garden Fund.
William and Andrea Benitz gave to the Jack Distad Memorial Scholarship.
DeLois and Roger Burggraf gave their personal collection of gold specimens to the UAF Museum of the North.
Raymond A. Fallen established the Dr. Christopher Fallen Memorial for Space Physics and Aeronomy Endowment.
Susan M. Henrichs gave to the UAF Food Pantry, the UAF Rural Student Support Services Scholarship, the UAF Faculty and Staff Excellence Endowment and the UAF Rural Student Support Services Scholarship, and established the UAF CTC Information Technology Scholarship.
Robert and Patricia Meritt established the Patty Meritt Early Childhood Education Endowed Scholarship.
Alice O’Dell established the O’Dell Family Veterinary Medicine Endowed Scholarship.
Carol Reeve gave to the Richard D. Reeve Scholarship in honor of Lt. Col. Alanson Bartholomew and to the ACUASI General Support Fund.
Joseph E. Spratt established the Herbert Lee Griffin Jr. Aviation Endowed Scholarship.
Lowell Jackson Thomas Jr.* gave to the Lowell Thomas Jr. Scholarship.
Helga and William Watterson gave to the CBSM Business Leader of the Year event, Nanook Men’s Basketball Fund, Nanook Women’s Basketball Fund and the Bill and Helga Watterson Scholarship.
FOUNDATION AND ASSOCIATION
The George and Stephanie Suddock Foundation gave to the Museum Annual Fund.
The Harold F. John Revocable Living Trust gave to the Ornithology Endowment.
The Jim and Vicki Jansen Foundation gave to the UAF Lynden Diesel and Heavy Equipment Certificate Scholarship.
The Johnson Scholarship Foundation gave to the Johnson Scholarship Foundation Business Scholarship.
Stories of impact
Feb 28
The Mining Engineering Â鶹¹ÙÍø Endowment, backed by companies, gives scholarships to UAF students working on innovative, sustainable mining practices.
Feb 28
Roger Burggraf’s extraordinary donation advances the effort to preserve Alaska’s golden history.
Dec 04
The annual Blue & Gold Celebration raised scholarship funds, while Giving Tuesday supported the UAF Food Pantry.
Dec 04
Frank Ostanik ’93 is working his connections with communities in Alaska and beyond.
Aug 15
Donor scholarships have transformative impacts on students across UAF’s wide array of academic programs.
Aug 14
A gift from Usibelli Coal Mine helped create a 2.5K route that meets official competition standards
May 23
Ryan Muspratt, recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Award, reached beyond personal goals after a hockey injury and never looked back.
May 23
A medical doctor impressed with a UAF professor’s neuroscience work has created a student scholarship in the professor’s name
Feb 09
Graduate students and family celebrate Jerry Swartz and his birds, mammals and devotion to proper English.
Feb 08
Dedicated board members work to sustain and improve the beloved Georgeson Botanical Garden.
Nov 08
Donors raise more than $14,000 for the Student Support Fund, which provides aid when things go sideways.
Nov 08
An upgraded internet connection and a new team center give UAF a competitive edge
Nov 08
Don and Annette Clark left millions to UAF and other institutions.
Oct 09
A unique program at UAF’s Honors College draws hundreds of undergraduates to study climate change — and do something about it.