The For Alaska campaign has generated extraordinary momentum for the University of Alaska system. There is a powerful collective story in the For Alaska campaign—the largest philanthropic campaign in the history of the state of Alaska. And, there is a personal story for each student who benefits from the generosity of a donor.
Generosity empowers students, builds the workforce, enhances research and fuels the economy. The University of Alaska celebrates and thanks the 21,777 donors who gave during the eight-year campaign. While this website contains only a few of the thousands of stories of generosity, each gift makes a difference.
Many thanks to all who contributed time, resources and enthusiasm throughout the campaign, with special recognition for the ongoing dedication of the UA Foundation Board of Directors, UA Board of Regents, UA leadership, and all who champion education in Alaska. Together, shaping tomorrow…for Alaska.
Urgent Need for a Construction Workforce Bridges Industry and the University
Workforce
Skilled construction workers are critical to building and maintaining Alaska’s infrastructure and there is a tremendous need for professionals in this area – both now and into the future. “As a long-time industry leader, donor, and University of Alaska Foundation board member, I’m concerned about the extreme shortage of workforce for construction management in Alaska,” wrote Meg Nordale, president of GHEMM Company, Inc. and current chair of the University of Alaska Foundation’s Board of Directors. In 2022 when Nordale shared this concern, she envisioned further partnership with the university “to develop a plan to address Alaska’s Construction Management workforce needs.”
University of Alaska President Pat Pitney also recognized the importance and necessity of training and growing Alaska’s workforce. Together, Pitney and Nordale built a team to address the Construction Management Workforce Initiative. Nordale became the facilitator of the initiative’s committee, composed of construction industry representatives, community members, and UA employees – with representation from each of the construction programs at UAF, UAA, and UAS.
Dedicated to addressing Alaska's extreme shortage of construction workforce, the committee focused on remedies to overcome the labor shortage: boosting awareness of related career pathways, increasing enrollment and program accessibility for traditional and non-traditional students, further aligning programs, and strengthening program resources to provide students with job-skill readiness.
To kick off this initiative, longtime donors and UA advocates Helga and Bill Watterson '64, who earned his B.S. in civil engineering from UAF, contributed $50,000 and challenged the construction industry to meet/exceed their generous contribution. As an employer, Watterson Construction Company values UA’s graduates and boasts an average tenure of 14 years within the company, emphasizing that UA graduates are more likely to stay in Alaska. Over the course of two years, nearly $900,000 was invested to support this initiative. Industry and individual donors contributed $492,000 in new dollars and internship support, while President Pitney directly committed $400,000 in university funds to this important priority.
Industry members came together to advocate for Alaska’s construction workforce needs and, in turn, the university's programs collaborated to increase capacity and the number of graduates entering the workforce. These efforts resulted in significant enrollment increases in construction programs at UAA, UAF and UAS over the past year.
Furthermore, with Associated General Contractors of Alaska (AGC)’s leadership gift of $200,000 in July 2024, a new endowment has been established which will provide essential funding for construction programs across the state in perpetuity. Reaching this ambitious milestone wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the generosity of individual donors and industry partners.
Reflecting on the momentum generated by this initiative, AGC Executive Director Alicia Amberg said, “The Construction Management Initiative brought the university alongside the industry to address a significant workforce shortage that will impact all Alaskans. Our ability to partner alongside the university has strengthened relationships and, as we celebrate this success, we look forward to this endowment making an impact into the future.”
AGC has supported engineering and construction programs at UA for twenty years, giving more than half a million dollars to programs at UAA, UAF and UAS. The new endowment ensures support that will extend in perpetuity.
Joining Together to Change the Lives of Nursing Students
Workforce
Education
Health care in Alaska is at a critical crossroads, with increasing demands and staffing challenges for health providers. Prior to current-day circumstances, faculty members Tina DeLapp, Judy Petersen and Patti Hong knew firsthand that students often leave school due to financial constraints and the demands of balancing work, school and family. Recognizing the ongoing need for health care in Alaska, but also for scholarship support, they came together in 1997 to establish what is now called the Nursing Endowed Scholarship Fund.
The three women initiated a fundraising drive in 2018, and thanks to numerous donors, including a significant gift from the Alaska Kidney Foundation, the scholarship was permanently endowed. By 2020, the fund was providing one $1,000 scholarship annually. Another fundraising drive was launched with the goal of being able to provide ten $1,000 scholarships by 2025. They reached their goal in 2023.
The scarcity of nurses often necessitates hiring travel nurses, a costly short-term solution that escalates health care expenses in the long run. To help bridge the gap and meet the growing demand for skilled nurses, the University of Alaska Anchorage offers two undergraduate nursing programs (A.A.S., B.S.N.) and three graduate degrees (M.S., G.C., D.N.P.). The various UAA nursing degree programs are offered in 15 locations across the state.
For Ellie Smardo, the scholarship was a lifeline during a period of financial difficulty.
“I had a huge sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be in school and achieve my long-held goal of becoming a nurse,” Smardo said. Smardo was the first recipient of the UAA School of Nursing Endowed Scholarship in 2019-20. “When you invest in good nurses, you’re directly investing in the community.” Her statement underscores the heightened importance of health care and nursing that became more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Raina Bjerke, a 2022-23 recipient of the scholarship and an Alaska Native, decided to pursue nursing during the pandemic when she was laid off from her work.
“I enjoy patient care and am able to carry my compassion and empathy into rooms where people need it most,” she said. “I love Alaska and plan to remain in the state. I was raised in a small village and know firsthand the need for rural care while maintaining cultural compassion and awareness.”
Joseph Sadley received the scholarship in 2021-22 and is grateful for the support from donors. The scholarship allowed him to continue supporting his family while working part-time and completing his coursework.
“The Endowed Nursing Scholarship provides someone the opportunity to have a little piece of mind, enabling focused study,” Sadley said. “Thank you so much for your generosity. It has made a difference for my family and me. I will aim to extend that generosity through service and contribution.”
Established almost 30 years ago, DeLapp, Petersen and Hong paved the way for student support and retention of health care workers in Alaska. These visionaries, with the help of other generous donors along the way, demonstrate what it looks like to make a life-changing difference not only for students, but for health care provided to Alaskans.
Bringing a Vision to Life: the UA Museum of the North Bowhead Whale
Research
Education
The University of Alaska Museum of the North attracts more than 85,000 visitors annually. UAMN’s mission combines research and teaching, and it boasts one of the largest marine mammal collections in the world, even larger than the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History.
This is a story of a long-standing vision, starting with a bowhead whale that was harvested in Utqiaġvik in 1963. Its skeleton was subsequently donated to the museum and its skull put on display in the museum's Gallery of Alaska in 1984. Displaying the entire articulated skeleton had long been a museum goal. Ultimately, it was made possible thanks to a significant gift from the Bill Stroecker Foundation in 2018.
Stroecker, a Fairbanks local who passed away in 2010, ardently supported the University of Alaska Fairbanks and UAMN. The foundation he established through his estate gifted nearly $1M to the museum, allowing the meticulous bone-by-bone cleaning and restoration of the skeleton to begin in 2020. The 42-foot skeleton, which is the length of a bowling lane and weighs close to one ton, also required structural modifications to the ceiling of the museum's lobby. Mounting the skeleton to the steel armature and suspending it from the lobby ceiling took months of work, culminating in the grand opening in June, 2021.
"Bill Stroecker cared passionately about Fairbanks and the things that brought our community together," said UAF Chancellor Dan White. "The Stroecker Foundation made the bowhead whale display in the UAMN possible, and now the whale has become a centerpiece for the museum that meets Bill's vision for lifting up our community. I am so grateful for the Stroecker Foundation's continued support of UAF."
Museum Director Patrick Druckenmiller emphasized the uniqueness of the exhibit saying, "a single gift from the Bill Stroecker Foundation made possible the most jaw-dropping exhibit in the museum: a fully articulated bowhead whale skeleton suspended from the museum atrium, the only display of its kind in North America. When visitors first enter the museum, they are immediately greeted and awed by the size and beauty of this specimen."
Thanks to its placement in the multi-story lobby, visitors to the museum can view the skeleton from above, below, and from the right side. The skeleton is accompanied by interpretive panels that emphasize the important role bowhead whales play in both Alaska Native culture and marine ecosystems.
"This gift exemplifies alignment between a donor's vision and the museum's goals, creating a truly win-win relationship for all."
Druckenmiller delved into the significance of the bowhead whale, sharing that "bowhead whales are denizens of the Arctic Ocean and are a keystone species of marine ecosystems. They are equally important to the spiritual and cultural health of Inupiat people, who rely on bowheads as a critical food resource. The goal of this exhibit is to highlight the connections between the natural and cultural significance of this remarkable species in a singular, captivating exhibit. It is highlighted in Family Day events, in docent-led school tours, and adult education offerings. It is also seen by visitors from all corners of the globe, most of whom will never visit the Arctic to see the animal in its natural setting."
Druckenmiller added, "Philanthropic giving is central to our museum's success, and the Bill Stroecker Foundation gift highlights how generosity is converted into impact. In many instances, private giving makes possible exhibits and programming that are otherwise very difficult to fund through conventional sources. This gift exemplifies alignment between a donor's vision and the museum's goals, creating a truly win-win relationship for all."
Preparing Students to Meet Increasing Global Demand for Aquaculture and Mariculture Careers
Workforce
Economy
Thanks in part to dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students across Alaska, enrollment in University of Alaska Southeast's Applied Fisheries is at its strongest. The At-sea Processors Association provides scholarships to help high school students explore potential careers and complete the Fisheries Technology Occupational Endorsement in Fisheries Management and other college-credit courses at UAS. APA’s generosity has been instrumental in the success of Applied Fisheries’ dual-enrollment program, with nearly 300 UAS students benefiting from APA’s support to date. The University of Alaska Fairbanks also significantly benefits from APA’s contributions in support of research.
At-sea Processors Association is a trade association of five member companies that own and operate catcher/processor vessels and are committed to minimizing fishing impacts on the environment. They work with fishery managers, scientists, environmentalists, and other industries to achieve this outcome. As donors to both UAS and UAF, members of APA have advocated for and utilized the Education Tax Credit program in Alaska.
The Education Tax Credit program, first established in 1987 by the Legislature, encourages private businesses to make charitable contributions to support schools in Alaska. This has resulted in highly effective partnerships between businesses, the university, and the state - leading to charitable contributions toward student scholarships, research, centers of excellence, facilities and much more.
Stephanie Madsen, executive director of APA and a member of the UA Foundation Board of Directors, regularly advocates for the ETC, once saying, “Since 2000, this program has allowed the members of APA to invest in programs ranging from undergraduate and graduate fellowships, to research addressing current fishery management concerns, to technical training for youth.”
With extensive coastline, waters, and marine resources, Alaska requires a range of associated professionals. University of Alaska Southeast’s Applied Fisheries program offers numerous fields of study designed to prepare students for careers in various industries. Students can choose between occupational endorsement, certification, and degree-track options in the program, which is located at the UAS Sitka campus.
Higher education is the backbone of a strong community and Northrim is proud to support the work of the University of Alaska."
Joe Schierhorn
Chairman, Northrim Bank
Since 2000, [the Education Tax Credit] program has allowed the members of At-sea Processors Association to invest in programs ranging from undergraduate and graduate fellowships, to research addressing current fishery management concerns, to technical training for youth.
Stephanie Madsen
Executive Director, APA and UA Foundation Board Member
It’s our honor to invest in the university’s focus on producing skilled graduates who are well-prepared to meet Alaska’s workforce demands and become tomorrow’s leaders.
Betsy Lawer
Board Chair, President and CEO of First National Bank Alaska
In many instances, private giving makes possible exhibits and programming that are otherwise very difficult to fund through conventional sources.
Patrick Drunkenmiller
Director, University of Alaska Museum of the North
The Endowed Nursing Scholarship provides someone the opportunity to have a little piece of mind, enabling focused study.
Joseph Sadley
UAA Student
I love Alaska and plan to remain in the state. I was raised in a small village and know firsthand the need for rural care while maintaining cultural compassion and awareness.
Raina Bjerke
UAA Student
Receiving this scholarship has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to focus solely on my education without the added pressure of working concurrently…
Ben Etheridge
UAS Student
When I first came to Alaska, the UAA community was such a great help for me. It was really influential for my career. Now, I want to do my part to provide the tools that UAA needs to be successful.
Jan van den Top ’72
[Michael A. Clinkscales] worked his way up from pot-washer to captain. It would be great for students to see that if they work hard and have the resources, they can get there, too.
Cynthia Clinkscales
Wife of the late Captain Michael A. Clinkscales
It feels good to be able to give back to a school that has given so much to us…
John Davies '70, '75
UA Regent (2015-2023)
You are truly helping the future of Alaska and there are few worthier investments.
Olivia Carroll
Rural Alaska Honors Institute graduate, 2018, in gratitude to ConocoPhillips Alaska
The Construction Management Initiative brought the university alongside the industry to address a significant workforce shortage that will impact all Alaskans. Our ability to partner alongside the university has strengthened relationships and, as we celebrate this success, we look forward to this endowment making an impact into the future.
Alicia Amberg
AGC Executive Director
Higher education is the backbone of a strong community and Northrim is proud to support the work of the University of Alaska."
Joe Schierhorn
Chairman, Northrim Bank
It’s our honor to invest in the university’s focus on producing skilled graduates who are well-prepared to meet Alaska’s workforce demands and become tomorrow’s leaders.
Betsy Lawer
Board Chair, President and CEO of First National Bank Alaska
I love Alaska and plan to remain in the state. I was raised in a small village and know firsthand the need for rural care while maintaining cultural compassion and awareness.
Raina Bjerke
UAA Student
Receiving this scholarship has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to focus solely on my education without the added pressure of working concurrently…
Ben Etheridge
UAS Student
[Michael A. Clinkscales] worked his way up from pot-washer to captain. It would be great for students to see that if they work hard and have the resources, they can get there, too.
Cynthia Clinkscales
Wife of the late Captain Michael A. Clinkscales
It feels good to be able to give back to a school that has given so much to us…
John Davies '70, '75
UA Regent (2015-2023)
You are truly helping the future of Alaska and there are few worthier investments.
Olivia Carroll
Rural Alaska Honors Institute graduate, 2018, in gratitude to ConocoPhillips Alaska
The Construction Management Initiative brought the university alongside the industry to address a significant workforce shortage that will impact all Alaskans. Our ability to partner alongside the university has strengthened relationships and, as we celebrate this success, we look forward to this endowment making an impact into the future.
Alicia Amberg
AGC Executive Director
Higher education is the backbone of a strong community and Northrim is proud to support the work of the University of Alaska."
Joe Schierhorn
Chairman, Northrim Bank
I love Alaska and plan to remain in the state. I was raised in a small village and know firsthand the need for rural care while maintaining cultural compassion and awareness.
Raina Bjerke
UAA Student
[Michael A. Clinkscales] worked his way up from pot-washer to captain. It would be great for students to see that if they work hard and have the resources, they can get there, too.
Cynthia Clinkscales
Wife of the late Captain Michael A. Clinkscales
It feels good to be able to give back to a school that has given so much to us…
John Davies '70, '75
UA Regent (2015-2023)
Eight Years of Collective Generosity
Each gift reflects the unique tie that donors, alumni and friends have to the University of Alaska. Donors determine what their gift supports and, as a result, countless areas of student success, workforce, economic development and research received gifts.
