Aurora winter 2024

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From scientific precision to cultural legacy through art

By Katie Straub

Peg Gerrity ’86 brought her artistic talents back to Alaska after a long absence.

Read more about Peg

Left to right, Don Hampton, Hans Nielsen and Peter Delamere in Nielsen’s office at the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Geophysical Institute in November 2024. Nielsen has had the same office since 1970. 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø photo by Eric Marshall.

A professor, two students and a shared love for aurora research

By Rod Boyce

Peter Delamere and Don Hampton are building on earlier work by Hans Nielsen, extending decades-long investigations of the northern lights.

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Brian Barnes, in the green tropical shirt, enjoys his retirement party at The Pub on campus, Oct. 25, 2024.

Brian Barnes burrows into retirement after nearly 40 years at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø

By Sara Wilbur

A champion in the study of hibernation and other cold weather adaptations, Barnes also helped lead a vast expansion of 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’s biomedical research efforts.

Read more about Brian

The 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø men's basketball team and coaches pose before the 2024-25 season.

Scholarships a focus for returning basketball coach

By Sam Bishop

Frank Ostanik ’93 is working his connections with communities in Alaska and beyond.

Read more about scholarships

A supporter holds up a blue Nanook paw paddle during the 2024 Blue & Gold Celebration.

Nanooks showing up for students

By Theresa Bakker

The annual Blue & Gold Celebration raised scholarship funds, while Giving Tuesday supported the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Food Pantry.

Read more about Blue & Gold and Giving Tuesday