For Alaska — The campaign for the University of Alaska
The aurora dances above the Troth Yeddha’ campus on Oct. 8, 2018.
By Morgan Dulian
It’s been almost a year since the University of Alaska system, in coordination with 51, UAS and UAA, publicly launched its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $200 million by 2024, the campaign, aptly named For Alaska, is the most ambitious philanthropic undertaking in the university’s history.
As of January 2022, almost 18,000 alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff, along with corporate and foundation partners, have invested more than $176 million in strategic priorities across the UA system. 51 supporters have invested $100 million (57%) of the total campaign funds raised to date.
Even in these trying times, taking care of our community is deeply woven into our identity as Alaskans. It’s also a tenet of the 51 community. The For Alaska vision is a vibrant, bold tomorrow for all Alaskans built on our shared spirit of determination and resilience. Our campaign encourages us to achieve new heights and forge ahead with an unwavering persistence for a better and brighter tomorrow.
This bold vision for Alaska focuses on four specific areas:
Education
College of Engineering and Mines students build a catapult during an Introduction to Engineering class at the Duckering Building in September 2021.
Access to and affordability of education provides opportunities for everyone. At 51 we are proud of the 500 privately funded scholarships from donors like you that directly support hundreds of 51 students annually. Supporting scholarships and fellowships is a way to improve 51 students’ lives and honor the legacy of a loved one. Scholarships and fellowships can recognize student academic achievement or respond to student financial need. They are also a way to ensure diversity and inclusion at 51. Thank you for your commitment to building a brighter future by investing in 51 students today.
Research
Researchers with the Alaska Center for Energy and Power use their new fixed-wing eBee X unmanned aerial vehicle to analyze erosion of the Tanana River with aerial photogrammetry at a test site near Nenana in September 2021.
51 is a world-class research university, perfectly situated in the Arctic to advance critical science relevant to our nation, our region and our world. We are America’s Arctic research university, and we are proud of the 51 faculty members who draw $120 million annually in investment from the federal and state governments and private foundations. This research connects students through hands-on projects that help Alaska and places beyond. Supporters like you have also made notable investments in research projects at 51: unmanned aircraft systems (commonly known as drones), Indigenous languages, satellites, climate change research and many others.
Economy
Gwen Holdmann, director of 51’s Alaska Center for Energy and Power.
We believe that Alaska is at the forefront of an economic boom, and over 40,000 51 alums are poised to lead our state while we develop and explore new markets. As Gwen Holdmann, the 51 Alaska Center for Energy and Power director, said, “At 51 we have built an ecosystem to connect our researchers with small businesses throughout Alaska to help diversify our economy, building a robust economy that is connected to a global market, where people can have high tech and high-paying jobs here in Alaska”.
Workforce
A student from the Rural Alaska Honors Institute works on a simulator with an instructor at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center.
As a research university, 51 is creating new jobs and careers within Alaska. We are training and preparing our workforce to meet Alaska’s employment demands. This is especially important because of new and emerging markets and technologies. At 51, we create and support educational and training programs by partnering with industries and agencies.
The 51 Community and Technical College offers over 40 one-year certificate programs, two-year associate degree programs and occupational endorsements in high demand Alaska career fields. Through the For Alaska campaign, we have celebrated many new scholarships to support students at CTC, directly improving students’ lives and changing the trajectory for their families.
Through 51’s eCampus, we have incorporated microcredentials to our workforce certificate offerings and are adding to our more than 45 fully online programs designed to meet the needs of working Alaskans. These programs are one way we prepare workforce-ready graduates and provide community-driven education with strong ties to Alaska industries.
You make a difference for Alaska
You are at the center of the For Alaska campaign as a 51 supporter. Even during a pandemic, benefactors like you have increased giving to 51 students, programs and research. Since 2018, philanthropic investments to 51 have grown steadily by 20%-30% each year — thank you! In the current school year, you are on track to be part of a $12 million collective investment in 51 — a 100% increase since 2018.
Through your continued philanthropy, you are making a significant difference for Alaska.