From the chancellor
Dear 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø community,
Winter reminds us what makes Alaska, and 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø, unique and special. It sharpens our focus, tests our resolve and brings into clear view the power of preparation, partnership and belief. Across our campuses and communities, your generosity continues to turn bold ideas into lasting realities and opportunities.
This winter, we celebrate a truly transformational example of what philanthropy can accomplish. Thanks to the extraordinary leadership gift from Walt and Marita Babula, the University of Alaska Museum of the North will soon be home to the new Babula Planetarium, opening in spring 2026. This world-class facility will ignite curiosity, expand access to science education across Alaska and showcase 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø research, culture and storytelling under one extraordinary dome. It stands as the largest private gift from living donors in the history of the University of Alaska and a permanent beacon of what is possible when vision meets action.
We also see the impact of giving in the lives of Alaska’s students today. Through GeoFORCE Alaska, high school students from rural communities are traveling across the country, exploring canyons, craters and coastlines while discovering that science is not something distant. It is something they can pursue, shape and lead. With support from Alaska Native corporations and industry partners, this program is changing graduation trajectories, opening college pathways and building confidence in students who once had limited access to these opportunities.
These stories demonstrate philanthropy at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø is not abstract. It builds facilities. It moves students across state lines and beyond their wildest dreams. It turns curiosity into careers and ambition into achievement. Your investment is shaping Alaska’s future scientists, educators, innovators and leaders right now.
Thank you for standing with 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø, in every season.
Mike Sfraga ’84, ’97
Interim Chancellor
51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø America’s Arctic University
Recent benefactor highlights
Businesses, corporations, individuals and foundations give generously to 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø.
This report reflects gifts and donations totaling $25,000 or more to the University of Alaska Fairbanks between Sept. 1, 2025, and Nov. 30, 2025.
BUSINESS AND CORPORATE
Angry Eagle Holdings gave to the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Support Fund.
Northern Star gave to the Mining and Petroleum Training Service Support Fund.
The Saltchuk Alaska family of companies gave to the Troth Yeddha' Indigenous Studies Initiative Support Fund.
INDIVIDUAL
Catherine F. Cahill gave to the ACUASI General Support Fund, the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Annual Fund, the Geophysical Institute Endowment and the Usibelli Coal Mine Drone Advancement Endowed Scholarship.
R. Dolly Dieter gave to the Dieter Family Tsunami Bowl Endowment and The Dieter Family Marine Science Research Scholarship.
Dorothy and Michael Doyle gave to the John M. Murphy Memorial Geology Scholarship.
Nancy L. Eliason gave to the UAMN Eliason Beringian Research Endowment.
Cyd T. Hanns established the Dr. John Craighead George Marine Mammalogy Endowed Research Award.
Susan M. Henrichs gave to the Facilities Service Support Fund, the 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø Rural Student Support Services Scholarship and the Zarling Airframe and Powerplant Program Scholarship.
Sarah and Cary Keller gave to the UAMN Planetarium Excellence Fund.
Michael and Eileen Lynn Rice* gave to the UAMN Planetarium Quasi-Endowment Fund.
Katherine Schexneider established the Katherine Schexneider Arctic Climate Science Research Fund.
Harlan W. Stech established the David and Mary Stech Endowed Music Scholarship.
Helga and William Watterson gave to the Nanooks men’s basketball program, the Nanooks women’s basketball program and the Bill and Helga Watterson Scholarship.
FOUNDATION AND ASSOCIATION
The Gottstein Family Foundation gave to the Troth Yeddha' Indigenous Studies Initiative Support Fund.
The Jay Pritzker Foundation gave to the Mammalogy Research and Training Support Fund.
* Indicates deceased
Stories of impact
Dec 10
Walt and Marita Babula’s stellar donation set in motion the latest addition to the University of Alaska Museum of the North.
Nov 21
Fairbanks came together on Oct. 23 to honor 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’s student firefighters and help them cover costs far into the future.
Nov 19
51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’s GeoFORCE program takes high school students across the country to learn about the Earth’s fantastic formations.
Sep 09
The Circumpolar Music Series, created with help from writer and musician Catherine Madsen, forms connections across the North.
Sep 05
Nancy Eliason, a 52-year Alaskan, assists researchers from 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø and elsewhere who study the people of ancient Beringia.
May 21
Kendall Kramer wraps up five years at 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø with a stellar senior season, winning the collegiate and national championship 20K freestyle races.
May 12
The fifth annual online event set a new participation milestone as donors supported more than 80 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø programs, scholarships and initiatives.
Feb 28
The Mining Engineering Research Endowment, backed by companies, gives scholarships to 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø 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 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø 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 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø’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 51·çÁ÷¹ÙÍø professor’s neuroscience work has created a student scholarship in the professor’s name