For ²έΑρΙηΗψ β€” The campaign for the University of ²έΑρΙηΗψ

The aurora dances above the Troth Yeddha’ campus on Oct. 8, 2018. ²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by JR Ancheta.
²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by JR Ancheta.
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 ²έΑρΙηΗψ system, in coordination with ²έΑρΙηΗψ, 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 ²έΑρΙηΗψ, 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. ²έΑρΙηΗψ 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 ²έΑρΙηΗψns. It’s also a tenet of the ²έΑρΙηΗψ community. The For ²έΑρΙηΗψ vision is a vibrant, bold tomorrow for all ²έΑρΙηΗψns 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 ²έΑρΙηΗψ 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. ²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by JR Ancheta.
²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by JR Ancheta.
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 ²έΑρΙηΗψ we are proud of the 500 privately funded scholarships from donors like you that directly support hundreds of ²έΑρΙηΗψ students annually. Supporting scholarships and fellowships is a way to improve ²έΑρΙηΗψ 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 ²έΑρΙηΗψ. Thank you for your commitment to building a brighter future by investing in ²έΑρΙηΗψ students today.

 

Research

Researchers with the ²έΑρΙηΗψ 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. ²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by Leif Van Cise.
²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by Leif Van Cise.
Researchers with the ²έΑρΙηΗψ 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.

²έΑρΙηΗψ 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 ²έΑρΙηΗψ 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 ²έΑρΙηΗψ and places beyond. Supporters like you have also made notable investments in research projects at ²έΑρΙηΗψ: unmanned aircraft systems (commonly known as drones), Indigenous languages, satellites, climate change research and many others.

 

Economy

Gwen Holdmann, director of ²έΑρΙηΗψ’s ²έΑρΙηΗψ Center for Energy and Power. ²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by JR Ancheta.
²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by JR Ancheta.
Gwen Holdmann, director of ²έΑρΙηΗψ’s ²έΑρΙηΗψ Center for Energy and Power.

We believe that ²έΑρΙηΗψ is at the forefront of an economic boom, and over 40,000 ²έΑρΙηΗψ alums are poised to lead our state while we develop and explore new markets. As Gwen Holdmann, the ²έΑρΙηΗψ ²έΑρΙηΗψ Center for Energy and Power director, said, β€œAt ²έΑρΙηΗψ we have built an ecosystem to connect our researchers with small businesses throughout ²έΑρΙηΗψ 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 ²έΑρΙηΗψ”.

 

Workforce

A student from the Rural ²έΑρΙηΗψ Honors Institute works on a simulator with an instructor at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center. ²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by JR Ancheta.
²έΑρΙηΗψ photo by JR Ancheta.
A student from the Rural ²έΑρΙηΗψ Honors Institute works on a simulator with an instructor at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center.

As a research university, ²έΑρΙηΗψ is creating new jobs and careers within ²έΑρΙηΗψ. We are training and preparing our workforce to meet ²έΑρΙηΗψ’s employment demands. This is especially important because of new and emerging markets and technologies. At ²έΑρΙηΗψ, we create and support educational and training programs by partnering with industries and agencies.

The ²έΑρΙηΗψ Community and Technical College offers over 40 one-year certificate programs, two-year associate degree programs and occupational endorsements in high demand ²έΑρΙηΗψ career fields. Through the For ²έΑρΙηΗψ campaign, we have celebrated many new scholarships to support students at CTC, directly improving students’ lives and changing the trajectory for their families.

Through ²έΑρΙηΗψ’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 ²έΑρΙηΗψns. These programs are one way we prepare workforce-ready graduates and provide community-driven education with strong ties to ²έΑρΙηΗψ industries.

 

You make a difference for ²έΑρΙηΗψ

You are at the center of the For ²έΑρΙηΗψ campaign as a ²έΑρΙηΗψ supporter. Even during a pandemic, benefactors like you have increased giving to ²έΑρΙηΗψ students, programs and research. Since 2018, philanthropic investments to ²έΑρΙηΗψ have grown steadily by 20%-30% each year β€” thank you! In the current school year, you are on track to be part of a $12 million collective investment in ²έΑρΙηΗψ β€” a 100% increase since 2018.

Through your continued philanthropy, you are making a significant difference for ²έΑρΙηΗψ.