University of Alaska System

Alaska 529 selected as a finalist for Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Gold Pan Awards

September 30, 2022

The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce announced Alaska 529 as one of three finalists for the Gold Pan Award for “Community Service - Small Business.” Finalists demonstrate outstanding community service, creativity, and excellence and have significantly improved the city of Anchorage by achieving success in its business through growth and quality performance. 

“We’re deeply grateful for the recognition for our work and service in the Anchorage community,” said Lael Oldmixon, executive director of Alaska 529. “We have established strong partnerships throughout Alaska and worked hard to grow our impact in the Anchorage community.”

Alaska 529’s outreach and marketing efforts focus on five key areas: academic achievement, literacy, healthy lifestyles, youth leadership, and career and college access, attainment, and affordability.

“Igniting the spark for lifelong learning and aspirations for future careers is a big part of our brand,” said Bonnie Carroll, marketing director for Alaska 529. “It makes sense for us to partner with organizations that support our values and help youth consider future education and post-high school training.”

Alaska 529 received several nods of support from some of its key partners in the Anchorage area: 

“YWCA Alaska appreciates the commitment of Alaska 529 to students and their families. Alaska 529 provided scholarships to high school students who earned the YWCA Alaska Youth Award because of their leadership in our community. Many of these students were the first in their families to attend college. The generous support of Alaska 529 encouraged next-level education for graduating seniors,” said Theresa Lyons, chief executive officer, YWCA Alaska 

“Alaska 529 was an incredible partner throughout the “Give AK a Shot” vaccine sweepstakes. With only a few weeks’ notice, Alaska 529 sprung into action to make sure nine very lucky Alaskan kids had $49,000 scholarships set up in their name, providing life-altering opportunities for each winner. They went above and beyond to ensure the sweepstakes was a success and I couldn’t recommend a better partner for the program,” said Kati Capozzi, president and CEO, Alaska Chamber of Commerce 

“Alaska 529 has been an invaluable partner to Spirit of Youth for over a decade. The scholarships that Alaska 529 provides to the young Alaskan leaders we work with have allowed our programs to thrive. The organization has gone above and beyond and supported us in diverse and important ways - from volunteers to giveaways for youth. Alaska 529 is a truly community focused organization," said Karen Zeman, executive director, Spirit of Youth 

“The Alliance for the Support of American Legion Baseball loves partnering with Alaska 529. Our overall goals are the same. The Alliance is focused on having as many students engaged in extracurricular activity as possible. Students that participate in these activities do better academically, socially and tend to be healthier. Alaska 529 aims to further our youth's education. Ultimately with Alaska 529's support and partnership, the two organizations give our youth a better chance at success in life. With Alaska 529's support, The Alliance for the Support of American Legion Baseball continues to offer baseball statewide to 1000+ youths aged 13-19 years old each year. This would not be achievable without the partnership and financial support of Alaska 529,” said Don Winchester, Middle and High School American Legion Baseball.

“Alaska 529 is an incredible community resource, helping Alaskans save for their future through education savings plans, and a contributing partner for programs like I Know I Can and Kids2College, that help elementary and middle school students can begin to explore how to shape their personal interests and academics into future career dreams. We are so lucky Alaska 529 is a partner for the future of Alaska!” said Shelly Morgan, K-12 Specialist, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.

''Alaska 529 is a perfect partner to help Alaska Safety Alliance communicate the importance of preparing an Alaskan workforce through training. ASA advocates for education at all levels and encourages Alaskans to earn post-secondary credentials. The Alaska 529 Plan is set up to be flexible and can be used to cover the cost of apprenticeships, trade school, traditional college, or continuing education - which aligns with ASA's message that there are many paths to a great career. When ASA decided to set up a scholarship fund, Alaska 529 was a natural fit. Not only did they help us set up an account, Alaska 529 became a co-sponsor, matching ASA's startup contribution dollar for dollar. We are proud to work with Alaska 529 and excited that they are the co-sponsor of the Alaska Safety Alliance Scholarship Fund," said Cari-Ann Carty, executive director, Alaska Safety Alliance.

“Alaska 529 helps many Alaskan families achieve their dream of making college a reality for their families. Their dedication to this mission is unmatched, and we are very proud to partner with them in Alaska," said Flora Teo, president, Junior Achievement of Alaska. 

''We are thankful to have the support from Alaska 529. Their support helps ensure our youth programs will continue," said Steve Nerland, president, The Alliance for the Support of American Legion Baseball

The winners will be announced on Friday, November 18, at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage.

More information: https://www.anchoragechamber.org/gold-pan-awards/#about.