For Alaska Campaign demonstrates how generosity changes lives

October 4, 2024

The University of Alaska (UA) celebrates the impact of the For Alaska fundraising campaign on post-secondary education and training in Alaska. Gifts from 21,777 individuals, businesses and foundations over the eight-year campaign have strengthened student experiences and UA’s mission of teaching, research and public service.

“The For Alaska campaign is a powerful collective story of generosity,” UA President Pat Pitney said. “Each gift received reflects a unique tie between UA and its alumni, donors, and friends.”

Philanthropic gifts have empowered students and enhanced the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Southeast. The campaign promoted awareness and strengthened the areas of education, workforce, research and the economy in Alaska and beyond.

For Alaska increased access to education for students, providing scholarships, resources and opportunities needed to thrive. There is a personal story for each student that benefits from the generosity of a donor.

For Alaska brought attention to several of the career paths UA offers that lead to growing Alaska’s skilled workforce. It highlighted partnerships and industry support provided by employers statewide and helped boost Alaska's workforce in high-need areas like construction management, fisheries, nursing, mining and more.

For Alaska provided donors with exciting opportunities to expand UA’s world-class research relevant to Alaska and the far north. Generous gifts have gone toward cutting-edge research, driving advancements in science, technology and other important issues facing Alaska and beyond.

For Alaska contributed to a more diversified economy by expanding Alaska’s knowledge base and strengthening partnerships between UA and employers. UAA, UAF and UAS are incubators for future leaders and innovators, providing pathways to success for Alaska’s future businesses and industries.

Many donors also gave of their time, resources and enthusiasm, including the dedication and support of the UA Foundation Board of Directors, UA Board of Regents, university leadership and staff, donors, alumni, friends, community partners, and all who champion education in Alaska.

“While the For Alaska campaign has come to a close, the impact of philanthropy at the university is long-standing and will continue into the future,” said UA Board of Directors Chair Meg Nordale. “Philanthropy uplifts and supports students, and it increases the quality of the education and experiences provided at UA.” 

Together, UA’s donors are shaping tomorrow…for Alaska.

More Information About the For Alaska Campaign:

  • The $200 million goal was surpassed for a total of more than $277 million raised, encompassing all gifts received from fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2024. 
    • Support of the campaign was spread throughout the system as each donor determined what their gift supported. As a result, many different areas of student success, workforce and economic development, and research were impacted, demonstrating each donor’s unique tie to the university.
      •  465 new funds were created for scholarships and student support, internships, fellowships, research awards, faculty excellence, and general academic program support.
      • Providing support to students and programs in perpetuity, many donors gave to or created endowed funds; 191 new endowed funds were created during the For Alaska Campaign.
  • Learn more about the inspiring stories behind some of the many gifts which came from donors far and wide at https://www.universityforalaska.com/.