Northrim Bank and Alaska Airlines have each donated $50,000 toward the upcoming Conference of Young Alaskans, to be held at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Jan. 13-16.» In addition, the Alaska Humanities Forum has pledged $10,000 toward the event.

The University of Alaska, through its Creating Alaska project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Constitutional Convention this year, is hosting the three-day conference.

UA President Mark Hamilton said the donations are critically important for the success of the event, in which 55 young leaders from across the state will gather to craft policy recommendations for Alaska's political, community and business leaders.»» "We couldn't pull off an event like this, a summit of brilliant young minds tackling some of Alaska's toughest issues, without these companies and organizations stepping up to the plate with financial support," Hamilton said. "We're truly grateful."

UAF is the host campus for the conference, which is intended to mirror the nonpartisan nature that pervaded the original state Constitutional Convention held on the Fairbanks campus 50 years ago.» The original convention delegates met at UAF from November 1955 through early February, 1956.

The young delegates will be charged with crafting policy recommendations in five key areas:» quality education; healthy communities and families; leaders for the next generation; responsible development of natural resources; and reviving the Alaska dream and "Last Frontier" spirit. The delegates hail from all over Alaska and range in age from 14 to 25.

In addition to the donations from Alaska Airlines, Northrim Bank and the Alaska Humanities Forum, the conference is also receiving financial assistance from BP and ConocoPhillips through the University of Alaska Foundation.» Other organizations are actively considering donations as well.

--30--

For more information, visit the conference website at www. coya.alaska.edu; or for events on the Constitutional Convention anniversary, visit www.alaska.edu/creatingalaska. Or contact Patti Harper, Public Information Specialist, at (907) 786-1169 or patricia.harper@alaska.edu ; or Creating Alaska Project Coordinator Joe Hardenbrook at (907) 450-8599 or hardenbrook@alaska.edu.

Kate Ripley
Director, UA Public Affairs
206 Butrovich Building
PO Box 755340
Fairbanks, AK 99775
907/450-8102 - work
907/388-3506 - cell