For Immediate Release

University of Alaska Alumnus Kurt Carlson has established the Axel Robert and Janet Joyce Carlson Memorial Scholarship with a gift in honor of his parents.  

The Carlsons were long-time former employees of the University of Alaska Fairbanks; Axel with the Cooperative Extension Service and Joyce as administrative assistant to Earl Beistline, head of what was then called the Mining & Mineral Engineering Department, now the College of Engineering and Mines.

As a pioneer of cold climate construction, Axel “Bob” Carlson traveled the state of Alaska happy to share his knowledge of energy conservation. Joyce was always by his side. Bob’s efforts in energy efficiency are now standard construction techniques in Alaska. His publication, “Building a Log House in Alaska,” is still a well-used reference in high latitude construction. The Carlsons made Alaska their home from 1965 to 2002, when they reluctantly left the state.

“We established the scholarship as an opportunity for family and friends to share in the remembrance of mom and dad, and to honor their contribution to the university. They were always there to help others. This scholarship will now ensure that spirit lives on,” their son Kurt said.

Once the scholarship reaches an endowed level of $25,000 it will be open to students with a GPA of 2.5 and enrolled at any UA campus. Contributions can be directed to the University of Alaska Foundation, Attention: Axel Robert and Janet Joyce Carlson Memorial Scholarship Endowment, PO Box 755080, Fairbanks, Alaska   99775-5080.

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For more information contact: Dory Straight, UA Foundation, 907-450-8030 or Dory.Straight@alaska.edu