William R. Cashen

The 1976 commencement parade lead by university marshal William Cashen.
The 1976 commencement parade lead by university marshal William Cashen.
A 1937 graduate of the University of Alaska, William R. Cashen was one of the university's most loyal alumni. The lifelong Alaskan taught mathematics at the university for 32 years, served as dean of students, was the university's first and only  full-time marshal and was director of the  UA Alumni Association. He retired in 1974 as Professor of Mathematics and Marshal of the University, Emeritus.


Writing came naturally to Mr. Cashen. While a student, he edited the Farthest North Collegian, the student newspaper. He was a frequent contributor to the Alaska Alumnus. His full-length biography of Dr. Charles E. Bunnell, Farthest North College President, was published by the University of Alaska Press in 1972.

His dedication to the University was recognized in 1962. The Alumni Association granted him an Honorary Lifetime Membership. The Alumni Association also named him its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 1967, Alaska's Centennial Year.

Mr. Cashen died in his Fairbanks home on February 5, 1981. He was 66 years old.