Carolyn Nethken has worked in the Payroll and Benefit Accounting department in SW Human Resources for a little over 9 years.� As of October 31, 2008, Carolyn has retired from the university.� On Wednesday we had a retirement party in which she was presented with a certificate from the Georgeson Botanical Gardens.� Her coworkers sponsored a Siberian Elm on her behalf since she enjoys gardening so much and generally puts in volunteer hours at the Georgeson during the summer.� The plaque will be installed in spring 2009.� Upon receipt of the certificate she said that ‘her tree’ will be the best looking in the garden since she will spend her volunteer hours keeping her plaque polished and the area around her tree nice and neat.� Her plans include traveling to visit family in the lower 48, spending time with her grandson, and doing projects around the house including staying ahead of the weeds.� She is looking forward to not having to plug in her vehicle and taking naps.

Administrative Assistant
Statewide HR

Started October 27, 2008

Matt Beyer is the new administrative assistant for HR and will be performing clerical duties, paying bills, organizing travel and many other administrative tasks. For the past 5 years Beyer was handling administrative duties for the Daily Record, a newspaper in Ellensburg WA.

Beyer was born in Tokyo, Japan, but moved to Washington state when he was 5.� He grew up in the Seattle area and came to Fairbanks from Ellensburg, WA.

Beyer received his bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University, in Ellensburg.

Beyer and his wife came to Fairbanks so she could pursue her graduate studies.� Outside work he enjoys reading, playing video games, and intends to learn how to cross country ski while here in Alaska.

Administrative Assistant
UA Land Management

Erica Fitchett provides administrative support for UA Land Management in Anchorage. Erica began working at the University in September of 2008. Prior to coming to the University, Erica was residing in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she worked as a paralegal for the Newport News Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Erica is not only brand new to the University, but also to Alaska, having just moved to Anchorage in the middle of September.

Erica was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her only time away had been when she spent four years completing her undergraduate degree at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, where she was also a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She completed her B.S. in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law and a minor in Leadership Studies in May of 2007.

Erica’s family still resides in Virginia. She misses them very much, especially her little cousins, however she uses her free time to explore the city and make new friends here in Anchorage. She also uses her sorority connections to meet other Sigma Kappas in Alaska who have made her feel very welcome! She enjoys reading, being outdoors, karaoke, movies and good company.




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Student Assistant
UA Foundation

Started August 27, 2008

Job duties include: secretarial tasks, company research, marketing plan assistance, mailing list development, generally whatever is needed.�

Formerly worked as Collections Assistant at UA Museum of the North in Fairbanks, and as a Historical Researcher for Indian Residential Schools Canada in Vancouver, BC. Both jobs provided experience in database work, research and organization skills.

Smith was born in Abbotsford,� BC, Canada. She lived in Fairbanks for 7 years while attending UAF for a Bachelor’s degree in Art History and Cultural Anthropology and working. She is currently attending UAA for a Master’s degree in Anthropology with focus on Cultural Anthropology.

She is engaged to Brad Krupa of Fairbanks and is planning a wedding for June of 2009.
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