This year’s Statewide Staff Campaign was full of surprises. One of the highlights was the establishment of the Kathy L. Gruenig Endowed Scholarship by her daughter, Gwen White, associate vice president for Planning and Institutional Research. This scholarship will benefit students at UAF with a demonstrated financial need and honors the memory of Kathy, who worked for the university for many years.

The campaign focused on fully endowing funds that have been building toward the endowment level. Thanks to the commitment of our generous staff, many funds are a bit closer to that goal, including the Dr. Cary Keller Scholarship. Staff members may remember a few years ago the fund was started by Ryan Muspratt through the Statewide Staff Campaign.

The final count for staff participation level was 53 percent. The national average for staff participation at a higher education institute is 30 percent.

The staff campaign this year was led by Dory Straight, scholarship officer at the UA Foundation. Campaign cabinet members included Erica Fitchett, Linda Hall, Monique Musick, James Milburn, Tami Choquette and Karesa Fraser.

At the campaign wrap up celebration, President Gamble expressed appreciation for staff who continually give of themselves, day in and day out. He thanked everyone for their support and hard work.

Jenny Grieve was the winner of two Alaska Airlines tickets to anywhere the airline flies. This year the Foundation also gave away UA insignia wear. Courtney Carlson, Kenneth Coon and Kerry Digou each won a polar fleece vest with the UA logo. Arista Hageman, Dan Julius and Saltanat Schweitzer each won a restaurant gift certificate.

Kudos to the following Statewide departments for 100 percent participation: Government Relations, Health Programs, OIT Infrastructure Technology Service, Public Affairs and the College Savings Plan.

"When staff, faculty, alumni and friends band together, students win! For the past seven years, UA staff have come together to help students reach their educational goals. I thank every single one of you who generously gave during this campaign. Together, we are making a difference,” said Mary Rutherford, UA Foundation president.