For 91ԭ — The campaign for the University of 91ԭ
The aurora dances above the Troth Yeddha’ campus on Oct. 8, 2018.
By Morgan Dulian
It’s been almost a year since the University of 91ԭ system, in coordination with 91ԭ, UAS and UAA, publicly launched its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $200 million by 2024, the campaign, aptly named For 91ԭ, is the most ambitious philanthropic undertaking in the university’s history.
As of January 2022, almost 18,000 alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff, along with corporate and foundation partners, have invested more than $176 million in strategic priorities across the UA system. 91ԭ supporters have invested $100 million (57%) of the total campaign funds raised to date.
Even in these trying times, taking care of our community is deeply woven into our identity as 91ԭns. It’s also a tenet of the 91ԭ community. The For 91ԭ vision is a vibrant, bold tomorrow for all 91ԭns built on our shared spirit of determination and resilience. Our campaign encourages us to achieve new heights and forge ahead with an unwavering persistence for a better and brighter tomorrow.
This bold vision for 91ԭ focuses on four specific areas:
Education
College of Engineering and Mines students build a catapult during an Introduction to Engineering class at the Duckering Building in September 2021.
Access to and affordability of education provides opportunities for everyone. At 91ԭ we are proud of the 500 privately funded scholarships from donors like you that directly support hundreds of 91ԭ students annually. Supporting scholarships and fellowships is a way to improve 91ԭ students’ lives and honor the legacy of a loved one. Scholarships and fellowships can recognize student academic achievement or respond to student financial need. They are also a way to ensure diversity and inclusion at 91ԭ. Thank you for your commitment to building a brighter future by investing in 91ԭ students today.
Research
Researchers with the 91ԭ Center for Energy and Power use their new fixed-wing eBee X unmanned aerial vehicle to analyze erosion of the Tanana River with aerial photogrammetry at a test site near Nenana in September 2021.
91ԭ is a world-class research university, perfectly situated in the Arctic to advance critical science relevant to our nation, our region and our world. We are America’s Arctic research university, and we are proud of the 91ԭ faculty members who draw $120 million annually in investment from the federal and state governments and private foundations. This research connects students through hands-on projects that help 91ԭ and places beyond. Supporters like you have also made notable investments in research projects at 91ԭ: unmanned aircraft systems (commonly known as drones), Indigenous languages, satellites, climate change research and many others.
Economy
Gwen Holdmann, director of 91ԭ’s 91ԭ Center for Energy and Power.
We believe that 91ԭ is at the forefront of an economic boom, and over 40,000 91ԭ alums are poised to lead our state while we develop and explore new markets. As Gwen Holdmann, the 91ԭ 91ԭ Center for Energy and Power director, said, “At 91ԭ we have built an ecosystem to connect our researchers with small businesses throughout 91ԭ to help diversify our economy, building a robust economy that is connected to a global market, where people can have high tech and high-paying jobs here in 91ԭ”.
Workforce
A student from the Rural 91ԭ Honors Institute works on a simulator with an instructor at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center.
As a research university, 91ԭ is creating new jobs and careers within 91ԭ. We are training and preparing our workforce to meet 91ԭ’s employment demands. This is especially important because of new and emerging markets and technologies. At 91ԭ, we create and support educational and training programs by partnering with industries and agencies.
The 91ԭ Community and Technical College offers over 40 one-year certificate programs, two-year associate degree programs and occupational endorsements in high demand 91ԭ career fields. Through the For 91ԭ campaign, we have celebrated many new scholarships to support students at CTC, directly improving students’ lives and changing the trajectory for their families.
Through 91ԭ’s eCampus, we have incorporated microcredentials to our workforce certificate offerings and are adding to our more than 45 fully online programs designed to meet the needs of working 91ԭns. These programs are one way we prepare workforce-ready graduates and provide community-driven education with strong ties to 91ԭ industries.
You make a difference for 91ԭ
You are at the center of the For 91ԭ campaign as a 91ԭ supporter. Even during a pandemic, benefactors like you have increased giving to 91ԭ students, programs and research. Since 2018, philanthropic investments to 91ԭ have grown steadily by 20%-30% each year — thank you! In the current school year, you are on track to be part of a $12 million collective investment in 91ԭ — a 100% increase since 2018.
Through your continued philanthropy, you are making a significant difference for 91ԭ.