University of Alaska Fairbanks: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) has a rich history of producing accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions in diverse fields. From politics and science to the arts and athletics, UAF alumni have left their mark on Alaska, the nation, and the world. This article explores the stories of some of UAF's most notable alumni, highlighting their achievements and the impact they have had on their respective fields.

A Foundation for Success: Early Graduates

In 1922, a university degree required roughly four years of study, just as it does today. The early years of the University of Alaska Fairbanks saw the emergence of individuals who would shape the future of the institution and the state.

Flora Jane Harper-Haines: A Pioneer in Education and Advocacy

Flora Jane Harper was born in Rampart in 1910 to Sam and Louise Harper. Her journey began in the Yukon in 1874. She wasn’t able to return to Alaska for nine years. Flora Jane attended school in Wrangell in 1941. She later wrote, "She felt it was her responsibility to help improve the image of Native people." After retirement, Jane died in 1992. There is a road named after her on Geist Road.

William Beistline: From Student to Dean

William Beistline's career at UAF spanned 36 years as an educator. He served in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. He helped create the Mineral Industry Research Laboratory in 1965 and served as dean of faculty in 1960.

Ray Smith: From Humble Beginnings to University President

Ray Smith never expected to attend college. Smith and a friend were looking for a job, not an education, when they arrived at UAF. Over dinner, Bunnell asked the pair to enroll. After three years, Smith left to earn a doctorate. Smith accepted the position of president at Tech. Smith’s first wife, Beatrice, died in 1998.

Shaping Alaska's Identity: Political Leaders

UAF has produced numerous political leaders who have shaped the course of Alaska's history. These individuals have served in various capacities, from state legislators to members of Congress, advocating for the interests of Alaskans and contributing to the development of the state.

Ernest Gruening: A Champion of Statehood

Ernest Gruening, an influential figure in Alaska's history, played a pivotal role in the territory's journey to statehood. He was appointed governor of Alaska in 1939 and served in that capacity until 1953. Later, he became one of Alaska's first United States senators.

Bob Bartlett: A Voice for Alaska in the Senate

Edward Lewis "Bob" Bartlett, was an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party. He served as a U.S. Senator. Many acts bear his name, including a major law known as the Bartlett Act, mandating handicap access in all federally-funded buildings.

Jay Hammond: A Visionary Governor

Jay Sterner Hammond was an American politician of the Republican Party, who served as the fourth governor of Alaska from 1974 to 1982. He served as a state representative from 1959 to 1965 and as a state senator from 1967 to 1973.

Mike J. Dunleavy: Current Governor of Alaska

Michael James Dunleavy is an American educator and politician serving as the 12th governor of Alaska since 2018. A Republican, he was a member of the Alaska Senate from 2013 to 2018.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Mary Peltola: Representative for Alaska

Mary Peltola is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative from Alaska's at-large congressional district from 2022 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as a judge on the Orutsararmiut Native Council's tribal court, executive director of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Bethel city councilor, and member of the Alaska House of Representatives.

Tom Emmer: US House of Representatives

Thomas Earl Emmer Jr. is an American attorney and politician who has served as majority whip in the United States House of Representatives since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he has represented Minnesota's 6th congressional district since 2015.

Lyman Hoffman: Alaska State Senator

Lyman F. Hoffman is a Yup'ik politician and Democratic member of the Alaska Senate since 1995. He represents the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska Peninsula, and Aleutian Islands.

Pete Kelly: Former Alaska State Senator

Peter Gene Kelly is an American politician who served as a member of the Alaska Senate. He also served as President of the Alaska State Senate from 2017 to 2019.

Terry Miller: Former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska

Terrence Brent Miller was an American businessman and politician. Miller served as the fourth lieutenant governor of Alaska from 1978 to 1982.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Adam Wool: Former Alaska House of Representatives

Adam Wool is a former American politician who served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from District 5. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

Reggie Joule: Former Mayor of the Northwest Arctic Borough

Reginald L. "Reggie" Joule, Jr. served as mayor of the Northwest Arctic Borough, having been elected to that position in 2012.

Mike Kelly: Former Alaska House of Representatives

Michael Patrick Kelly was a Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives, representing the 7th District from 2005 until 2011.

Scientific Pioneers and Innovators

UAF's emphasis on research and its location in a unique environment have fostered a spirit of scientific inquiry. Many alumni have become renowned scientists, making breakthroughs in fields such as geology, biology, and engineering.

George Schaller: A Champion for Wildlife Conservation

George Beals Schaller is an American mammologist, biologist, conservationist and author. Schaller is recognized by many as the world's preeminent field biologist, studying wildlife throughout Africa, Asia and South America.

Syun-Ichi Akasofu: Founding Director of the International Arctic Research Center

Syun-Ichi Akasofu is the founding director of the International Arctic Research Center of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), serving in that position from the center's establishment in 1998 until January 2007.

Mark Myers: Geologist and Director of the U.S. Geological Survey

Mark D. served as director of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Literary Voices and Storytellers

UAF has nurtured the talents of writers who have captured the essence of Alaska and its people through their words. These alumni have published novels, short stories, and essays that explore themes of identity, nature, and the human experience.

Kameron Hurley: Award-Winning Science Fiction Writer

Kameron Hurley is an American science fiction and fantasy writer.

Sherry Simpson: Acclaimed Essayist and Memoirist

Sherry grew up in Juneau after her family moved there when she was 7 years old. She is the author of “Winter Comes,” the winner of the inaugural Chinook Literary Prize.

J. Jill Robinson: Canadian Writer and Editor

Jacqueline Jill Robinson is a Canadian writer and editor. She is the author of a novel and four collections of short stories.

Neil Davis: Author

So Davis became an author, completing a dozen books, including one about the eruption of Mount Spurr and the aurora borealis in another.

Claus-M. Naske: Historian

Claus-M. Naske was born in Stettin, Pomerania in 1935. He became a faculty member at UA in 1969, overseeing the production of scholarly work on the North. Naske has garnered a reputation as one of the state’s most prominent historians.

Athletic Achievers: Excellence on the Ice and Beyond

UAF's athletic programs have produced talented athletes who have excelled in various sports, including hockey, basketball, and skiing. These alumni have represented UAF with pride, earning accolades and inspiring future generations of athletes.

Colton Parayko: NHL Star

Colton Parayko is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and alternate captain for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL). He concluded his collegiate career in 2015 to begin his professional career within the Blues organization.

Chad Johnson: Former NHL Goaltender

Chad Terry Johnson is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He most recently played for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Matthew Emmons: Olympic Rifle Shooter

Matthew D. Emmons is an American rifle shooter. He competed in various events at the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics and won a gold, a silver, and a bronze medal.

Brad Oleson: Professional Basketball Player

Bradley Scott Oleson Lashinski is an American-born naturalized Spanish former professional basketball player.

Aaron Voros: Former NHL Player

Aaron Voros is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Voros played in the National Hockey League with the Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks between 2007 and 2011.

Jordan Hendry: Former NHL Player

Jordan Hendry is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks. He won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010.

Cody Kunyk: Ice Hockey Player

Cody Kunyk is a Canadian ice hockey forward currently under contract to Löwen Frankfurt of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). He has formerly played with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. (NHL)

Tyler Morley: Ice Hockey Player

Tyler Morley is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre. He is currently playing for EHC Kloten in the National League (NL).

Brent Sass: Dogsled Musher

Brent Sass is an American dog musher who is one of only six people to have won both the Iditarod and Yukon Quest sled dog races.

DeeDee Jonrowe: Dogsled Musher

DeeDee Ann Jonrowe is an American kennel owner and dog musher who is a three-time runner up in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Jamie Lynn Gray: Olympic Sport Shooter

Jamie Lynn Corkish is an American sport shooter who won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Leaders in Business and Innovation

UAF alumni have also made significant contributions to the business world, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and leadership skills. These individuals have founded successful companies, managed large organizations, and driven innovation in various industries.

Tom Albanese: Former CEO of Rio Tinto Group

Tom Albanese was the former chief executive officer of the Vedanta Resources and was the former chief executive officer and a board member of the Rio Tinto Group.

Morris Thompson: Alaska Native Leader and Businessman

Morris "Morrie" Thompson was an Alaska Native leader, American businessman and political appointee working on matters related to Alaska Natives.

Ben Grossmann: Visual Effects Supervisor

Ben Grossmann is a visual effects supervisor in Los Angeles, California. He won an Oscar award for Hugo in 2012, and an Emmy award for The Triangle in 2006.

Jyotsna "Jo" Heckman: Bank President and CEO

marketing, information systems, human resources and as executive vice president. Jo is also very involved in civic endeavors in the community.

Community Builders and Advocates

Many UAF alumni have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and advocating for social justice. These individuals have worked in education, healthcare, and social services, making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Margaret Elizabeth Murie: Conservationist

Margaret Elizabeth Thomas "Mardy" Murie was a naturalist, writer, adventurer, and conservationist. Dubbed the "Grandmother of the Conservation Movement" by both the Sierra Club and the Wilderness Society, she helped in the passage of the Wilderness Act, and was instrumental in creating the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Pearl Kiyawn Nageak Brower: President of Iḷisaġvik College

Pearl Kiyawn Nageak Brower said, "I loved UAF," and is now the president of Iḷisaġvik College, a position she’s held for five years.

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