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Chancellor’s Report on Philanthropy

 

February-March 2026

Dear Seawolves,

Spring always brings a sense of renewed energy to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. As daylight returns and our campuses fill with activity, I’m reminded how much this university is shaped—not just by programs and buildings—but by people who care deeply about our students and Alaska’s future.

I am sincerely grateful to our donors, alumni, and community partners who continue to walk alongside Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. Your generosity makes a difference every day, often in ways that students may never fully realize until years later. In this report, I’m honored to share a few stories that reflect the care, foresight, and belief you place in our students.

Honoring a Legacy of Giving

For many years, Linda K. Brown was a loyal and caring friend to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. Through Linda’s annual giving, four students each year were able to focus more fully on their education, knowing someone believed in their potential. Before her passing at the end of 2025, Linda took a final, generous step to ensure her support would continue by establishing an endowed scholarship through a planned gift of nearly $505,500. The Rex, Lyle, and Dorothe Brown Endowed Scholarship now carries forward her legacy, and her family’s name will forever be connected to the success of the Seawolves whose lives are shaped by her generosity.

A Lifelong Commitment to Athletics

Our Seawolf student-athletes have also been the beneficiaries of a remarkable legacy. Jim Olson and Bobbi Ramos Olson made their first gift to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ more than 20 years ago, beginning a journey of commitment to our teams that spanned decades. Following the loss of Bobbi earlier last year—a loss felt deeply by the entire Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ community—Jim has honored their shared passion for sports through a significant planned gift. This contribution will be divided equally to provide lasting support for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, and Women’s Volleyball. We will always think fondly of Bobbi’s dedication to the Green and Gold, and we are grateful that the Olson’s impact will be felt for generations to come.

Fueling Alaska’s Workforce

We are also thankful for ConocoPhillips’ $400,000 investment in the Process Technology Program at Kenai Peninsula College. This gift strengthens a program that plays a vital role in preparing Alaskans for skilled, high-demand careers. With more than 50 years of collaboration with industry partners and endorsement from the North American Process Technology Alliance, the program combines hands-on lab experience, advanced simulation technology, and flexible learning options that serve working adults across Alaska. This support helps ensure students are ready to succeed in careers that sustain our state’s economy.

Looking Ahead to Giving Day 2026

I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm already building for Giving Day 2026, taking place March 24–26. This 49-hour celebration of generosity has become a meaningful tradition at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, and several early champions have stepped forward with challenges that will multiply the impact of every gift:

• The George and Stephanie Suddock Foundation is providing a 2:1 match up to $30,000 for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Student Support Fund, in addition to a $20,000 gift to the Della Keats Summer Program.
• Cindy and Dave Schraer are offering a 2:1 match up to $20,000 for gifts to the Goss Nursing Student Support Center.
• Mary K. Hughes and the John C. Hughes Foundation are inviting arts supporters to unlock a $2,500 gift to Excellence in Theater and Dance when 10 donors participate.
• Many more matching opportunities will be available on the giving day website.

A Lasting Commitment to Justice and Health

Finally, I want to recognize an extraordinary gift from the Estate of Loisann Reeder. A contribution of more than $590,000 will establish the John and Loisann Reeder Justice Center Endowment and the Loisann and John Reeder Health Endowed Scholarship, while also strengthening the George Rogers Emerging Scholarships. These gifts will help students prepare for careers that serve the health, justice, and the well-being of communities across Alaska.

Each of these commitments—whether made during a lifetime or planned for the future—reflects a shared belief in the power of education to change lives. Thank you for being part of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s story and for all you do to support our students.

With warm regards,

Cheryl Siemers
Interim Chancellor
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

Slideshow

Recent Benefactor Highlights

Benefactors from Nov. 26, 2024 - Feb. 25, 2025 at leadership-level gifts of $10,000+

View Recent Benefactors

Recent Stories of Impact

Read stories of impact and continue to check back for updates highlighting the Anchorage campus and community campuses.