UNIVERSITY OF FAIRBANKS For alumni and friends of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Fall 2008 P.O. Box 757505 Fairbanks, AK 99775-7505

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Campus Profile Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel

A ‘Real Good’ Story R.G. and Onnie Bouchum Scholarship Extr Credit Learn by Doing Alaska 4-H prepares students for real life Another brick in the wall. y Keltner used his spare time while completing his M.B.A. last academic T year to create a model of the Gruening Building out of LEGO® bricks. At a cost of more than $1,100, the project was more ambitious than many graduate student theses. Keltner also built a web comic strip, complete with construction workers, local media personality Darryl Lewis and Gov. . The model will be on permanent display in Wood Center.

New discoveries in the Aleutians

UAF alumni in this story: Ty Keltner, ’02, ’08, and Darryl Lewis, ’88

@ View Keltner’s web comic strip chronicling his LEGO® construction America’s Arctic University project at www.uaf.edu/aurora/.

Alumnus within: see pages 21 – 24 June 2008

Volume 1 No. 1 FROM THE CHANCELLOR Published semiannually for alumni and friends of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni and friends, It’s September again, one of the best months of the year for watching the aurora borealis. The aurora is beautifully varied and constantly Contents evolving. It inspires a sense of curiosity and mystery. Scientists try Vice Chancellor for University Advancement to capture its essence, artists its evanescence. This blending of art Cover Story: Jake Poole Beneath the Surface and science, of many strands into a spectacular whole, makes Aurora 6 Director of New discoveries in the a fitting name for the new magazine of the University of Alaska Marketing and Communications Aleutians Scott McCrea Fairbanks. By Carin Bailey Stephens Aurora, some of you may recall, was also the name of a UAF magazine Assistant Director Jackie Stormer years ago, but that is also fitting: we look north to the future but we Managing Editor never forget the past. Kim Davis

We can’t get too carried away by the aurora metaphor. The real aurora Creative Director is elusive and fickle. It never shows up when you want to impress Jan Stitt

visitors. It flares up suddenly and brilliantly, then disappears just Features Editor as quickly. UAF, on the other hand, is here to stay — constantly LJ Evans

changing, yes, but with purpose and care. Our inspiration comes from Around Campus Editor the limitless heights of the northern sky, but our progress is firmly Marmian Grimes grounded in Alaska itself. The Magazine ofEditor the University ofTori Alaska Tragis Fairbanks To our readers in Alaska, celebrate the return of the northern lights in the cool September air, then come inside where it’s warm and enjoy Designers Jenn Baker 18 this first issue. To our friends Outside, I hope the colorful mix of Phil Raymond Campus Profile: Andrea Swingley 12 stories reminds you of the vibrancy of Alaska and its premier university. Kuskokwim Campus Learn by Doing Welcome to Aurora. Photo Manager in Bethel Alaska 4-H prepares Todd Paris 35 years of enterprise students for real life Web Designer By Debbie Carter Brian Rogers Jenn Baker en Ala Chancellor Multimedia Coordinator A ‘Real Good’ Story rtesy of Ow Photo cou [email protected] Megan Otts R.G. and Onnie Bouchum Scholarship 14 @ Learn about Chancellor Rogers at Opinions expressed are those of the By LJ Evans www.uaf.edu/chancellor/. authors and do not necessarily reflect officialIn this Issuepositions of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. ABOUT THE COVER Send comments or letters to the editor to: departments [email protected]-PSFNJQTVNEPMPSTJU. Visit us on the web at www.uaf.edu/aurora/. 2 Around Campus Colorful sea anemones are found Thet-PSFNJQTVNEPMPSTJU University of Alaska Fairbanks is near hydrothermal vents in the accredited by the Northwest Commission 21 Alumnus Islands of the Four Mountains in the ont-PSFNJQTVNEPMPSTJU Colleges and Universities. UAF is an affirmative action/equal opportunity Aleutian chain. Researchers from t-PSFNJQTVNEPMPSTJU 25 Events Calendar UAF made more than 400 dives and employer and educational institution. Photos by Todd Paris, ’83, UAF Marketing explored 1,000 miles of coastline and Communications, unless otherwise during a two-year assessment noted. 09/2008 On the web program. Story begins on page 6. Photo by Shawn Harper. @ Look for this icon for information about enhanced content, including multimedia, online.

America’s Arctic University www.uaf.edu AROUND CAMPUS AROUND CAMPUS Digging up the past Institute names @ See David Monson discuss the new tudents at this summer’s archaeological fi eld school For their work at the site, which consisted of digging eight institute at www.uaf.edu/aurora/. near the Gerstle River spent fi ve weeks sifting through hours a day, six days a week for fi ve weeks, students earned founding director S UAF has created the Susan Butcher Institute, a program that aims to cultivate public service thousands of artifacts dating back to some of the continent’s six academic credits. and leadership skills in Alaska residents. Butcher’s husband, David Monson (pictured below), fi rst inhabitants. Thomas Allen, an undergraduate anthropology major from will serve as the institute’s Assistant Professor Ben Potter, who’s been involved with Fairbanks, was particularly impressed with what he was fi rst executive director. He will

the site since the mid-90s, said their discoveries are globally helping to fi nd at the Gerstle River site. develop a range of programs Koerner Kay by photo UAF signifi cant. intended to inspire people, “Stones and bones are cool, but what they can actually tell you especially youths and emerging Agriculture “The site has a number of qualities that are extremely rare about what people were doing here 10,000 years ago, that’s leaders, to improve their own in the subarctic, whether in North America or Asia,” Potter really why I’m out here.” communities through public in action said. “First of all, we have incredibly good preservation of service, volunteerism and ummer visitors to organic materials that typically deteriorate in acidic soils of taking on new challenges. The Fairbanks were able boreal forest settings. Another reason it’s important is that it’s institute expects to offer a to see agricultural extremely well stratifi ed. The soil lays down like a layer cake, researchS in progress via a Stones and bones are cool, but what wide variety of workshops and which helps us identify specifi c occupations and the artifacts collaborative project between Photo by Nora Gruner Nora by Photo seminars starting in fall 2010. that are associated with each other." “they can actually tell you about what the School of Natural people were doing here 10,000 years Resources and Agricultural Potter also said that the site is unusual in the number of LARS opens barn doors Sciences and the greenhouse artifacts unearthed. ago, that’s really why I’m out here. uskoxen, caribou and reindeer greeted more than 600 visitors at the spring open house at at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge.  omas Allen, anthropology major” the Institute of Arctic Biology Robert G. White Large Animal Research Station. “To this point I think we have around 10,000 to 12,000 fragments M Research professional Jeff of stone tools and some of the tools themselves,” he said. The station hosts the annual event to Werner (pictured above) “We’ve probably got about 500 tools that we’ve found so far give the public a chance to see and Professor Meriam in our excavations. For all of these reasons, it’s an extremely @ Watch an audio slideshow of the Gerstle the spring calves and learn Karlsson headed the project, signifi cant site.” River dig at www.uaf.edu/aurora/. about large-animal science which examined how before the station offi cially to grow sustainable opens for the summer. food crops in rural communities. Werner Visitors saw how ultrasound and Karlsson designed is used to assess animal the greenhouse and a body condition and teaching tool to explore witnessed how muskoxen planting and operating digest the coarse woody techniques. Local plants that make up their diet members of the youth at interactive science displays organization Future hosted by scientists and students. Farmers of America Guides stationed along the tour path planted and maintained provided a running commentary of natural a crop of hydroponically history about the animals and the facility. grown tomatoes, cucumbers, celery and other vegetables. Decades of observing the restless Earth The greenhouse was open For the last 20 years, Alaska has been a safer place, despite being home to more than 50 histori- to the public throughout cally active volcanoes. This security comes from the service and research conducted by a team the summer season; FFA of scientists with the Alaska Volcano Observatory, a joint project among the UAF Geophysical members planned to sell the Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical vegetables as a fundraiser for Surveys. The observatory was founded in 1988, just 18 months before the eruption of Mount the local organization. Redoubt in Southcentral Alaska. @ Watch Okmok volcano erupt in July 2008 at www.uaf.edu/aurora/.

2 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 3 AROUND CAMPUS AROUND CAMPUS

New ‘Nook leaders Growing our own Cut, colored and coiff ed KUAC captures gold Home ice advantage fi ve-year, $700,000 gift from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation early two dozen students joined the student body of the UAF UAC TV producers added to their gold cache in Tanana Valley Campus this spring as the inaugural June, bringing home television’s top honors for the UAF alumnus Dallas Ferguson is the new head A will help support Native students seeking doctoral degrees at UAF. cohort in the campus’ licensed cosmetology pilot third consecutive year. Produc- coach for the Alaska Nanook hockey team. The money will fund up to four competitive graduate fellowships each N K program. The students spent the spring semester learning ers Claudia Clark and Deb Lawton Ferguson was a four-year letter winner in his year for students in the dissertation-writing phase of their studies. The basic cosmetology theory and moved on and writer/editor Aaron Elterman days as a player for the Nanooks and served as goal of the program is to increase the number of Native people holding to practical training at local salons during won an Emmy Award for their team captain during his senior year in 1996. doctorates and in turn increase the number of Native faculty members the summer. They are expected to KUAC TV production of “Alaska- His post-college career at colleges and universities. complete the three-semester program One Image Spots,” where viewers includes four years as Th e need for programs like this is vital across the United States, in December and will be eligible share their commitment to public a pro, two years as an where there is signifi cant under-representation of indigenous for state licensure upon gradua- television. e trio received the award assistant coach for the “ peoples on the faculties of colleges and universities. tion. TVC created the pilot program at the National Academy of Television Fairbanks Ice Dogs Brian Brayboy, president’s professor of education in response to reports from local Arts and Sciences Northwest chapter and four years as the ” salon owners of a serious shortage of award ceremony held June 7 in Nanooks’ assistant coach. licensed hairdressers in the greater Sea le. e station also received Dallas has the plan, passion Fairbanks area. At the time, owners two other Emmy nomina- reported at least 70 openings for tions. is is the fourth and broad support necessary to tions. is is the fourth “ licensed hairdressers. consecutive year the sta- provide a foundation that Nanook tion has been nominated hockey has been missing. for Emmy Awards. UAF athletic director Forrest Karr ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ” Winning three years in a row UAF photo by Matt Nolan Matt by photo UAF UAF photo by Matt Nolan Matt by photo UAF By the numbers: “ is an honor and a tribute to Seasoned veteran Icy climate clues the talent found at KUAC. TOTE Family Fun Fest Claudia Clark, KUAC producer” joins the team Institute of Northern Engineering Assistant Professor Matt Nolan and an international team of researchers pulled a 150-meter-long ice core from r UA Museum of the North – June ,  e r UA Museum of the North – June ,  Darryl Smith, a 17-year coaching veteran, was h ss McCall Glacier in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge this summer. “Th e ii ✰ 1 circus tent ✰ 600 kids and parents FF

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the women’s of the McCall Glacier at F F ✰ ✰ A ✰ ✰ www.uaf.edu/aurora/. A 1 PBS celebrity 4 hours of family fun basketball team. U Smith’s experience includes 15 combined istory Professor Carol Gold became a minor years as a head coach at celebrity in Denmark aft er her 2007 book, Metropolitan State College of Denver, Wichita Danish Cookbooks: Domesticity and National Miles from where? State University and Butler Community College. HIdentity, 1616 – 1901, made headlines throughout the 10 20 30 40 Most recently, he served as assistant coach for country. Gold did several interviews in Denmark the NCAA Division I University of Nevada. his summer, UAF installed a refurbished version of about the book, which off ers insight on gender roles, Smith has a 267-163 career record, including West Ridge’s iconic milepost sign. The sign was literacy, identity and nationalism via three four conference championships and four NCAA Tasty tome originally erected on West Ridge in 1973 as a symbol centuries of cookbooks. Th e book was published tournament bids. Tof UAF’s Geophysical Institute’s global reach in terms of in both the United States and Europe and won a research and collaboration. The original milepost design award from the American Association of University sign was taken down in 2002 due to a major Darryl’s passion for teaching and Presses and a third place award from Gourmand, an international construction project. The current monument Geophysical Institute photo “learning is instantly recognizable. association devoted to promoting publishing on cooking, in the category is an updated version of the original design. UAF athletic director Forrest Karr” “Best Culinary History.”

4 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 5 SCHOOL OF FISHERIES AND OCEAN SCIENCES

New discoveries in the Aleutians By Carin Bailey Stephens

Héloïse Chenelot could feel the Steller sea lion’s sharp teeth through her dive hood. She was 30 feet underwater, on a dive near Tigalda Island in Alaska’s eastern Aleutian Islands. Six divers were in the water, but Chenelot and her colleague, Max Hoberg, seemed to be particularly attractive to the young marine mammals.

Hoberg ducked his head down into the kelp and held still. Three Jewett and the rest of the UAF dive team, which included Reid sea lions surrounded him. Juvenile or not, the animals were huge Brewer, Chenelot, Roger Clark, Roger Deffendall, Shawn Harper — each probably weighed around 300 pounds. One of the animals and Hoberg, were part of a larger team of scientists aboard the gently wrapped its mouth around Hoberg’s head, too. Norseman, all with a mission to assess the overall health of the coastal waters of the Aleutian Islands. Sponsored by the U.S. “If they wanted to, they could crush your head in their jaws, but Environmental Protection Agency and managed jointly by the they didn’t. They were just curious, and they were amazingly Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and UAF, the gentle,” Chenelot said later. “A lot of thoughts go through your project focused on measuring contaminants in the water around mind right then … but bolting to the surface in panic is obviously the Aleutians and determining the productivity and biodiversity of not an option. So you just have to think positive, calming the underwater flora and fauna of the region. The project was part thoughts.” of the nationwide EPA Environmental and Monitoring Assessment The researchers eventually cut the dive short and swam slowly to Program, where regions are characterized by surveys of 50 the surface. randomly selected sites. Doug Dasher, a water quality scientist with It was the first of 440 dives the team made in the little-explored ADEC, was the principal investigator on the project. Aleutian Island chain during the summers of 2006 and 2007. Although the region may appear remote and pristine, the islands There were more than 1,000 miles of coastline to explore, from and their coastal waters are not immune from human activity. near Unalaska-Dutch Harbor in the east all the way to Attu Island Concerns that numerous areas in the vast Aleutian region may be at the western end of the chain. contaminated, principally by petroleum products and some PCBs As he climbed aboard the R/V Norseman, a 108-foot converted and heavy metals, were an impetus for the study. Many of these BENEATH sites are related to World War II and Cold War activities. One is crab fishing vessel and the “topside” headquarters for the divers, Stephen Jewett wondered whether sea lions would be a problem midway along the Aleutian Arc at Amchitka Island, where the on every dive. The lead diver on the expedition and chief dive United States conducted multiple nuclear tests. The largest of those officer for the University of Alaska for the past two decades, Jewett tests, Project Cannikin, resulted in a 5-megaton underground blast THE SURFACE in 1971. was in charge of the divers’ safety, and curious sea lions were just Background: A colorful Triopha catalinae nudibranch, or sea slug, glides along the seafloor in one of many factors he had to consider. Many scientists are concerned that contaminants pose potential the Aleutian Islands. Photo by Héloïse Chenelot. The divers never had any problems with sea lions again. In fact, threats to the marine ecosystems in the Aleutian and Bering Sea Inset (left): A newly discovered sea anemone species they saw relatively few of the endangered animals on the two-year regions. is called a “walking” or “swimming” anemone because it can detach and drift with ocean currents expedition. What they did see, however, was an underwater world as it feeds. Photo by Héloïse Chenelot. that none of them will ever forget. Inset (right): A kelp the scientists discovered, called golden V kelp (Aureophycus aleuticus) because of the color and shape of its blades, represents a new UAF alumni featured in this story: Héloïse Chenelot, ’03; Max Hoberg, ’75; Stephen Jewett, ’77, ’97; Reid Brewer, ’03; Shawn Harper, ’99. species and genus. Photo by Max Hoberg.

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 7 and preventing light from penetrating. Typical good visibility Pink algae, a Coke bottle underwater in Alaska is about 30 feet, so 100 feet is just amazing, and a world war Jewett said. Stephen Jewett saw it on the bottom, among the seaweed Even though the seawater is clear, it is packed with nutrients — and marine creatures — a pink thing shaped inorganic and organic material that help provide sustenance for like an old-fashioned glass soda all marine creatures. Along the southern shore of the Aleutian bottle. He picked Islands, the cooler, nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean it up with the rest of his continuously replace the warmer, nutrient-depleted surface water. collection and Jewett says the upwelling on the south side of the islands is part brought it to the of the reason the area is so biologically productive. surface. “The diversity out there is unbelievable,” added Jewett. “The The team was mixture of invertebrates, fishes and kelps in that nearshore zone diving in Massacre was head-and-shoulders above anywhere else I’ve dived in my 35 Bay on Attu Island, the site years of diving in Alaska.” of the only World Working at depth presented challenges War II combat Each person had a different job underwater. The first diver, on United States soil. Thousands usually Jewett, connected a 90-foot section of surveyor’s tape of Japanese and to the skiff’s anchor line and ran it out parallel to shore. As hundreds of Americans he or another diver videotaped the flora and fauna along the were killed during the underwater line, a second pair of divers set along it three sets battle. of quadrats, squares made out of white PVC pipe. The quadrats The Norseman had run into bad weather and the crew Diver Reid Brewer swims through dragon kelp (Alaria fistulosa). Photo by Shawn Harper. varied in size from about a yard square to less than a foot across. was anchored for protection from the winds. Unable to sample where they had planned because of weather, the Meanwhile, Mandy Lindeberg, an algae expert with the National “Oh, my God, the beauty” mini-ecosystems are built upon this unique algae species. (See divers decided to investigate Massacre Bay. Shawn Harper, a UAF graduate student, photographer and sidebar on p. 9.) Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, walked the same area World War II artifacts were strewn on the seafloor, amateur underwater videographer, grasps the rope attached to in the intertidal zone, where she collected seaweeds from tide Harper’s dive buddy, Max Hoberg, a marine taxonomist with including coffee cups, silverware, ammunition and the rubber skiff and flips backwards, splashing into the water. pools and exposed beach. UAF, says that when he first sank to the bottom on a dive in the ammo casings, and even fully loaded shells. Among the It’s a graceful movement, slow and controlled, but nevertheless Aleutian Islands, he was stunned by what he saw. Divers counted the number of organisms found in each quadrat, artifacts were lots and lots of old Coca-Cola bottles. requires a total commitment from the diver as he tumbles into photographed them and collected samples. The area in the According to Jewett, Coke was the main soft drink “I’d never seen anything like this before, other than in the tropics. the 45-degree water. With one hand still holding the rope, Harper smallest quadrat, about 10 inches by 10 inches, was collected available during the World War II era. “This is what It was just amazing. The sponges were bright reds, oranges, checks that his regulator and tank are working, and then he slips using a suction dredge. The underwater “vacuum” sucked the soldiers and sailors drank out here,” said Jewett. beneath the surface. He sinks slowly towards the bottom, about yellows. In some ways it is indescribable. You’re sitting there and organisms into a collecting bag. Many of the submerged artifacts were coated with the your mind is going, ‘Oh, my God, the beauty,’” said Hoberg. 40 feet beneath the skiff, bubbles trailing quietly behind him. hard pink crust of a coralline algae that grows extremely Collecting animals and seaweed from the seafloor offered As he adjusts the buoyancy in his dive suit to hover a couple It wasn’t just the colors that made diving along the Aleutian coast slowly. The Coke bottle Jewett found might have been challenges. One form of kelp is connected to the rocks with what discarded by a serviceman in the early 1940s, making of feet above the seafloor, Harper’s camera captures a bouquet unique. The divers would not have been able to see the vibrant scientists call a “holdfast.” The divers carried paint scrapers to the thin coating about 60 years old. hues if it weren’t for the outstanding underwater visibility. The of dramatic colors — reds, oranges, yellows and pinks. Most of remove the stubborn attachments. Sea urchins were also hard to the seafloor in the region is composed primarily of boulders and seawater, in many places, was practically clear — or as clear as The pink algae is one of the oldest living plants on Earth. collect without the sharp spines piercing the divers’ thick gloves. According to Jewett, a thickness of 8 inches can be up rocks. seawater can get. According to dive leader Jewett, the visibility to 700 years old. The algae, called Clathromorphum was what made the underwater scenes so exceptional. Working topside nereostratum and Lithothamnion sp., are found These rocky areas are completely covered with assemblages of After up to an hour underwater and with collection bags attached “Diving in the nearshore zone of the Aleutians is the best throughout the Aleutian Islands, and lend a bright rosy brightly colored creatures and plants — sea stars, urchins, sea to their waists, the divers returned to the Norseman, or as they put diving I’ve ever experienced in North America, especially from hue to the rocks and boulders of the seafloor. cucumbers, sponges, anemones, chitons and algae. Among this it, went “topside.” Once on the vessel, they labeled their sample the standpoint of it being a cold-water dive. Visibility was just Another unique feature of these coralline algae is that throng, a small fish or shrimp might suddenly appear, although collections, organized photos and videos, and prepared samples it is often hidden within the brilliant colors. In many areas, it incredible. There were times when visibility approached 100 they are extremely vulnerable to disturbances in the for future study. marine ecosystem. Some of them are especially appears that the bottom has been painted pink because of a feet,” said Jewett. “There really wasn’t any downtime,” said Chenelot. “If there was, sensitive to ocean acidification, and may layer of coralline algae that grows as a hard crust on the rocky Jewett adds that this kind of visibility is unusual, especially provide important clues to changes in marine we usually spent it talking to our fellow researchers about the substrate. This organism, officially a plant, contains enough during summer in Alaska, where large glacier-fed rivers bring ecosystems due to global warming. interesting things we’d found and seen.” calcium carbonate to make it rigid and rock-like. Sea urchins, tons of sediment into the nearshore waters. The particles remain mollusks, chitons and other animals all feed on it, and entire suspended in the water column, making it appear murky

8 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 9 The divers and research team also had Harper put it, perfect for a diver in cold adventures above the water. After all, they water to warm his hands. The divers also 20 new species and counting were in one of the most seismically active found vents in the sandy areas of the Over the course of two summers and 440 dives, the scientists who surveyed the nearshore region seafloor. regions in the world. Around 2 p.m. on of the Aleutian Islands discovered at least 20 new July 13, 2007, they felt a fairly strong “You could put your hands in the sand; it species. As the samples collected during the dives earthquake. According to Jewett, the continue to be analyzed, scientists expect that even was nice and toasty,” said Jewett. tremor “traveled up the anchor line and more species will be discovered. up through the water column” and rattled The divers found Beggiatoa, sulfur- Roger Clark, a marine taxonomist and consultant, the boat. Dasher immediately got on the dependent bacteria, growing directly above is currently sorting and describing the new species. the vents. Tests are underway to determine Complete scientific results from the dives are radio to make sure the team was safe expected in 2009. from potential tsunamis. The quake was the chemical composition of the seawater from the site. magnitude 5.8 and only 30 miles away, but 1 new walking or no tsunamis were generated. A few feet away the divers found the same swimming anemone creatures as in other areas — sea urchins, anemones, sponges and other organisms — seemingly unaffected by the high water 4 new snails Opposite: Reid Brewer hands an underwater video temperature and gases. camera to diver Shawn Harper. A deck hand and Roger Deffendall are also in the boat; Stephen Newly discovered species Jewett is the diver on the right. Photo by Doug 1 new genus, perhaps Dasher. The divers discovered what they believe to family, of kelp Above: The team in front of Kagamil Island in be a previously unknown family of kelp in 2006. Left to right: Stephen Jewett (UAF), Jim the same area. Scientists usually discover Gendron (Alaska Department of Environmental a new species of an organism, or maybe a Conservation), Héloïse Chenelot (UAF), Mandy 8 new sea stars Lindeberg (NOAA), Roger Clark (Insignis Cold hands, warm water new genus. But to discover a new family Biological Consulting), Shawn Harper (UAF), One week later, while the team was is, according to Jewett and algae expert Max Hoberg (UAF), Terri Lomax (ADEC), Reid Brewer (UAF) and Doug Dasher (ADEC). Photo anchored near the Islands of Four Lindeberg, a very big deal. 6 new chitons by Stephen Jewett. Mountains, one of the three active The new kelp is called golden V. It was Right: The Norseman in Eagle Bay, Unalaska volcanoes on the islands, Mount Cleveland, Island. Photo by Shawn Harper. began to belch black smoke and ash. The found in only two places in the region of the Norseman was only about five miles away. hydrothermal vents, each an area of about the chemical constituency of the water 100 square yards, although the divers spent near Kagamil Island, but we don’t know “We were completely accident-free. We had “We could see ash falling ... one side of most of a day circumnavigating Kagamil yet,” said Jewett. six to seven divers and almost every diver the volcano was all black and one snow Island looking for more. covered,” said Jewett. “I suppose it’s a A long way from home was in the water almost every day. Our UAF common occurrence in the Aleutians, but “There is a possibility that there is a The scientists on the Norseman were a long divers are really top-notch,” added Jewett. correlation between the golden V kelp and we got to witness it.” way from home, and it was Jewett’s job to For the most part, the team was alone out make sure the team returned in one piece. As the team worked near Kagamil Island, in the Aleutians. A significant accomplishment of the two- they discovered a series of volcanic vents, year dive survey was the fact that not a “There is no traffic out there. One day we called fumaroles, hissing steam and gases A L A S K A single diver was injured. anchored up on a bad weather day, and into the air. Jewett and the others wondered ATTU there was a halibut fishing boat there. if vents could also be found underwater. Occasionally we would see off in the 2007 Western Dives The divers donned their equipment and distance a large ship going by,” said Jewett. slipped into the sea. As soon as they were B e r i n g S e a “You’re on your own in the Aleutians. If under the surface, they could see bubbles you need help, it may be a long ways away.” rising from the seafloor. ADAK Armed with a thermometer and bottles to ATKA DUTCH HARBOR Carin Bailey Stephens is the public information collect water samples, Jewett cautiously AKUTAN A officer for UAF’s School of Fisheries and Ocean l e approached one of the hydrothermal Sciences. u 2006 Eastern Dives t i openings. The water above the vent was a n I s l a n d s 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or as Shawn @ View video from the dives P a c i f i c O c e a n at www.uaf.edu/aurora/.

10 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 11 12 Photo © Matt Hage 35-anek allrakunekarlulatellra —35yearsofenterprise BETHEL CampusProfile

Photo © Matt Hage

Photo © Matt Hage KUSKOKWIM Campus inBethel rural Alaskans since it Alaskans openedrural 1973. in influencedthelives thousandsof of UAF’s KuskokwimCampus has advance theircareers andpursuehighereducation. lifelong dreams of a high school diploma and encouragingmore others than to 1,400 students receiving GEDs, allowing many KuC’sto realize efforts at promoting adult basic education have resulted in certificates anddegrees onpeoplefrom throughout the region. The Kuskokwim Campus has conferred more than 2,300 credentials.” Campus for leadership as they enhance their own skills and U expand, teaching staff in the region are looking to Kuskokwimlanguage,” said Mary Pete, KuC’s director. “As immersiondevelopment —children here stillspeakYup’ik astheirfirst programs “The B.A. in Yup’ik language and culture is an exciting and timely in theprogram infall2008. Yup’ik language and culture. Sixteen students were servicesready to and enroll tribal management; and a new bachelor’s business;degree in associate degrees in early childhood education,health, human rural human services, information technology and KuC’sapplied academic offerings include certificates in community students inwaysthatwere unimaginable35yearsago. make it possible for KuC’s instructors and staff to instructorsinteract with into TV celebrities. Today new tools andvillages technology that could receive KYUK’s broadcast signal,radio turning for messages.KuC’s Later, instructional television wasinstructors beamed to to travel by small aircraft and rely heavilyIn theon VHFearly days, providing education to village residents required primarily thoseoftheYukon-Kuskokwim Delta. to students in far-flung villages throughout the state,sing but innovative technologies, KuC delivers instruction @ bachelor’s degree at www.uaf.edu/aurora/ degree bachelor’s Yup’ik new the on story to APRN news an Listen UAF alumnainthisstory:MaryPete, ’79,’84 .

Photo © Matt Hage 13 A ‘Real Good’ Story The R.G. and Onnie Bouchum Scholarship By LJ Evans

On an ordinary day in 1997, Dorothy Jones sat in her office on the third floor of Signers’ Hall and checked her e-mail, but one of the messages waiting for her was anything but ordinary. It was the first letter she had ever received from her 77-year-old father, R.G. Bouchum, who was just learning how to read and write.

“I came unglued. I cried and cried,” Jones key he hit was a P. He held it down, not said. “It was a shock to get my very first anticipating the effect that would have, written communication from him ever, and until there was a whole string of P’s. it was an e-mail, of all things.” “He got all upset because he thought he Jones, who was serving the chancellor as broke it. He told me he’d ‘P’d’ all over it!” assistant for equal opportunity at the time, The value of education had counseled her father to stay busy after R.G. Bouchum (he always said it stood for her mother died in 1991. “Real Good”) grew up on a sharecropper’s “He was lonesome. He had nothing to do … farm in Texas as one of nine children. His so I said, ‘Go back to school,’” Jones said. father made sure all the girls got college educations because he didn’t want them A woman for whom R.G. did yard work to be dependent, but he figured the boys in his hometown of Longview, Texas, could always find work. R.G. made it recommended the East Texas Literacy to the fifth grade before he had to quit Council. It was his tutor there who had him school to work in the fields. He learned first write out in longhand the message he the alphabet but couldn’t quite string it all wanted to send his daughter in Alaska, then together to actually read. After he married type it on the computer keyboard. Onnie V. Miles in 1943, she handled any “It was a simple message, really, just a business that required the ability to read couple of lines,” Jones said. “And at the end and write. of the message the tutor wrote, ‘R.G. did this R.G. and Onnie understood the value of all by himself!’” education, and they were determined that Jones said he told her later that when he their children would have a better life. put his hands on the keyboard the first For many years they worked long hours

UAF alumna featured in this story: Dorothy Jones, ’77

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 15 at extra jobs to make it possible for only about what they gave her but also what “With each lesson I found that I learned their daughters, Bobbie J. and Dorothy, she’s done with it.” as much or more from him than he could to go to college. R.G. was always eager ever learn from me,” Brown writes in the A truck driver who couldn’t read to tell anyone who would listen about book’s introduction. For many years R.G. supported his his daughters, especially Dorothy, who family as a truck driver — a challenge In the book’s first story, “Life on the became an associate professor at UAF for someone who couldn’t read, but he Newsome Farm,” R.G. tells about teaching computer applications. developed strategies to compensate. growing up in East Texas. It was to honor When he needed When we were living on the her parents’ help, he stopped and Newsome Farm out in Ore City, Daddy high regard for You’re never asked for directions. was sharecropping — working on the education that If someone was with halves. If he made two bales of cotton, Dorothy and her him who could read, too old to the boss man got one and Daddy got husband, Lloyd, that person helped him one. That was the usual arrangement decided in 1997 to decipher the paperwork learn. for sharecroppers. establish the R.G. that said what should and Onnie V. Bouchum Multicultural be delivered where, and he had the For extra money, the kids gathered Scholarship at UAF. The scholarship was warehouse workers load the truck in such the eggs and Mama would take them to town … and sell them. She would first awarded in 2000. a way that he could tell where things R.G. Bouchum keeps an eye on a throng of Fairbanks Community Food Bank volunteers needed to be delivered. pack them in a bucket or box lined with from his wheelchair in this 2001 painting by Charlen Jeffery Satrom. Last year’s scholarship went to Unika cotton seed. She would put a layer of Nelson, a junior communication major. But when his beloved Onnie died, he Bouchum lived in Fairbanks with his cotton seed in the bottom and then A home at the food bank (See sidebar below.) could no longer handle his personal daughter Dorothy Jones and her family some eggs, layering them all the way In 1998, after R.G. had a stroke and could from 1998 until his death in 2007. affairs, so he took Dorothy’s suggestion UAF Summer Sessions director Michelle to the top. no longer stay alone at his home in Texas, and decided to learn how to read. He “We connected them with R.G. and he Bartlett said the Bouchum scholarship is Dorothy and Lloyd persuaded him to had always been a hard worker, and he Most folks don’t know about cotton told them great stories,” Kirstein said. “It a reflection of her good friend Dorothy’s come live with them in Fairbanks. Not approached acquiring these new skills seed, but my mother sure did. Cotton wasn’t easy growing up a black man in relationship with both of her parents. able to sit still very long, he was soon seed is not so soft, but the seed with the same determination. His stories volunteering with Foster Grandparents Texas during the time of segregation, but “From her parents she got the values of always had cotton stuck to it and made so impressed Brenda Brown, a staff and participating in many activities at even with all the challenges he’d met in hard work and a good education,” Bartlett a nice sized, soft ball about the size of member and one of his tutors at the East the Fairbanks Resource Agency’s Senior his life, even though he was wheelchair- said. “This scholarship is a wonderful way your little fingernail. A lot of cotton Photo courtesy of Dorothy Jones Texas Literacy Council, that she helped Center. One of the volunteer jobs he took bound, he was still working.” that she has honored her parents. It’s not him compile his memoirs into a book, seed was perfect for lining the bucket up with a passion was at the Fairbanks “If he couldn’t get their attention any “He was illiterate not because of his brain One Man, One Book. Mama used to take eggs to town. Community Food Bank. other way he’d take off his socks and power — he was one of the smartest The staff there quickly figured out that show them his stump,” Kirstein said. people we ever had around — but R.G. had some very special gifts. because he didn’t have the opportunity.” That stump was a harsh reminder of Unika L. Nelson “His job looked like it was just R.G.’s first winter in Fairbanks. Despite “Everything he had to share with us was urging from Dorothy and Lloyd to come very worthwhile,” Kirstein said. “I love understanding how people interact with each other in different situations. There’s no right repackaging rice and flour,” said indoors after a big snowfall, he kept or wrong approach,” says Unika L. Nelson, a communication major and the 2007 recipient of the Samantha Kirstein, the food bank’s

UAF Photo by Rosie Millican Rosie by Photo UAF R.G. was flattered by the scholarship his shoveling their driveway and ended up R.G. and Onnie V. Bouchum Multicultural Scholarship. She was planning to major in music, but executive director. In reality, she says, daughter set up in his and Onnie’s name, switched because she loved her first-semester communication class so much. with frostbite, which cost him his leg his job was to share stories about his life and he met the scholarship recipient each because of circulation problems. But even Originally from Detroit, Mich., Nelson has lived all over because her dad is in the Coast Guard. She and his strong work ethic with young year until his death in November 2007 the amputation didn’t keep him from graduated from Kodiak High School in 2004 and attended her first semester at Kodiak College, then transferred to people who were in need of some attitude at age 90. Although his e-mails have UAF in spring 2005. She is thinking about pursuing a career as a college admissions diversity director. helping out with chores and volunteering adjustment. ended, R.G. Bouchum’s extraordinary at the food bank, Dorothy said. “I think that’s really important. There are so many different types of people, not even just talking about race, but culture, The courts or the school district accomplishment at age 77 embodies his ethnicity. Not everyone learns the same, communicates the same, thinks the same. It’s so important that people are aware sometimes send young first offenders to Because Bouchum couldn’t read philosophy: you’re never too old to learn. of that.” throughout most of his life, Kirstein @ Inspired by this story? Support this or other perform community service in lieu of jail scholarships at UAF at www.uaf.edu/giving/. time or detention. One of the places they notes that all the challenges he faced were LJ Evans is a writer and editor for UAF can put in their hours is at the food bank. compounded. Marketing and Communications.

16 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 17 coo p e r a tiv e e x t e nsion s e rvic e “You become more responsible,” she said. After graduating from college, Kuester became a television journalist in Fairbanks, where she reported on a variety of 4-H Since 4-H kids care for their animals, they also learn a lot of camps and activities that rekindled her interest in the program. veterinary medicine. Ala learned how to give shots, dehorn and This past January, she stepped into new territory by becoming the castrate animals, and dress wounds. Caring for animals and making community development director for the Downtown Association of multiple visits to doctors for his own health issues, including Fairbanks, which promotes the downtown area. broken bones, encouraged his interest in medicine. A family affair Last fall, as he has done on several visits home, Ala butchered a pig The screen saver on Matt Bray’s computer features several with a group of 4-H’ers, taking time to talk to them about bones, domesticated goats clambering over rocks. Bray, who is finishing a muscles and organs. LEARN BY doctorate in permafrost engineering at UAF, cannot remember life The main philosophy Ala learned from 4-H is that you just jump in without goats — or without 4-H. and learn. That approach helped in medical school, he said. “I was His mother, Annette, is a longtime leader and his sister, Maria, has much more comfortable getting in and doing things because I’ve served as a leader for a 4-H club north of Fairbanks for seven years. been doing it my whole life.” DOING The family’s current herd of goats numbers about 30, and they have provided scores of the animals for 4-H youth and others Alaska 4-H prepares students for real life who want to raise the Toggenburg and Saanen dairy breeds. By Debbie Carter Matt, 31, is the primary caregiver for the herd, but both Bray siblings provide showmanship clinics every year to 4-H’ers who hen Owen Ala raised pigs, sheep and steers with his Ala, 29, began a five-year residency in orthopedic surgery at an want to learn about grooming goats and showing them at the Kenai Peninsula 4-H group and butchered his first Albuquerque, N.M., hospital in summer 2008. He is one of a group fair. The family also serves as an unofficial source of goat-care W animal in fourth grade, he never realized how handy of distinguished Alaska 4-H alumni who have gone on to succeed information for goat owners. in college and in a variety of careers. that experience would become in medical school. Since Bray grew up around 4-H and raised animals, joining The 4-H program, part of UAF’s Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H when he was 8 emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning life seemed like a natural skills, citizenship and leadership. A handful of 4-H progression. Every agents across the state run the program with the help summer of more than 1,100 youth and adult volunteers. for about 10 years, Local 4-H clubs emphasize learning about cooking, he took sewing, gardening, science and raising livestock, as Childhood photo courtesy of Chelsey Schell Kuester care of pigs, well as government and a host of other topics. 4-H “You can do it!” calves and kids have also participated in a moose hunt, earned Chelsey Schell Kuester, who spoke to a 4-H youth leadership goat kids at emergency medical certification and studied crime scene forum on the UAF campus earlier this year, said 10 years of 4-H the Tanana investigation. Club members themselves choose what to gave her the confidence to try new things and the message, “You Valley State emphasize. can do it!” Fair. Keeping Kids and parents learning together “It’s that simple seed that they planted,” she said. “It’s a huge livestock at the Nancy Veal grew up with 4-H in eastern Oregon, and she confidence builder.” fair meant that became a market livestock leader on the Kenai Peninsula he practically when her own kids were of 4-H age. She volunteered for 20 Kuester, 26, started participating in 4-H at age 5 when an older lived there for the week sister joined a sewing class. The leader encouraged her to sew also, Photos courtesy of Owen Ala years and has led 4-H programming on the Kenai the past to care eight years. and she made a doll, then doll clothes, and her own clothing by the for them. Childhood photo courtesy of Matt Bray time she was 7. Dr. Ala, who graduated from Cornell University medical school in Veal has seen Ala and others grow up and become teachers, “You take them to the May, says the skills required for dissecting a cadaver or performing business owners, farmers, veterinarians and doctors. Some former Growing up in Michigan, her 4-H experiences revolved around arts auction and hope you get a good price,” he said. surgery are very similar to the skills required for butchering a pig 4-H’ers, like herself, have become 4-H leaders. and crafts projects, including sewing, macramé and glass etching or steer. Through 4-H, he learned the basics of anatomy. — skills that leaders and parents contributed. During the summers, Most of what he learned about raising animals came from his The program continues to be successful, she believes, because kids she canoed on rivers at 4-H camp, despite being nearly blind in family but 4-H provided an opportunity to get together with kids “I kind of had a leg up,” he said. and parents are involved and learning at the same time. The kids one eye (and not being allowed to wear glasses while in a boat) and with similar interests. work with guidelines, project books and deadlines. Those who His 4-H public speaking experiences also help him present practiced shooting sports. research to large audiences and patient case histories to doctors. raise livestock are accountable for an animal’s welfare. UAF alumni featured in this story: Matt Bray, ’01, ’03; Maria Bray, ’98

18 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 19 Unlike a typical 4-H livestock project, which involved raising animals for the fair, the Brays tended a year-round goat herd and handled most of the animal care themselves. Matt continues to enjoy raising goats and the satisfactions that come with it, he said, such as assisting with a trouble-free birth of twin goat kids and the ability to produce milk from a healthy, known source. Creating the “I work with goats for the little things — the small moments when they bring a smile to your face,” he said. “The greetings of a bunch perfect job of goat kids in the morning when you bring them their bottles of milk and you know they think you are the best person in the hen Navin Sharma, ’79, ’81, world. When the goats feel frisky and run and play and jump … couldn’t fi nd the perfect job, looking out and seeing a bunch of goats relaxing in the morning he created it. sun, chewing their cud with a look of complete contentment.” Childhood photo courtesy of W Cooperative Extension Service Learning leadership In 1997, Sharma discovered a way to merge his experience in nursing with a Rocki Hanscom, a senior majoring in political science at UAF, “It’s helped me get to the next level, to get an internship.” career in law enforcement. He was work- said her 4-H experiences, which emphasized citizenship and In Alaska, some 10,000 kids participate in 4-H sponsored events, ing as a full-time police offi cer with the government, helped shape her career interests. She is considering a whether it’s after-school clubs, special-interest classes or more Vancouver (Wash.) Police Department. career in foreign service or in international law. Sharma courtesy of Navin Photo traditional 4-H activities. They all fulfill the 4-H philosophy: learn Sharma, who began working as a nurse Navin Sharma treats a bomb squad offi cer injured in a blast. Hanscom, 21, got her 4-H start as a Cloverbud, working in her by doing. in the early 1990s, continued to work mom’s community garden behind Elementary School in on call as an emergency room nurse at “Ambulances and fi re department later a paramedic before going through Fairbanks. She entered produce and flowers in competitions at the Debbie Carter, ’81, is a writer and editor for the UAF Providence Portland Medical Center, in paramedics aren’t usually versed in nursing school. Tanana Valley State Fair. During second grade, she acquired a pet Cooperative Extension Service. Portland, Ore. the tactics of a SWAT team or the riot Sharma found his work addicting and guinea pig, Nestlé, and learned how to show him at the fair. She squad and aren’t equipped for a situa- Sharma is credited as the driving force hopes his own nontraditional career started giving demonstrations in second grade as well, on topics @ See 4-H kids in action at the 2008 Tanana Valley behind creating the tactical emergency tion where they could come under fi re,” such as how to transplant a plant. She also learned arts, cooking State Fair at www.uaf.edu/aurora/. path will inspire other nurses to con- medic unit for his police department. Sharma says. and sewing, and participated in the fair’s bake-off and fashion sider second careers as tactical emer- He remembers approaching the SWAT review. “Having a trained medic working as part gency medical personnel. However, after team’s commander about the idea of of the SWAT or riot units can mean the 10 years in law enforcement, he is no During eighth grade, Hanscom started working on a 4-H The history of 4-H assigning specially trained emergency difference between life and death.” longer a police offi cer. government project. She and other 4-H kids lobbied the Alaska medical technicians to the team. Legislature on a livestock liability bill, which limited the liability of 4-H has rural roots. Its philosophy of practical, hands- The TEMS team now boasts four medics, “I still work at Providence Hospital in the on learning grew more than 100 years ago out of a “I gave him a scenario where the airway livestock owners who show animals in public places. Meeting with including two EMTs and one paramedic, emergency department as a staff emer- desire to make public school education more connected of one of his SWAT offi cers was com- and was the fi rst police-based team in gency and trauma RN and am involved legislators, she said, “was a real educational experience.” to country life. promised,” Sharma says. “If the fi re Washington to offer advanced life sup- in training,” Sharma said in a recent The following summer, she participated in a 4-H exchange When Congress created the Cooperative Extension truck, which was several blocks away, port services, including medications, IVs e-mail from Portland. to Maine and in Citizenship Washington Focus, a citizenship Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1914, responded to the call, it would have and some advanced trauma life support it included boys’ and girls’ club work. Soon after, the “The TEMS unit I helped set up is doing program for 4-H teens in the nation’s capital. She followed that up taken approximately six minutes, and surgical procedures. youth organization became known as 4-H and its logo very well and continues to provide with a national 4-H leadership conference her freshman year of the offi cer would have died.” became a four-leaf clover with 4 Hs, standing for head, high school. She helped plan the event the following year and led a Sharma says quality care to the citizens and offi cers heart, hands and health. Today, 4-H is coordinated by Sharma then his background during every critical mission.” session for the conference. Extension agents working with land-grant universities Having a trained medic working illustrated how as an emer- throughout the United States. 4-H clubs and related Sharma was recently appointed to the Before her first semester at UAF, Hanscom became an intern for a tactical emer- “ as part of the SWAT or riot gency nurse organizations now exist in other countries, too. Oregon State Trauma Advisory Board U.S. Sen. and observed the dynamics of the gency medic on units can mean the diff erence brings a fresh In most states, you can join 4-H if you are between and he made contributions to Tactical senator’s office up close. She returned to the senator’s office in the SWAT team perspective to the ages of 8 and 18. The 4-H program includes more between life and death. Emergency Medicine, the fi rst textbook summer 2008 to coordinate the high school internship program. could quickly his police work. than seven million members nationally. Most programs on the subject. intubate the offi cer or begin performing ” 4-H definitely improved her leadership and public speaking skills, center around three areas: leadership, citizenship and He served as a volunteer fi refi ghter, an advanced life support within a matter Excerpted with permission from an article by Linda and helped her pursue her interests in college, Hanscom said. life skills. The 4-H motto is “to make the best better.” emergency medical technician and Childers which appeared in Nurse Week. © 2005, of seconds. Gannett Healthcare Group (www.nurse.com). All “A lot of people think that 4-H is animals and gardening and rights reserved. cooking and sewing but it’s just so much more than that,” she said.

20 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 21 ALUMNUS ALUMNUS

1950s 2000s Alumni teach Ride with pride! Joe, ’58, and Ann, ’57, Tremarello gave $100,000 President’s column Suzanne Evans, ’01 — “Since I graduated from the schoolchildren to say to create the Joseph Tremarello Sr. and Rose R. By , ’67 University of Alaska Fairbanks, I started teaching Show your Nanook pride by purchasing ALASKA Tremarello Memorial Fund, in honor of Joe’s art classes with the University of Alaska through a UAF license plate from the Alaska “I Know I Can” parents, to support student-athletes on the men’s hat a great way to start my term Chukchi Campus and UAF in Fairbanks, Alaska. I and women’s varsity basketball teams. Joe formerly Was the new president of the UAF also worked as a counselor counseling individuals Department of Motor Vehicles. he University of coached the women’s basketball team, and Ann Alumni Association by welcoming our throughout the state of Alaska that had substance www.alaska.gov/dmv/plates/ Alaska College served as university registrar for nearly 45 years, alumni and friends to the university’s abuse issues. I hope to work for a law offi ce @ T universe.htm UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS Savings Program retiring in 2002. new magazine, Aurora. The partnership someday in the future! In 2001 I brought Irene TM and the Alaska between the alumni association and Bedard cast and crew to Kotzebue, Alaska, from L.A., California, to perform for the community. Commission on 1960s our university in recruiting, mentoring, It was a memorable moment to see her again. She Postsecondary Vera Alexander, ’65, was honored advocating and supporting the encouraged young high school students to attend Education with the dedication of a new smart next group of new alumni is never- college after high school and that they can achieve expanded the classroom at UAF, room 201 ending. The alumni association board their dream of what they want to be in the future.” in the O’Neill Building on of directors is happy to assist in the “I Know I Can” Jamie Barger, ’02 — “After West Ridge, renamed the task, but we also need the aid of the

Photo by Mary Gower, ’94, ’95 Mary by Gower, Photo completing my Ph.D. at UAF, where I outreach effort Vera Alexander Learning 28,000 UAF graduates and friends of studied the regulation of metabolism Center. After receiving her in 32 classrooms across Alaska this year. the institution to continue with the during hibernation, my family and doctorate in marine science UA alumni volunteers read the colorful I momentum. I moved to Madison, Wisc., at UA in 1965, Vera became Allison by photo Blanchard UAF so I could be a postdoc with Know I Can picture book to an estimated an associate professor at the fl edgling Institute of One way that you can help is by joining Dr. Richard Weindruch at 730 school children. Marine Science on the Fairbanks campus. In 1980, the alumni association. As a graduate or the University of Wisconsin- she became the director of IMS. When the UAF Madison. There I investigated the bioactivity I Know I Can features animal characters School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences was formed former student of UAF, you are always of adipose tissue in mice and rhesus monkeys encouraging children to consider college in 1987, she became its fi rst dean and served for considered one of our alumni, but on calorie-restricted diets. I joined LifeGen nearly 20 years, until 2004. Vera is a professor when you pay membership dues to and career choices, and to start think- Technologies in 2005 and serve as their head of emerita and is currently on the advisory board ing about those choices now. The uni- join the alumni association you receive project management. Recently I was lead author for the UAF Pollock Conservation Cooperative extra benefi ts. Examples of these on a peer-reviewed publication about our team’s versity and ACPE started the program Research Center. She is also the president of the benefi ts include rental car, hotel and investigation of the effects of resveratrol, a chemical last year. UAF alumni who participated Arctic Research Consortium of the United States. condominium discounts, eligibility for found in red wine, on the aging process. The study include Ian Olson, ’97, Tania Clucas, in-state tuition for children of alumni, has made international news, including The New ’95, ’08 (pictured above) and Tamara 1980s and scholarship opportunities for family York Times, Wine Spectator magazine, BBC News and Jay Leno’s monologue on The Tonight Show.” Hornbuckle, ’86. Milton Ludington, ’87 — “My B.S. degree in civil members of alumni. The association engineering from UAF has allowed me to manage is also in the business of connecting design and construction programs and projects friends and making sure your tie to the @ View more class notes or submit your SAVING YOUR PFD CAN MAKE all over the U.S. and the world. My recent three university is not broken. own at www.uaf.edu/aurora/. years in Iraq allowed me to lead the programming COLLEGE MORE THAN A DREAM. 2008 – 2009 UAF Alumni of $1 billion in Iraqi national transportation and As the semester is just beginning and Association Board of Directors telecommunications projects for the Coalition the next group of future Nanook alumni In memoriam It’s easy to get a good start on saving for college. Simply designate one President Provisional Authority and serve as senior project are working towards commencement manager for over $100 million in Sadr City sewer « Alaska Stewart Linck, half of your and your child’s PFD to The UA College Savings Plan. You can: Gail Phillips, ’67 ...... [email protected] in May, I would like to thank all of you repairs with Washington International/Black and Matric., legislator and Vice President Veatch JV, highlighting an eventful and exciting who attended and helped make this territorial pioneer, March 23, • Start saving for just $50 a month, with no sales charges Daniel Flodin, ’94, ’97 [email protected] career. After many years I have recently returned university one of the nation’s best. I look Fairbanks. She received the • Use assets at most any college or university in the U.S. Secretary to Fairbanks to accept a position with Ageiss forward to seeing many of you this year, Alumni Achievement Award • Lock in today’s UA tuition value for use in the future Laurie Cropley, ’00 ...... [email protected] Environmental as engineering project manager for and remember — once a ’Nook, always for Community Achievement Treasurer the air force at Eielson AFB in connection with an a ’Nook. in 1996. John Davies, ’70, ’75 ...... [email protected] exciting $126 million renovation/new construction Save in Alaska. Marie Quirk Fate- Photo courtesy of Jim Moody, ’55 Moody, courtesy of Jim Photo Board members project. Thanks, UAF!” ’55 Moody, courtesy of Jim Photo Haggard, ’36, June 3, Brian Brubaker, ’96...... [email protected] Study Anywhere. Fairbanks. She served as Charles Bunnell’s Jim Dixon, ’90, ’91 ...... [email protected] 1990s secretary for four years after graduation. Randy Pitney, ’72 ...... [email protected] this last May and had a Nevada Bovee, ’96 — “Blessings abound in my wonderful time together Ryan Tilbury, ’99, ’04 ...... [email protected] « Glen D. Franklin, ’36, life with a new job, happy family, a fabulous trip catching up with each legislator and territorial Tonya Trabant, ’99, ’04 ...... [email protected] to France and continuing to help others with other’s life experiences. I pioneer, June 17, Fairbanks. Visit uacollegesavings.com Call 1-866-222-9084 Joanna Wassillie, ’98...... [email protected] neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy. continue to study neuro- He directed the purchase Elaine Woodruff, ’69 ...... ewoodruff @ccu.edu I recently joined the team as marketing manager linguistic programming and installation of the If you are not an Alaska resident, you should compare this plan with any college savings plan DeShana York, ’95 ...... [email protected] for the University of Alaska College Savings Plan and recently received Charles Bunnell statue offered by your home state or your benefi ciary’s home state and consider, before investing, Executive Director and the UA Scholars program, and am looking the associate trainer at UAF. any state or other tax benefi ts that are only available for investments in the home state’s plan. Go online or call the number listed above to request a Plan Disclosure Document, which Joe Hayes, ’97 ...... [email protected] forward to helping families save for future college certifi cation to add to my master practitioner needs. Having met the challenge with three of certifi cate. It is great to apply some of the learning James V. Drew, dean and includes investment objectives, risks, fees, expenses, and other information that you UAF photo by Sam Winch Sam by photo UAF should read and consider carefully before investing. @ www.uaf.edu/alumni/ our children, I know how important it is. After to the public relations class I am teaching at the director emeritus, July 9, 30 years, I was reunited with some very good Tanana Valley Campus. Life is good and being part Fairbanks. Memorial donations can be made to Offered by the Education Trust of Alaska. T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Investment Advisor and Program Manager. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor/Underwriter. friends from middle school. We all met in France of the UAF alumni is great!” the Drew Outdoor Amphitheater at the Georgeson Botanical Garden at www.uaf.edu/giving/.

22 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS 23

Publication: AURORA Size/Color: 2 x 7.25(4C) (4.8778 x 7.25) Cover Date: 6/2008 On Sale Date: 6/2008 Desktop Publishing EP Proofreading Manager’s Approval Corp. Proofreading Initials: bhq Initials: Initials: Initials: Date:

Date: 5/20/08 Time: Date: Time: Date: Time: Initials: Date:

DTP Code: 2x7.25-(4C)529A76937_AURO08 Legal Ref #: Submitted On Date: 5/21 Time: 10 T. Rowe Price T. Advertising Req Code: Line #: ADDITION Due By Date: 5/21 Time: 4 ALUMNUS FALL/WINTER 2008 Alumni compete at Beijing Olympics Eventathletics arts special events exhibitions Matt Emmons, ’03, and Jamie SEPT. 27 OCT. 10 – 11, OCT. 17 – 19 SEPT. 16 Through NOV. 30 Beyerle, Matric., two former Women’s volleyball vs. UAA Winter Shorts — Theatre UAF Convocation UA Museum of the North special members of the UAF rifl e team and OCT. 17 – 18 NOV. 14 – 15, NOV. 21 – 23 SEPT. 25 – 27 exhibit: “Hunting and trapping in Alaska’s Interior” winners of multiple NCAA rifl e Brice Alaska Goal Rush men’s Laramie Project — Theatre UAF Alumni Reunion and Starvation hockey tournament Gulch championships, represented the U.S. at the 2008 Summer Olympics NOV. 28 – 29 OCT. 6 – 10 Mt. McKinley Bank North Star Engineering Week in Beijing, China. Emmons (pic- Invitational women’s basketball tured at left) captured his second tournament OCT. 18 – 26 KUAC FM Fall Fundraiser career Olympic medal, taking OCT. 20 – 24 silver in men’s 50-meter prone Accounting Week rifl e. (He won the gold medal in

Photo courtesy of USA Shooting USA of courtesy Photo the same event at the 2004 games NOV. 14 St. John of Damascus — Choir in Athens.) Emmons was on track to win gold in men’s three-position when he acci- of the North and Alaska dentally misfi red on his last shot, which knocked him off the medal stand and into Camerata with Fairbanks Choral fourth place. Beyerle, competing in her fi rst Olympics, fi nished fourth in women’s DEC. 12 – 13 Arts Orchestra 10-meter air rifl e and fi fth in three-position. Glacier Classic men’s basketball DEC. 1 @ tournament Ensemble 64.8 Emmons’ wife, Katy, a shooter for the Czech Republic, won the gold medal in air FEB. 27 – 28 DEC. 13 For more events, visit rifl e and a silver in three-position. Governor’s Cup (two-game men’s “Christmas Around the World” www.uaf.edu/events/. hockey home-and-home series) — University Chorus in Fairbanks/Anchorage

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