Fall/Winter 2024 | UAA Alumni Spirit | Celebrating 40 Years of Supporting Students

Funded by an initial $25 gift in 1985, the UAA Alumni Scholarship is now an endowed fund valued at almost $500K and has generated $490K+ in scholarships to support 300+ students.

By Matt Jardin

New Coke. Live Aid. WrestleMania. The year 1985 saw the emergence of many new institutions — some longstanding, while others not so much. One of the more enduring of these was the creation of the UAA Alumni Scholarship, initially funded by a gift of just $25.

“That first contribution sort of just happened, but it’s a pleasant surprise to see it grow into something that has benefited so many,” said Scott Goldsmith, Ph.D., retired UAA economics professor, former director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research and the first donor to the UAA Alumni Scholarship. “A university degree can be so important to somebody’s lifetime success. I was fortunate I graduated before going to university became so expensive. So if I can make a little contribution so some students can have an easier time, then I feel it’s contingent upon me to do that.”

Now an endowed fund valued at almost $500,000, fundraising for the UAA Alumni Scholarship has become a centerpiece at all events hosted by the UAA Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni and Community Engagement, often inspiring alumni to pay it forward to the next generation of Seawolves.

“Scholarships achieve multiple goals. You’re telling someone you believe in them. You’re also giving them financial support so they can pursue their dreams,” said Melanie Osborne, B.A. Psychology and Justice ’96, senior counsel at Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, former president of the UAA Alumni Association and frequent contributor to the UAA Alumni Scholarship. “Our university produces talented individuals that I encounter daily in Anchorage. We want students to learn and grow and to pursue careers in our state. I support UAA for the education I received and the service it provides fellow Alaskans and Alaska businesses.”

Nearly 40 years later, the UAA Alumni Scholarship has generated over $490,000 in scholarships supporting over 300 students, 266 of whom became alumni, culminating in 13 certifications, 31 associate degrees, 193 bachelor’s degrees, 28 master’s degrees and one Ph.D.

This year, eight new students joined the list of awardees.

UAA Alumni Scholarship Awardees 2024–25

Marin Livingston

Nursing major, senior

(Photo courtesy of Marin Livingston)

“This scholarship has lightened the heavy load of nursing school alongside working full time. I am passionate about completing my education and working as a women’s health nurse practitioner. I want to use this education to make gynecological care more accessible in rural areas in Alaska. I have had many days where I go straight from a 12-hour clinical shift in the hospital to an 8-hour shift at another job. Your contribution has allowed me to start my adult life with the best possible advantage — an education. For this, I am tremendously grateful.”

Julian Tunley

Mechanical engineering major, sophomore

(Photo courtesy of Julian Tunley)

“The UAA Alumni Scholarship has been a significant financial relief for me as I do not have to constantly think about how I will afford rent, groceries and other bills. It is a huge weight off my shoulders. I am deeply grateful for the support, and I hope to give back to the community in the future, just as UAA alumni have done for me.”

Mary Wargo

Nursing major, senior

(Photo courtesy of Mary Wargo)

“As a nontraditional student, returning to school at this phase of my life has been daunting. My husband and I still have children at home and our oldest is beginning college as well. Receiving a scholarship has been so encouraging to me. It helps to know that others are supporting me on my journey.”

Seng Vang

Early childhood education major, senior

(Photo courtesy of Seng Vang)

“Receiving the UAA Alumni Scholarship encouraged me to continue to do my best and graduate. It makes me happy to know that others, who I don’t even know, care and support my learning and education. Thank you for your generosity in making this scholarship possible. Your encouragement and financial support helped me and many others come closer to pursuing our dreams!”

Daniel Ribuffo

Computer science major, senior

(Photo courtesy of Daniel Ribuffo)

“The UAA Alumni Scholarship means that I’m able to focus on my studies and work part time instead of having to juggle a full-time job and a full class load. Looking at my classmates around me, I am constantly reminded how fortunate I am to have received this scholarship. I would like to extend my gratitude to the donors who make this scholarship possible. With the rising costs of everything, the impact of scholarships cannot be emphasized enough. I am truly thankful for receiving this opportunity.”

Skyler Lark

Computer science major, sophomore

(Photo courtesy of Skyler Lark)

“Receiving a scholarship from UAA alumni has helped me affirm my decision that returning to school and finishing my degree is not only an option, but that there is a large group of experienced professionals that have my back and are helping me succeed. Thank you for the support and encouragement! In 2015, I had to stop taking classes due to my mother’s health condition. My family needed my help with both caregiving and to help pay for medical costs. Unfortunately, my mother passed away, but she was always proud of my siblings and me as we are the first in the family to attend college. I hope I can continue to make her proud by finishing my degree.”

Lake Carlson

Biological sciences major, sophomore

(Photo courtesy of Lake Carlson)

“Receiving the UAA Alumni Scholarship has helped me with schooling so much. This scholarship has allowed me more time to focus on my studies and less time working at a job to pay for this semester’s tuition. I was also able to afford my textbooks as well as other school supplies.”

Samuel Goldman

Economics major, sophomore

(Photo courtesy of Samuel Goldman)

“The scholarships I received this year have enabled me to continue my education through a program in the Grand Canyon. To any donors that were a part of my award, I’d like you to know that every day I am doing my best to make the most of the opportunity that I’ve been given and make UAA proud. Thank you!”