Centennial events archive
Dec. 31
Sunday
New Year's Eve Sparktacular 8 p.m., UAF's West Ridge UAF's centennial celebrations will end with the New Year's Eve Sparktacular fireworks event.
Dec. 4
Holiday Gathering4-6 p.m., Wood Center multilevel loungeEnjoy food and fellowship with your UAF family at the Chancellor's Holiday Gathering.
Dec. 1
IJͼ Community and Technical College celebrates partners4:30-6:30 p.m., 604 Barnette Street, CTC's building in downtown FairbanksJoin CTC faculty, staff and students to acknowledge their partners in Alaska's communities and industries. Enjoy light refreshments and a gallery featuring each CTC program, starting at 4:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 5:30 p.m. Parking in the garage across Barnette Street will be free during the event.
Nov. 16
HooDoo Centennial Brew* 5:30 p.m., HooDoo Brewery, 1951 Fox Ave. Don your best UAF gear and enjoy a glass of beer brewed with barley grown at UAF's own experiment farm in celebration of the university's centennial. A short program hosted by HooDoo Brewer Bobby Wilken and Fairbanks Experiment Farm staff will connect the craft of brewing with the university's founding as an agricultural college in 1917. For more information, please contact Carolyn.*Participants must be over 21.
Oct. 25
"Walter Harper" book event with Mary Ehrlander 7-9 p.m., Raven Landing Center, 1222 Cowles Street, Fairbanks Join Mary Ehrlander, professor and director of UAF's Arctic and Northern studies program, to talk about Walter Harper, Interior Alaska's history and the role of the Episcopal Church. Ehrlander's new book, tells the story of the Athabascan man who was the first person to reach Denali's summit. Featured speakers also include Johanna Harper, Dana Wright, Sam Alexander and Episcopal Bishop Mark Lattime.
Oct. 12
Centennial lecture by Kesler Woodward 6:30 p.m., Murie Building auditorium Woodward, IJͼ professor emeritus of art, will present "A Beacon for Culture: A Century of University of Alaska Leadership in the Arts." He will illustrate and discuss the university's indispensable role in developing Alaska's visual and performing arts and our understanding of who we are as Alaskans.
Oct. 5
Book event with Miki and Julie Collins 7 p.m., Murie Building auditoriumMiki and Julie Collins, 1981 graduates of UAF, will introduce the new second edition of their book, "Riding the Wild Side of Denali." Originally published in 1998, the revised edition from has a new section describing more recent adventures with the "trapline twins" from Lake Minchumina and their huskies and horses.
Oct. 1
Know Your Reindeer 3 p.m., Fairbanks Experiment Farm, West Tanana Drive (meet in parking lot)Come interact with the reindeer at UAF while learning about the historical and contemporary importance of animal husbandry in rural communities across the state. This family-friendly program will be led by UAF Research Associate Professor Greg Finstad and include archival photos and film, along with a tasting of reindeer products from Alaska Sausage. Come dressed for the weather (including footwear appropriate for muddy conditions.)
Sept. 16
8 a.m., Patty CenterUniversity of Alaska coaches and students created the Equinox in 1963. Anyone could walk or run the marathon, and it soon became the world's largest, with 1,000-plus participants. After a several-decade decline, participation has rebounded — the 2016 race had more than 400 runners and walkers, plus 130 three-person relay teams. Hundreds more people volunteer and cheer, making it an end-of-summer party.
Sept. 9
Noon, Troth Yeddha' Park, on Yukon Drive east of UA Museum of the NorthThe 5-kilometer race raises awareness about the park, future home of an indigenous studies center, and celebrates Alaska Native history, culture and traditions. Registration is $25, a donation to the UA Foundation's Troth Yeddha' Park Fund. University students can register for free with UA ID. Registration was available online on Eventbrite or at the park from 11-11:30 a.m. on race day.
Aug. 27
Sunday
Brian Rogers, centennial celebration speaker 4 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium, UAF West Ridge After a few years as a UAF student, Brian Rogers served as a state legislator from Fairbanks, a statewide university vice president, a member of the UA Board of Regents and UAF's chancellor from 2008 to 2015. He'll talk with journalist Robert Hannon. A public reception will follow. The Centennial Celebration Speakers Series, sponsored by UAF Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning, features five notable figures who shaped UAF.
Aug. 25
Friday
Centennial lecture featuring 6 p.m., Hering Auditorium, 901 Airport Way Shankar Vedantam is a science correspondent with National Public Radio, host of the podcast "Hidden Brain" and author of the 2010 book of the same name. Vedantam's work focuses on unconscious prejudice and how it affects everything from how people fall in love to how nations go to war. Tickets are required, but entry is free. Register is closed.
Aug. 10
Thursday
Art dedication honoring 1956 ANWR expedition 2 p.m., Murie Building
Sculptor Susan Raymond will present artwork honoring the 1956 Sheenjek River expedition undertaken by Olaus and Margaret Murie, Brina Kessel, Bob Krear and George Schaller to advocate for what became the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Mike Fallon and Stan Havlick, friends of Krear who asked Raymond to create the work and who are canoeing the Sheenjek River this summer, will also attend.
Aug. 7
Monday
Down Memory Lane7 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium Join a centennial conversation with Professors Emeritus Dave Klein (wildlife management, 1962–1997) and Dave Hawkins (geology and chemistry, 1967–1990), hosted by veteran radio journalist Robert Hannon. The Monday night series is sponsored by Summer Sessions and KUAC.
July 31
Down Memory Lane7 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium Join a centennial conversation with Professors Emeritus Paul Reichardt (chemistry, 1972–2007) and Terry Chapin (biology, 1973–2011), hosted by veteran radio journalist Robert Hannon. The Monday night series is sponsored by Summer Sessions and KUAC.
July 30
Marshall Lind, centennial celebration speaker 4 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium, UAF West Ridge Marshall Lind, who started teaching in Southwest Alaska in 1961, served as Alaska's K-12 education commissioner from 1971-1983 and from 1986-1987. He then moved to higher education, serving as UA Southeast's chancellor from 1987-1999 and UAF's from 1999-2004. He'll talk with journalist Robert Hannon. A public reception will follow. The Centennial Celebration Speakers Series, sponsored by UAF Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning, features five notable figures who shaped UAF.
July 24
Monday
Down Memory Lane7 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium Join a centennial conversation with Paul McCarthy, professor emeritus of library science (1964–1991), hosted by veteran radio journalist Robert Hannon. The Monday night series is sponsored by Summer Sessions and KUAC.
July 23
Wendy Redman, centennial celebration speaker 4 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium, UAF West Ridge Wendy Redman spent more than 40 years at the university and retired in 2011 after 23 years as UA vice president of university relations. She'll talk with journalist Robert Hannon and a public reception will follow. The Centennial Celebration Speakers Series, sponsored by UAF Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning, features five notable figures who shaped UAF.
July 22
Golden Days Grande Parade 10 a.m., downtown Fairbanks March with faculty, staff, students and alumni showing off their Nanook pride.
July 20-23
Nanook Rendezvous alumni reunion Join fun activities for locals and visitors alike as reunion weekend returns to midsummer.
July 17
Down Memory Lane7 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium Join a centennial conversation with Anne Shinkwin, professor emeritus of anthropology (1971–1991), hosted by veteran radio journalist Robert Hannon. The Monday night series is sponsored by Summer Sessions and KUAC.
July 15
History Cycles 11 a.m., East side of main parking lot at Pioneer Park Pedal your way around Fairbanks with public historian and UAF history Professor Terrence Cole to learn more about the Golden Heart City's vibrant past.
For more information, please contact Carolyn.
July 10
Down Memory Lane7 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium Join a centennial conversation with Professors Emeritus of art Bill Brody (1967–2000) and Glen Simpson (1969–1997), hosted by veteran radio journalist Robert Hannon. The Monday night series is sponsored by Summer Sessions and KUAC.
July 7
UAF Public Art Tour 5:30 p.m., Constitution Park, Fairbanks Campus Tour your way through the arts on campus with art historian, artist and UAF Professor Emeritus Kesler Woodward. A unique story lies behind each work in UAF's innovative Art in Public Places program.
For more information, please contact Carolyn.
June 26
Down Memory Lane7 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium Join a centennial conversation with Professors Emeritus Carl Benson (geology and geophysics, 1960–1987) and Will Harrison (physics, 1972–1998), hosted by veteran radio journalist Robert Hannon. The Monday night series is sponsored by Summer Sessions and KUAC.
June 25
Dana Thomas, centennial celebration speaker 4 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium, UAF West Ridge Dana Thomas served as UAF interim chancellor for the 2016-2017 academic year after a long association with the university as a student, math faculty member and administrator. He'll talk with journalist Robert Hannon. A public reception will follow. The Centennial Celebration Speakers Series, sponsored by UAF Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning, features five notable figures who shaped UAF.
June 19
Down Memory Lane7 p.m., Elvey Building auditoriumJoin a centennial conversation with Rudy Krejci, professor emeritus of philosophy and humanities (1960–1977), hosted by veteran radio journalist Robert Hannon. The Monday night series is sponsored by Summer Sessions and KUAC.
June 18
Mark Hamilton, centennial celebration speaker 4 p.m., Elvey Building auditorium, UAF West Ridge Mark Hamilton served as the University of Alaska's president from 1998 to 2010 after retiring as a major general following a 31-year career in the U.S. Army. He'll talk with journalist Robert Hannon. A public reception will follow. The Centennial Celebration Speakers Series, sponsored by UAF Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning, features five notable figures who shaped UAF.
June 15
After-Hours Bike Tour 6 p.m., start location TBD This historic bike tour of Fairbanks is for adults only and features stories from Fairbanks' more colorful history, ranging from the gold rush good time girls to Soviet espionage. The ride ends at a popular local watering hole. For more information, please contact Carolyn.
June 12
Down Memory Lane7 p.m., Elvey Building auditoriumJoin a centennial conversation with Professors Emeritus Larry Bennett (engineering management, 1968–1977) and Bill Mendenhall (civil engineering, 1955–1987), hosted by veteran radio journalist Robert Hannon. The Monday night series is sponsored by Summer Sessions and KUAC.
May 27
Polar Passion exhibit openingSpecial exhibits gallery, UA Museum of the NorthExplore the story of Grace Schaible '49, an Alaska woman whose love of polar bears and passion for the North led to an extraordinary collection. Schaible has donated most of her polar bear art, one of the largest such collections in the world, to the museum. The exhibit will run through Jan. 22, 2018. Learn more about the Polar Passion exhibit.
May 6
Gwich'in Nature Walk at Creamer's Field 3 p.m., meet by the barn at Creamer's Field Language is vital to how we relate to and interact with the world around us. Gwich'in linguist Hishinlai' Peter, with UAF's Alaska Native Language Center, will lead a nature walk through Creamer's Field, teaching participants local Gwich'in names for flora and fauna while exploring concepts of identity, culture and language acquisition.
For more information, please contact Carolyn.
May 6
Commencement 1:20 p.m., Carlson Center
May 3
Creation of college anniversary1-2:30 p.m., Centennial Square (near Wickersham Hall) On May 3, 1917, Alaska Territorial Gov. John Strong signed the bill to create what is now known as UAF. Join us on May 3, 2017, to celebrate our 100th birthday. Can't make it in person? Catch the event on !
April 25
Research and Creative Activity Day10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wood Center multilevel loungeUndergraduate students will offer posters, displays and performances in the multilevel lounge from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Deans will present awards and cash prizes during a ceremony at day's end.
April 14
Readings by authors Anand Prahlad and Scott Russell Sanders 7-9 p.m., UA Museum of the North Visiting authors Anand Prahlad and Scott Russell Sanders will read from their works as part of the Midnight Sun Visiting Writers Series. Prahlad, an English professor at the University of Missouri, won the 2016 Permafrost Book Prize offered by Permafrost, UAF's literary journal. Sanders, author of more than 20 books and professor emeritus of English at Indiana University, judged the prize. The UAF English Department sponsors the visiting writers series. For more information, call 907-474-7197 or email uaf-english-dept@alaska.edu.
April 8
Science Potpourri Noon to 3 p.m., Reichardt Building Torch gummy bears, pop hydrogen-filled balloons and make nitrogen ice cream at the free annual Science Potpourri. Other activities include making take-home slime and watching lava rock melt.
April 7-9
7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Wood Center and Schaible Auditorium
April 7
CEM Awards Banquet 5 p.m., No-host corporate reception, Wood Center Pub (ages 21+) 6:30 p.m. Dinner, Wood Center Ballroom $50 per person ($25 for students) The College of Engineering and Mines invites you to celebrate UAF's centennial at their 38th annual awards banquet.
April 5
"New Views of Viking Greenland: Resilient, Adaptive, but Still Extinct," by Thomas McGovern7 p.m., West Valley High School Performing Arts Center, 3800 Geist Rd.Thomas McGovern, an archaeology professor with Hunter College in the City University of New York, is interested in human-environment relationships in the North Atlantic and the effects of climate change on site preservation. His talk, celebrating Archaeology Week, is sponsored by the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, the Alaska Quaternary Center at UAF and the National Park Service.
March 24
Centennial lecture by 3 p.m., Murie Building auditoriumThe team studying wolves and moose on Isle Royale in Lake Superior includes geneticists, social scientists, filmmakers and one bewildered philosopher, Michael Paul Nelson. Nelson is professor of environmental ethics and philosophy at Oregon State University and co-editor of the 2010 book "Moral Ground: Ethical Action for a Planet in Peril." He'll discuss the Isle Royale project and the fusion of science and philosophy. His presentation is part of the Institute of Arctic Biology's life science hour seminar series.
March 6
Stargazing Night: Northern Dene (Athabascan) Astronomy Chris Cannon 6:30 p.m., meet in Room 202 Reichardt Building The Alaska Gwich'in constellation “yahdii” spans nearly the entire sky and comprises 16 groups of stars named after body parts. Yahdii and similar constellations in other Northern Dene languages across the Arctic are incorporated into systems of wayfinding, time reckoning, weather forecasting, and cosmology and religion. Join Chris Cannon, UAF doctoral student in cultural anthropology, for a presentation and star walk to learn more about the Northern Dene sky. Come dressed for the weather.
For more information, please contact Carolyn.
March 2-4
The Festival of Native Arts provides cultural education and sharing through Native dance, music and traditional arts. The festival continues the UAF student-led tradition that began in 1973 of bringing together artists, performers and performance groups in a celebration of Native cultures.
March 2
Centennial lecture by 7 p.m., West Valley High School Theater Krauss, a physicist and science communicator, will present "." Krauss directs the Origins Project at Arizona State University and is a leading researcher in particle astrophysics and cosmology. He has written several best-selling books, including "The Physics of Star Trek." The event is presented by the UAF Society of Physics Students.
Feb. 23
Snedden lecture by Dorothy Parvaz6:30 p.m., Murie Building auditorium Parvaz, a former Seattle newspaper reporter now with Al Jazeera America, will present "On the Run: Covering the Global Refugee Crisis." After entering Syria to cover protests in 2011, Parvaz was questioned and deported to Iran, her birth country, where interrogations continued. In all, she was held almost three weeks. Her lecture, organized by the Department of Communication and Journalism, is funded by the late Helen Snedden's endowment honoring her late husband, C.W. Snedden, former Fairbanks Daily News-Miner owner and publisher.
Feb. 18
Hands-on History of Sourdough 9 a.m., Room 201 Reichardt Building
Connect to chemistry, biology and Alaska history through the age-old tradition of sourdough. Workshop participants will learn to make and care for their own sourdough starter from retired UAF nutrition educator Marsha Munsell. Participants will receive sourdough starter passed down from the late Lola Tilly, home economics professor from 1929 to 1963.
Feb. 11
Blue and Gold Gala 6 p.m., Carlson Center Join us for an elegant evening with fine dining and live music by Pamyua, celebrating UAF's first 100 years and our distinguished honorees.
Jan. 31
Assistant Professor Carl Tape, UAF 7 p.m., Raven Landing On Aug. 27, 1904, seismic stations from around the globe recorded a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in central Alaska. Tape shares new insights at this kick-off event in the Science for Alaska lecture series.
Happy New Year to you and happy centennial to us!
All of us at the IJͼ wish you the best for 2017!
Hundreds of people, including state, university and community leaders, joined University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Brian Rogers on July 6 to conduct a blessing at Troth Yeddha' Park, future home of an indigenous studies center, and to rededicate our cornerstone on the centennial of its establishment in 1915. The events commemorated UAF's rich history and welcomed our next 100 years.
Photos
Learn more
Imagine an object that has lasted a hundred years. A big object, made of stone. Too heavy to move by hand, it's weathered and worn. Bits of its facade have crumbled away. The metal surface of its plaque has rusted and discolored.
Certainly this item has a story, or many, to tell.