SFOS Newsletter
Spring 2009
Optimism during an economic recession
by Teresa Thompson,
SFOS Development Officer
History shows that during tough economic times, more people decide to go to college. That's good news for SFOS, and good news for our state. Workforce development in the area of fisheries and marine science is vital in the wake of a declining labor force due to retirements and a lack of new professionals. And as SFOS enrollment increases, so does the opportunity to help our students.
More donors are giving to UAF and SFOS than ever before. Although gifts may be smaller due to difficult financial times, more individuals are giving. This is partly because of UAF's stellar annual giving program, but also because people see the need to "pay it forward," having received support in the past and desiring to pass on the generosity. Other reasons for giving include an affinity for the university, an outstanding faculty member, the donor's educational experience or any number of positive factors. The good news is that people are giving, yet we must continue to build our base of donors.
Many exciting things are happening here at SFOS despite the recession: the stimulus package included funding for the Alaska Region Research Vessel; the Fisheries Division's Juneau Center has moved into the new Lena Point Fisheries Building (a dedication was held April 28 in Juneau); we are growing our undergraduate fisheries program; Alaska Sea Grant will soon hire a new director and many other exciting things too numerous to name. Although we are invigorated about our progress, these exciting programs and projects all need support.
Philanthropy is defined as the effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations. Despite the economy taking a toll on our individual budgets, philanthropy is alive and well at UAF. We encourage you to join the many individuals, companies and foundations who are increasing opportunities for students at the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
Teresa can be reached at teresa@sfos.uaf.edu or 907-474-1867.
Learn more by visiting www.sfos.uaf.edu/giving.
Click on the image to download the Spring 2009 newsletter (3 MB PDF).
Greetings from the Dean
During the last year, our faculty and staff considered future directions for our school by establishing a new SFOS strategic plan. This plan will allow us to build on our existing strengths and chart a new course for the next decade.
Princess Tours gives $100,000
to UAF Marine Advisory Program
Princess Cruises & Tours has donated $100,000 to the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the support of the Marine Advisory Program.
SFOS scientists make headlines with Census of Marine Life findings
According to a Census of Marine Life press release in February, the waters of the Arctic and Antarctic share 235 marine species. CoML also documented the existence of 5,500 marine species in the Arctic and 7,500 in the Antarctic.
SFOS scientists key to Bering Sea studies
One of the richest and most productive marine ecosystems in the world, the Bering Sea region
provides more than half of the U.S. seafood catch and is home to dozens of marine mammal
species. It is also the source of ...
Juneau high school students do it again
For the third year in a row, high school students from Juneau have won first and second place in the Tsunami Bowl, Alaska's regional version of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl...
COSEE Alaska established; Sigman hired
Marilyn Sigman, a respected marine science educator from Homer, has been named education specialist for the new Alaska Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence in Anchorage.
SFOS dedicates Lena Point Fisheries Building
SFOS dedicated the new Lena Point Fisheries Building in Juneau on April 28. Governor Sarah Palin spoke at the ceremony and congratulated UAF on its contributions to fisheries science.
Other speakers included UA President Mark Hamilton, Representative Beth Kerttula and UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers.
Optimism during an economic recession
History shows that during tough economic times, more people decide to go to college. That's good news for SFOS, and good news for our state.
Standouts - Faculty and Staff News
Featured Faculty: Brenda Konar
Brenda Konar is an associate professor of marine biology who specializes in marine invertebrates and plants. She was raised in California, but she loves the chill and darkness of Fairbanks winters.
Spotlight on the Coastal Marine Institute
by Sharice Walker, CMI Technical Editor
The University of Alaska Coastal Marine Institute was created in June 1993 by a cooperative agreement between the University of Alaska and the U. S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service Alaska Region.
Featured Student: Megan Murphy
Megan Murphy already knows she wants to live and work in Homer,
Alaska, and is pursuing a graduate degree in biological oceanography at
UAF to help her achieve this goal. She is studying the oceanographic effects
on crab larval transport in Kachemak Bay.
Standouts - Student News
Other Student News
Featured photo
Mayumi Arimitsu, a master's degree student in fisheries, conducting her thesis research in Kenai
Fjords National Park.