Dean's Dispatch Issue 13
March 2025, Issue 13
Dear Alumni and Friends,
This is our first issue of 2025, and even as our country and 彩神vlll争霸 change, one constant is our commitment to providing an excellent education to all our students. In this issue we highlight the value of our community partnerships. These partnerships enhance the student experience, provide opportunities for faculty, and enrich our community. We also remind our supporters of our upcoming events that are designed to better support our students and programs. Please consider attending our last community lecture series and participating in our annual Giving Day challenges.
Our student spotlight is on Haley Sundown. Originally from Bethel, Alaska, Haley is majoring in Biological Sciences and envisions a career in medicine and public health; she is also a student worker in the Dean鈥檚 office. Read more about her experiences growing up in rural Alaska and her goals for the future. In our faculty spotlight, we sit down with Professor Thomas Chung as he discusses the process of creating the striking mural in the 彩神vlll争霸 Learning Commons with his students. Professor Chung also shares more about the collaboration with Providence Hospital's cancer board and the creation of the Healing Arts program.
In our faculty spotlight, we sit down with Professor Thomas Chung as he discusses the process of creating the striking mural in the 彩神vlll争霸 Learning Commons with his students. Professor Chung also shares more about the collaboration with Providence Hospital's cancer board and the creation of the Healing Arts program.
Beyond the classroom, we鈥檝e been expanding the CAS Community Lecture Series. The series brings the community together in conversation and presents issues from different perspectives. We鈥檝e hosted three successful lectures this academic year, including most recently, a sold out event featuring Anchorage鈥檚 own, Mr. Whitekeys. The series concludes with Liz Cheney on May 1. Proceeds from ticket sales offset the cost of the series and ensure we鈥檙e able to continue exciting community events well into the future. Each lecture was made possible with assistance from one of our community partners. Ms. Cheney鈥檚 lecture is in partnership with the Alaska World Affairs Council. Our own Professor Elizabeth Arnold will discuss with Ms. Cheney how we can work across the political aisle, build broad-based coalitions, and combat misinformation. Additionally, be on the lookout for announcements about next year鈥檚 CAS Community Lecture Series, which promises to host events and speakers that continue to challenge, teach, and promote dialogue.
Lastly, we recognize a few of our donors who have stepped up to pledge a challenge gift during our annual Giving Day on March 25-27. Giving Day donations fund student scholarships and support our academic programs. Each year we award a $1,000 excellence scholarship to a student in each academic department, funded by Giving Day donations. Students are chosen by the faculty on the basis of their accomplishments. We award these scholarships during our Celebration of Students at the end of April. I encourage you to make a gift to your department of choice or the College (any amount shows support) as well as to attend our Celebration of Students 鈥� information appears below. The Celebration is a joyous event in which we recognize promising students in our college. It鈥檚 also the perfect way to wind down the academic year and look forward to the next.
Best,
Dr. Jenny McNulty, Dean
Haley Sundown
Biological Sciences and Public Health
Faculty Spotlight:
Thomas Chung
Fine Arts
"I've gotten to do everything that I dreamed of doing when I was in high school and started making art. I'm glad that the program with Providence is happening, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with the juvenile detention center [McLaughlin Youth Center], because at this point in my career I can now focus on using my art to help others."
Professor Tom Chung sat down with us to discuss his journey as an artist, the recent mural he created with his students in the 彩神vlll争霸 Learning Commons and the new collaboration with Providence Hospital's cancer board to create the Healing Arts program.
The 2024-2025 CAS Community Lecture Series
Join us with former Congresswoman Liz Cheney as she engages us in a conversation on democracy, leadership, and the future of American politics. As the final event in this year鈥檚 CAS Community Lecture Series, Cheney鈥檚 conversation will cap off a season of thought-provoking discussions that have included renowned journalists, scientists, historians, and artists.
UA Giving Day will take place on March 25-27 providing alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends 49 hours to show their pride and invest in the colleges and programs that matter the most to them (#49HoursForAlaska)
Several of our donors and local businesses have set challenges to unlock further donations for our College program and to support students. Find out how you can unlock those extra funding opportunities.
