ҹɫ¸£Àû

Class of 1976 alumnus gives back to university

Fifty years after beginning his ҹɫ¸£Àû journey, class of 1976 alumnus Rod Moore is giving back to the department that helped launch his career.

Moore recently began working with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to establish a new endowed scholarship and general support fund, creating new opportunities and removing financial barriers to students pursuing degrees in natural resources.

Moore began his educational journey as a biology student. After realizing he could get a broader education, he switched his major and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in natural resource management.

He built a career in public service, working closely with the late U.S. Rep. Don Young. He later became the executive director of the West Coast Seafood Processors Association. After retirement, he began his third "career" in the Spokane brewing industry. Now, he is helping provide the next generation of natural resource students with opportunities to pursue their educational goals and gain hands-on experiences.

During a recent visit to UAF, faculty, staff, and students from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment hosted Moore for an afternoon to introduce him to the department as it is today. The visit allowed Moore to reconnect with campus and see firsthand the students, faculty and research his generosity will support.

Department chair Pete Fix, undergraduate student Inga Peterson, department administrator Cathy Donaldson, and faculty member Megan Anderson joined Moore at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm, where they explored the campus soil pits and learned more about current soil research.

Also in attendance were soil researchers from around the world, who were visiting campus as part of the NRM F689 Alaska Soil Geography Field Trip course.

"It was interesting to see what had changed — and what hadn’t — on campus during the last 50 years, including the growth of the department and dedication of both faculty and students," Moore said. "I was especially impressed that a sustainable grain we’re just trying out in Spokane has been growing successfully at the Experimental Farm for three years!"

Because it takes time for his donation to vest, the UAF Rod Moore Endowed Scholarship will be available to students by 2032. The Rod Moore Natural Resources Endowment will provide general support to the department and will be spendable by about 2034.

"The endowment will be instrumental in expanding high-impact opportunities for students, including internships, field courses, research experiences, participation in professional conferences and enhanced classroom learning," said Fix. "Such opportunities are critical to transforming students from learners to leaders."

Funds from the scholarship may help cover tuition, educational materials, field courses, research travel and other expenses associated with pursuing a degree in natural resources.

"The scholarship, beyond just being helpful to students, could make the difference in their ability to complete the program," said Fix. "Its impact will extend far beyond the individual recipients, strengthening the future workforce responsible for managing our natural resources."