Showcasing the best of UAF
UAF alumnus Glenn Brady '93 (left) takes the microphone alongside Geophysical Institute Director Bob McCoy (right) during the experience auction at the 2026 Blue & Gold Celebration.
Oct. 1, 2026
—&²Ô²ú²õ±è;By Theresa Bakker, Development and Alumni Relations director
Each fall on the Troth Yeddha' Campus, there is a moment when the spirit of UAF shines like gold. You see it in the autumn leaves framed against a bright blue sky and in the faces of our students returning to their dorms. For me, that moment officially arrived over the weekend at this year's Blue & Gold Celebration.
Walking into the Dine 49 cafeteria that evening, guests may have felt a bit stunned. Our bustling dining hub was transformed into a vibrant gala, complete with an all-star Alumni Band welcoming guests from a sparkly stage. Orchestrated by Institutional Events Manager Kara Nash, who paired the bold designs of Lead Designer Kyle Augustines '25 with innovative centerpieces and a quirky bag-charm station. The evening celebrated the best of UAF.
The Blue & Gold Celebration is special because of the generosity in the room and the unique experiences our collegiate community offers them. Where else can you bid on a walk-on role in a UAF film production, a visit with expert geologists to identify your pet rock or dinner with Chancellor Russ '10, '23 and Rebekah Vander Lugt '05 at the historic Chancellor's House, first occupied by then-President Ernest Patty and his family?
The crowd favorite was the Poker Flat Research Range tour. Jaws dropped when alum Glenn Brady '93, owner of Silver Gulch Brewery, jumped on stage with Geophysical Institute Director Bob McCoy and generously offered a meal after the tour. That moment of Alaskan hospitality propelled the winning bid to an incredible $11,000.
From the live art demonstration by student Emily Pomrenke and friendly Team Blue vs. Team Gold paddle battle, the evening reflected a visionary fundraising strategy led by Megan Bean '06, '12, showcasing what UAF talent can accomplish when we bring our collective passion together.
Breaking through all the energy in the room, student speaker Madison Cook '23, '24, a second-year student in UAF's 2+2 DVM veterinary program, shared her dream of practicing veterinary medicine in Alaska after graduation. She is a recipient of the Cole Family and Aurora Animal Hospital Scholarship. Her message made the power of philanthropy tangible. When we back UAF students, we strengthen the entire state.
By the end of the night, our community had raised $330,000 for scholarships and university programs, topping last year’s total by more than $15,000.
As UAF staff, faculty and administrators, we see the day-to-day work behind the scenes that keeps UAF moving forward. But stepping back to watch our alumni lead, our donors give and our students thrive reminds us of the bigger picture. The Blue & Gold Celebration wasn't just a successful fundraiser. It was a glowing tribute to Nanook Nation.