Green and Gold Gala
2011 Green & Gold Gala Recap
We had a fabulous time at the Hotel Captain Cook for the 2011 Green & Gold Gala. Congratulations to our award winners! We are looking forward to Green & Gold 2012. Stay tuned for more details!!
Alumni of Distinction Awards:
The Alumni of Distinction Awards honor individual alumnus, faculty, staff, students and volunteers who have contributed their time, efforts and creativity to the advancement of UAA, the state of Alaska or the communities in which they live.
1. UAA Alumni of Achievement Award – Eric Wohlforth, LL.D. ’09, M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies ’11 Senior Partner & Attorney, Wohlforth, Brecht, Cartledge & Brooking
Awarded to an alumni who has attained prominence in his or her industry or profession, and that has had a demonstrated impact on their community and enhanced the reputation and image of UAA.
Seventy-nine year old Eric Wohlforth is the epitome of a lifelong learner. He adds his degree from UAA to a resume that includes Princeton University, University of Virginia School of Law, Loyola University and the Fielding Graduate Institute. Rooted in community service, Eric serves on the Chancellor’s Board of Advisors and UA Foundation Board of Trustees, is a leadership-level donor to the University and is currently the chair of the UA Foundation Investment Committee.
2. UAA Alumni Humanitarian Award – Joan Fisher, M.B.A. ’99 Director of Strategic Initiatives, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center
Awarded to an alumni who has contributed to their community and who has strived to make a difference in the life of others. This could be through voluntary service or their profession.
Since earning her M.B.A. from UAA in 1999, Joan served as the executive director of Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC). Joan, who recently took on the new role of director of strategic initiatives, has been instrumental in raising funds to build a new $28.3M health center in Anchorage—set to open in summer 2012—that will more than double ANHC’s capacity to serve the city’s health care needs.
3. UAA Alumni Emerging Leader Award -Dan Bigley, M.S.W. ’09 Director of Therapeutic Foster Care Services, Denali Family Services
Awarded to an alumni who has made a significant impact in their industry or profession or contributed to the community and has strived to make a difference in the lives of others. The nominee must have received their degree within the past 10 years.
A grizzly bear mauled Dan Bigley in the summer of 2003 on the shores of Alaska’s Russian River and left him for dead. The odds were against him, but Dan survived, and after many surgeries and rehabilitative efforts he was able to pick up where he left off several years ago. With the support of UAA’s Disability Support Services, Dan earned his M.S.W. in 2009 with a 4.0 GPA. He now works with youth and families facing trauma, sexual abuse, substance abuse, behavioral disorders or mental illnesses. Dan is currently writing a book about the bear that nearly killed him and left him blinded. Read Dan’s full story at greenandgold.uaa.alaska.edu, “I am UAA”
Thanks to our 2011 Green & Gold Gala sponsors! With your support we can continue to provide excellent scholarships for UAA students!
Gold Sponsors ($3,000 and up)
- GCI
- Davis Constructors and Engineers, Inc.
- Carl Swanson, BBA ’86 and Annette Swanson
Green Sponsors ($1,500 to $2,999)
- Princess Tours
- Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center
- Shell Exploration & Production Company
Seawolf Sponsors ($500 to $1,499)
- R&M Consultants
- Ben and Salina Grenn
- Kevin and Laurie Bruce
- Fran Ulmer and Bill Council
- Lorali Simon
- Natalia and Jack Lau
- Julia and Steve Martinez
- DOWL HKM
Other Contributors
- UA President Patrick Gamble and Ailese Gamble
- Dorothy Matsui
- James and Deborah Moyers
- Dwight Stuller
