Forrest Karr, UAF Athletic Director

As we welcome a new group of student-athletes to campus to embark on 2008-09, it gives me great pleasure to share a few notable academic and athletic firsts from 2007-08:
 
Academic

-Highest department GPA (3.21) in program history
-American Volleyball Coaches Association all-academic team award
 
Our coaching staff has done a tremendous job in recent years of keeping student-athletes focused on academics through the entire spring semester.  The last three years have been truly exceptional.  We keep wondering if these highly motivated students can possibly do better, and they continue to impress.  Although athletic accomplishments receive the most attention, we should always focus on the educational pursuits of our young men and women with equal enthusiasm.
 
Athletic

-Individual national title in men's skiing
-NCAA Division II Sportsmanship award
-First team all-American in men's hockey
 
We are very proud of the talented and hardworking students that accomplished these program firsts.  We are also proud of the community service projects and community engagement activities that our student-athletes, coaches and staff have taken on over the past few years.  Their humble and workmanlike approach to creating these consistent partnerships is having a positive impact on the greater Fairbanks community.

One thing is certain; Alaska student-athletes could not have achieved these firsts without the backing of Nanook supporters throughout the country.  And at a time when campuses, especially public universities, are being asked to do more with static funding, Nanook athletics needs your support more than ever.  I speak on behalf of the entire university in thanking you for continued encouragement and assistance.  With your help, our student-athletes will have the opportunity to reach even greater heights during 2008-09.
 
Sincerely,

Forrest Karr