Five faculty and staff awarded Dennis Demmert Award

Suzi Tanski
907.474.6092
May 8, 2024

Two people stand together holding award — UAF photo by CRCD
Kaitlin Tom, resident director and student conduct administrator, stands with the student that nominated her, Sim Bartman (right).

This is the twenty-ninth year that Rural Student Services has asked students to nominate a staff or faculty member who has substantially impacted their academic efforts. In addition, the Rural Student Services staff selects an individual that has gone above and beyond to demonstrate UAF's goal of creating a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion.

Below is the list of this year's award recipients and the students who nominated them.

Jennifer Adams, assistant professor, Department of �ֻ�ֱ�� Native Studies and Rural Development
- Nominated by Cavelila Wonhola
Jim Brashear, professor of ceramics, Art Department
- Nominated by Riana Adams and Alana Moses
David Fonger, assistant professor and program advisor, Process Technology Program
- Nominated by Ginger Keller
Kaitlin Tom, resident director and student conduct administrator
- Nominated by Sim Bartman
Arleigh Reynolds, One Health director, CNSM associate dean and professor of clinical nutrition in the Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Nominated by RSS staff

Three employees stand together with awardee — UAF Photo by CRCD
Arleigh Reynolds (right), One Health director, CNSM associate dean and professor of clinical nutrition in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, stands with his Center for One Health team: Alisa Alexander (left) and Kelsey Nicholson.

Dennis Demmert worked hard to expand and connect curricula and courses at UAF that pertained to �ֻ�ֱ�� Native people and culture. He began this work just after the �ֻ�ֱ�� Native Settlement Act passed. He always felt strongly that �ֻ�ֱ�� Native Students have a place at this institution.

Demmert wanted to take one day a year to thank individuals who help make UAF a positive place for �ֻ�ֱ�� Native students. He recognized other faculty and administrators who understood the value of courses about �ֻ�ֱ�� Native peoples and who helped facilitate this evolution of �ֻ�ֱ�� Native programs at UAF.

During the 1994 Native Summit at UAF, Demmert recommended that something be done to recognize individuals whose actions have proved their support. Later, the name of the award was changed from the RSS Appreciation and Recognition Award to the Dennis Demmert Appreciation and Recognition Award in honor of Demmert's many years of service and dedication to the betterment of the �ֻ�ֱ�� Native community.

Congratulations to the awardees, and thank you for your dedication to our students!