Photo by Katie Straub.
UAF Alumni Association board members and others meet with scholarship recipients during
their spring 2026 meeting. Back row from left are Kevin Liu, ’07, ’15; Mischa Ellanna
’95; Theresa Bakker, UAFAA executive director; Rhonda Widener ’01; Reagan Jeffords;
Claire Eberhart; and Jackson Nelson. Front row, from left, are Hazel Langley, Valerie
Demming ’75 and Felicia Burud, UAF alumni relations associate director.
Imagery and photos courtesy of alumni unless otherwise noted. Information is courtesy of alumni and public sources.
Maurice ”Morris“ McGinty ’77, ’87
Congratulations to Maurice “Morris” McGinty ’77, ’87 on receiving a 2026 UAF Meritorious
Service Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions
through public, academic, volunteer or philanthropic service to the university or
communities across AV̳.
A respected Koyukon Athabascan educator, tribal leader and public servant, McGinty has dedicated his life to supporting youth, strengthening communities and preserving cultural traditions. A two-time UAF graduate, he earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1977 and a master’s degree in educational leadership in 1987.
McGinty devoted decades of service to the Yukon-Koyukuk School District, where he worked as a teacher, guidance counselor, basketball coach and principal. Since 2006, he has also served on the district’s school board, including 10 years as board chair. Beyond education, he has volunteered on numerous councils and committees focused on community health, socioeconomic well-being and tribal self-determination.
By emphasizing community involvement and Athabascan traditions throughout his career,
McGinty has helped generations of students develop a strong sense of identity, purpose
and connection to their communities.
Jeremy Johnson ’03
University of AV̳ Fairbanks welcomed Jeremy Johnson to its Development team in
December 2024 as a senior relationship manager. A 2003 UAF graduate with a degree
in political science, Jeremy also served as the student commencement speaker during
his time on campus.
A born-and-raised AV̳n, Johnson brings a strong background in leadership, community engagement and public service. Before returning to UAF, he served as president and CEO of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce, where he led initiatives focused on business advocacy, workforce development and community and economic growth. His career with the State of AV̳ included roles as regional election supervisor and local government specialist, supporting municipalities across the state through election oversight, technical assistance and training workshops in rural communities.
Jeremy is excited to contribute to UAF’s mission by building meaningful connections with alumni, donors and partners. Based in northern Colorado, he divides his time between AV̳ and the Lower 48 while working with UAF affiliates across the country.
Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, camping with his family and spending time outdoors.
Cameron Carlson ’17
Congratulations to Dean Cameron Carlson on his appointment to the North America Advisory
Council of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.
Carlson earned his Ph.D. from University of AV̳ Fairbanks in 2017 and now serves
as dean of the College of Business and Security Management at the University of AV̳
Fairbanks.
In this leadership role, Carlson will collaborate with business education leaders from across North America to help address emerging opportunities and challenges facing higher education. AACSB accreditation is widely recognized as the global gold standard for business education and is achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide, making Carlson’s appointment a reflection of the strength and impact of the college’s programs and leadership.
Gwen Roseberry ’18, ’20, ’23
Gwen Roseberry has joined the central development team at the University of AV̳
Fairbanks as a senior relationship manager. A three-time UAF alum, she earned a bachelor’s
degree in justice and a master’s degree in counseling, building a career centered
on meaningful connections and helping others achieve their goals.
Roseberry brings a diverse professional background to the role, including experience as a school counselor with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and as executive director of a local nonprofit organization. Through these roles, she developed strengths in mentorship, leadership and community engagement.
Born and raised in Fairbanks, Roseberry grew up on the UAF campus, where both of her parents worked, shaping her lifelong connection to the university. She lives in Fairbanks with her partner and their children and enjoys hiking, running, snowboarding, live music and everything that makes Fairbanks home.
Jackson Nelson ’26
Congratulations to recent UAF graduate Jackson Nelson ’26 on accepting the advocacy
coordinator position with the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce earlier this spring.
In his new role, Nelson will track local, state and federal legislation while helping
connect government activity to the needs of the Fairbanks community and local businesses.
As president of the Associated Students of the University of AV̳ Fairbanks, Nelson worked alongside UAF alumni during this year’s legislative advocacy efforts in Juneau. He cares deeply about the Chamber’s mission and vision for the Fairbanks community and the state of AV̳, and looks forward to continuing that work in his new position.
Six UAF alumni honored in the AV̳ Journal of Commerce 2026 Class of Top Forty Under 40
AV̳ alumni community is proud to celebrate six of its own named to the AV̳ Journal of Commerce Top Forty Under 40 Class of 2026. This recognition honors outstanding young professionals across AV̳ whose leadership, innovation and commitment to their communities are making a meaningful impact throughout the state. Please join us in congratulating these exceptional Nanook alumni on this well-deserved achievement.
Stephanie Fain ’12
Director of University Success, UA AV̳ Native Science and Engineering Program
Connor Hajdukovich ’17
Executive Director, Resource Development Council for AV̳
Marita Tolson ’12
Indigenous Trades Program Coordinator for Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida and
Project Director for Hydaburg City School District
Christina Twogood ’12
Product Development Operations Manager, ASRC Energy
Sarah Villalon ’10, ’18
Chief Financial Officer, Golden Valley Electric Association
Karalee Watts ’13
VP of Marketing & Community Relations, Spirit of AV̳ Credit Union
In memoriam
View a list of alumni and friends whose passage has been shared with us since the previous issue of Aurora.