Friday Focus: Gratitude and community spirit

A man wearing glasses, a dark gray business jacket, a light blue button-up shirt, a purple and black swirl pattern tie, and a UAF pin on his lapel.
UAF photo by Eric Engman
Ambassador Michael Sfraga (ret), interim chancellor

Nov. 21, 2025

As we head into the busy stretch of the holiday season and academic calendar, I want to share a moment of gratitude. This week UAF leadership participated in a friendly bowling competition sponsored by the Interior delegation to support the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. We had a great time and secured food and other products that will help families in need. The evening’s competition reminded me once again of how much this community cares.

That spirit is needed now more than ever. This year has been particularly challenging for many members of our community and our student body. Between the lingering effects of ex-typhoon Halong along the western coast, the financial strain and uncertainty caused by the federal government shutdown, and recent delays in essential services, we know some of our friends and neighbors are facing significant hardship as winter sets in.

Fortunately, the UAF community is full of people ready to step up and help. As you plan your giving this holiday season, please consider supporting specific initiatives that directly assist our students and UAF community:

  • UAF Food Pantry: The pantry is a critical resource for students facing food insecurity. You can help by dropping off donations of nonperishable food or personal care items at the Wood Center front desk, visiting , or giving directly to the , which is used to purchase essentials.

  • Student Support Fund: Our annual Giving Tuesday campaign will benefit the Student Support Fund. This fund is vital for students who encounter sudden emergency expenses they can’t cover, such as emergency travel, unexpected medical costs or temporary housing needs.

  • Food for Fines: Parking Services is hosting a food drive from Dec. 1-13. Bring in unexpired canned and nonperishable food items to receive a reduction of your parking citation to a warning. This is a great (and novel) way to clear up an old ticket and support a worthy cause!

  • Holiday Gathering Food Drive: If you plan to attend the upcoming university-wide holiday gathering on Dec. 4, please join me in bringing a nonperishable item or personal care item with you to be donated to the UAF Food Pantry.

We are fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues and students who consistently look out for one another. Whether you choose to support one of these campus-wide initiatives or one of many other Fairbanks community organizations that help our friends and neighbors, every bit of effort makes a difference.

I wish you all a safe, warm, and restful fall break and Thanksgiving holiday.

With sincere gratitude,

-- Mike Sfraga, interim chancellor