Alumni/Student Events Expand to Anchorage

Doyon Foundation and the Doyon Foundation Alumni Association recently hosted its first event in Anchorage – a potluck for Anchorage-area alumni, current students, friends and family. Approximately 40 people attended the event, which took place at Southcentral Foundation’s Gathering Room on September 18.

At the start of the evening, Doyon Foundation board president Dawn Dinwoodie welcomed the group and gave an update on alumni association activities. Then, Willy Templeton and Cheryl Demientieff from UAA’s Native Student Services spoke about opportunities available to students. Doyon, Limited board member Georgianna Lincoln also shared some words of encouragement with students. During the rest of the evening, attendees enjoyed a potluck, socializing and door prizes.

“I think it’s awesome. This is the first time I’ve heard of an event in Anchorage – they are usually in Fairbanks. It’s good they are doing something here,” said Allison Huntington, a Doyon Foundation basic scholarship recipient, who is pursuing a degree in human services at UAA.

“There are a lot of students in Anchorage, and it’s good to see the support here,” agreed Margaret Hoffman, a Doyon Foundation alumna, who graduated with a degree in biology from Willamette University in 2003.

In addition to the Anchorage event, the Foundation and alumni association also hosted a fall student dinner in Fairbanks on September 27 at Doyon, Limited’s Chiefs Court. At the event, approximately 60 students, alumni, friends and family enjoyed traditional Native entertainment, traditional foods, door prizes and networking opportunities.