UWA History

University Women's Association is a diverse group of people who are involved and care about the University of Alaska Fairbanks. We support the university through a variety of service and social activities. Our primary effort goes toward raising money for scholarships for university students.

Decades of good deeds

Did you know that UWA is over 65 years old? Started in 1952 as an organization for faculty wives, UWA has grown in breadth and scope welcoming those new to the area while helping students reach their academic goals. Luckily, our rich history has been documented in various forms over the years. In honor of reaching 50 years, member Elizabeth Shapland collected commentary from past presidents, member memories on life in past decades, and more.

Campus TotemA wood carving was commissioned by UWA in the 1980s in honor of Alaskan women. The pole, pictured at left, used to be displayed between the Wood Center and Copper Lane before UAF renovated Wood Center. The pole and an accompanying bench are in storage while facilities services identifies a new display location. The carving was the second commission in Alaska for Beisiot, an artist originally from Washington. The 40-foot pole made of spruce is meant as a historical tribute. The pole was carved in a spiral pattern and represents what the Newsminer notes as Biesiot's admiration for "the hardiness and spirit of the women of Alaska-- those who had lived here in ancient times and those in the modern era."

More information on the artist can be read in a Newsminer article.

Tales from the early days

"Cam and her husband Bob came to UAF in the fall of 1965 and were resident counselors in MacIntosh Dorm, an all men’s dorm. As Cam tells it, they 'drove

the highway from Wisconsin to Fairbanks in a ‘65 Suburban (SUV—talk about being on cutting edge!) with a diaper pail (no disposables!) tied to the trailer hitch of our U-Haul trailer. Left spring ’65 and returned Fall ’68. Took parka lessons so the family could dress warmly.'”-- from University Women’s Association Records, Accession Number 2004-038, Archives, Alaska and Polar Regions Collections, Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The former UWA Recycle Sale occurred twice yearly, in both Spring and Fall. The Fall Sale usually featured a treasure trove of winter gear, small appliances, building supplies, household items, tools, children's clothes, furniture, sports gear and craft supplies. The Recycle Sale was good for our community and planet. The sale was suspended in 2009, and activities sponsored by other groups like the Really Free Market (Summer Sessions) have filled the need for promoting reuse.At left: Bargain hunters line up for the start of one of the sales in 2008.

UWA activities fluctuate with member preferences. The Creative Needlers group is currently on hiatus due to lack of interest, though in the past members with an interest in such arts met regularly at the Inua Wool Shoppe.