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Dear Friends of Troth Yeddha’,
Thank you for the tremendous support you have shown for the forthcoming Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center. Troth Yeddha’ center will be the future home of the UAF College of Indigenous Studies, the first such college in America within a public system of higher education. This historic college advances Indigenous education, leadership and student success at UAF and beyond.
Now it’s time to build a physical home for that college. The new Troth Yeddha’ Indigenous Studies Center is the critical missing piece that brings together the full vision of transforming Indigenous higher education. It’s more than just a building; it’s critical to student success. It consolidates all of the college’s academic and student support programs under one roof while also providing a place where students feel at home and connected, right down to the food that’s served. They will hear their own languages, be inspired by peers and great leaders, and graduate so they can go out and change the world.
Because of you — and over 530 alumni and friends who believe in this vision — this project continues to move forward with strong and growing momentum. Over many years, Troth Yeddha’ center has remained a top University of Alaska systemwide priority, sustained by broad support across campus and beyond, even through several leadership transitions. To date, over 1,800 gifts totaling $12.2 million have been committed to the project.
Now there is a new opportunity to support Troth Yeddha’ center — one where your money is matched dollar for dollar. All gifts to Troth Yeddha’ center are now eligible to be doubled, up to $10 million. To date, $3.4 million has been raised against this challenge.
Giving Day (March 24–26) will serve as a focal point for the university's fundraising priority. Over the course of this 49-hour event, several strategic challenges will be highlighted to help us build on this momentum. One is a group challenge led by Alaska Permanent Capital Management. Another comes from Ayyu Qassataq ’20, a member of the chancellor’s Board of Advisors, that encourages new first-time donors to make a gift.
Alongside fundraising progress, UAF has worked thoughtfully to reduce the overall project cost to just over $43 million, while preserving the building’s academic purpose and its Indigenous-led, community-informed design.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity and belief in this work. The first half of campaigns for projects such as Troth Yeddha’ rely on the faith and generosity of individual donors like you. If you would like to learn more about the project or the match opportunity, please feel free to email uaf-giving@alaska.edu.
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