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We’re halfway through our 30th Anniversary Fundraiser!
Create your fundraising page or support a current fundraiser.
Get started: Click here – Create your fundraising page, set your goal, and share with your network to help us celebrate 30 years of Iḷisaġvik’s impact!
To participate or get more information, email Director of Development, Serena Nesteby at serena.nesteby@ilisagvik.edu
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Aarigaa Tavrapiallak Audrey Saganna Jr. on receiving the American Indian College Fund 2025-2026 Student of the Year Award! Funded by the Adolph Coors Foundation, the Student of the Year Award aims to recognize the academic achievements, community involvement, and commitment to excellence and growth of an outstanding scholar at each Tribal College/University (TCU).
Audrey is a second-year Liberal Arts student and currently holds the position of President for Iḷisaġvik’s Student Government Association (SGA). As part of her SGA work, Audrey has been involved in organizing meaningful cultural events, fundraisers, spirit weeks, and other activities for her fellow students.
We are so lucky to have Audrey Saganna Jr. at Iḷisaġvik College - she ambitiously continues to create a bright college community and bring joy to those around her.
| | Students and Staff had a blast representing IC at the 2026 American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota! | | It is always a pleasure to have our Board of Trustees present here on campus! We’d like to extend our gratitude to dual credit students, Violet Thomas and Jasmine Biswokarma, for their presentation on thawing permafrost and various bacteria. We’d also like to shout out to our Student Government, Audrey Saganna Jr. (President), John Duterte (Secretary), Knycole Gandia (Treasurer), as well as Searaya Saccheus, for providing our Board of Trustees with insight on how important student involvement is on campus. | | |
Do you see any familiar faces? We had the opportunity to visit Mt. Edgecumbe students, many of whom visited with us, who come from the North Slope Region, St. Paul Island, our Iñupiaq language dual credit course, and summer camps. For the students at Mt. Edgecumbe High School, pursuing education means leaving home and sometimes being the only one from their village and community taking that step. That sacrifice takes courage.
At Iḷisaġvik College, we deeply respect the commitment these students are making to their futures. We loved the opportunity to share that when they graduate, continuing their post-secondary education at home or on a campus that feels like home is an option! We also connected with them about other opportunities to stay engaged with their culture, community, and education.
Quyanaq to the students who took time to visit with us. We’re proud of you and excited for what comes next!
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We are proud to celebrate our very own, Jerica Niayuq Leavitt, Associate Professor of Iñupiaq Studies, featured designer at the Arctic Education Foundation’s 10th Annual Ivalu Gala 2026! Her collection, “Motherly Love for Family,” honored Iñupiaq culture, beauty, and family through fashion, showcasing herself and her loved ones adorned in beautifully handcrafted qusuŋŋat and kamipiat. We are so proud to see her bring culture, creativity, and family to such an inspiring stage.
Aarigaa tavrapiallak, Niayuq, and job well done! You continue to inspire our students, institution, and community!
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We also celebrate our talented adjunct faculty member, Pausauraq Harcharek (currently teaching North Slope Iñupiaq Grammar III), at the Arctic Education Foundation's 10th Annual Ivalu Gala 2026.
An accomplished Iñupiaq fashion designer, she presented a stunning collection of qusuŋŋat inspired by ancestral designs while honoring the women who first taught her the art of sewing, her mother and her aaka. Every garment, modeled by her family (all descendants of her mother and aaka), carried a beautiful story and a deep spiritual connection.
We are proud to celebrate her creativity, cultural stewardship, and the generations of teaching and tradition she carries forward in both the classroom and in her designs.
Quyanaq, Pausauraq, for sharing an incredible showcase!
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Another big round of applause for our At-Large Board of Trustee, Edna Suaqpak Tunuallak Ahmaogak, recipient of the Flossie Hopson-Andersen Award at the Arctic Education Foundation Ivalu Gala 2026. This honor recognizes her service, dedication, and lasting impact on education and community on the North Slope.
From her powerful acceptance speech:
“My career in education has evolved over time… Education has opened the door for me to build relationships that improve the quality of life for the people I serve.”
– Edna Ahmaogak
Aarigaa tavrapiallak to Edna on this well-deserved recognition! We are honored to have her vision and leadership on our Board, and we look forward to the positive change her leadership will continue to bring.
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It’s PFD season! Have you applied yet? Remember, when you submit your application, you can support Iḷisaġvik College Foundation by selecting us when you Pick.Click.Give. 🎓 Your gift will be matched by our generous community partners, ACE Hardware Top of the World and Barrow Mechanical.
Support Iḷisaġvik!
https://pfd.alaska.gov/
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