Donor Spotlight: Fran Rose
Frances “Fran” Rose moved to Anchorage from the Bronx, in New York City over 60 years ago when Anchorage had just one paved road. She received her Master of Education from UAA in 1975 and, alongside her late husband David Rose, has been a proud supporter of the University of Alaska Anchorage and the College of Arts and Science since then. Prior to her pursuits at UAA, Fran Rose received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Queens College of New York. After receiving her Masters, Fran Rose served as the director of the Adult Basic Education program at Anchorage Community College for 11 years. In addition to running her own businesses, Fran Rose has also worked as a special assistant for the state departments of commerce and administration, served on the Juneau Chamber of Commerce, the State Advisory Council for Vocational and Career Education, the Alaska Tourism Marketing Council, and the Anchorage Manpower Council. In 1999, Fran Rose was appointed to the Board of Regents by Governor Knowles and served as a regent for eight years, until 2007.
Fran also served as the Senior Vice President of Administration for Alaska Permanent Capital Management Co., a financial investment corporation that she started with her late husband, until she retired in 2017. Fran Rose has been philanthropically-minded for years. In 1997, Fran and her late husband created The Frances and David Rose Foundation, which supports local museums, social services, and the arts. Fran Rose was also a founding member of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership, and was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020.
Fran Rose sat down with us to discuss her history of giving back and the importance of giving back to the University of Alaska Anchorage.
You have a long history of philanthropic giving. Can you share a little bit about what you support and why?
“One of the first organizations I ever supported was the University of Alaska. I believe in education, but more than that I believe the university needs to grow and develop. In particular, I support the College of Arts and Sciences. In my opinion, the College of Arts and Sciences is the most important part of the university. In addition to the University and to the College of Arts and Sciences, we have provided support to Alaska Public Media. I have always supported the Anchorage Museum and Symphony, because it is important to support the arts, especially locally.
We also provide support to organizations and causes outside of Alaska, including to Queens College, my alma mater, and the Smithsonian. Some causes we support include the American Diabetes Association and the Michael J Fox Parkinson's Association. There are many others that we support or have supported over the years.”
When looking at your continued act of giving, what are the main motivations for giving to the university and to the College of Arts and Sciences?
“I feel that a university education should include a heavy focus on the arts and sciences. It should not just be in one area, but rather a well-rounded, full education. This helps to create an educated public, educated citizens. Focusing on a career is one thing, but it should not come at the expense of well-rounded experience. The arts and the sciences provide that experience.”
What is the importance of the University of Alaska Anchorage to the city and to the state of Alaska as a whole?
“The University is important to developing workers for Alaska. We want to have people stay in Alaska, and the university prepares people who are suited for the jobs of Alaska. There are specific jobs in Alaska, and it is important that those in the workforce here are educated properly. I also think that the University helps keep Alaskans in Alaska. Going to college in your state allows you to stay in the state long-term.”
What would you say to others who are thinking of donating to the College of Arts and Sciences or the University of Alaska Anchorage?
“I would start by saying that it is money well spent. It is also important. The university is important to the community, so it is important to support UAA. The university matters to people all across the state, it provides education and opportunity to everyone. I would encourage people to support education, especially the well-rounded education received in the arts and sciences.”
Thank you, Fran Rose, for your continued support of the College of Arts and Sciences.