UAA Commons named after former chancellor

Lee Gorsuch honored by naming of building on campus. The University of Alaska Anchorage will honor former Chancellor Lee Gorsuch by naming the UAA Commons as the Lee Gorsuch Commons. Additionally, UAA will commemorate the Bill Rose Memorial Bridge and Garden. A public dedication ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.

 

Gorsuch served as chancellor of UAA from 1994 to 2004.  He's being recognized for nearly 30 years of outstanding service to UAA for his significant and numerous achievements in his many leadership roles, and for his vision and fervent leadership in transforming UAA to a vibrant, student-centered residential campus.  Gorsuch is currently the president of City University of Seattle, a not-for-profit private university that is headquartered in the Pacific Northwest.  

"Lee is a remarkable leader who contributed in many ways to the development of UAA," said current UAA Chancellor Fran Ulmer.  "He championed many initiatives that transformed our campus.  The addition of student housing was a significant accomplishment that has provided to students not only a place to live but a sense of place.  We are grateful and are delighted he will be honored in this appropriate way."

William "Bill" Rose served as UAA's vice chancellor for administrative services from 1997 until a plane he was piloting en route to Lake Clark tragically crashed in 1999.  Rose was deeply involved with every aspect of building, operating and maintaining the on-campus residence halls.  He was an advocate for UAA students and staff, and believed that students' choice of a university was often influenced by their first impression of a campus appearance.