I LOVE UAA: Bob Bulmer

Robert "Bob" Bulmer has spent the last 66 years watching Anchorage grow from the college-less town with three paved roads of his first visit as a boy in 1946 to a thriving city with a "very fine university." A second-generation Alaskan with family roots in Alaska's fishing industry, he sees the University of Alaska Anchorage as vital to the economy and culture of Anchorage today. "We're emerging. It's exciting because we can all get involved." Bulmer has done just that from cheering for Seawolf athletes to serving on advisory boards that spur the direction of academic programs at UAA.

A University of Washington graduate, Bulmer is eager to help UAA achieve the same status and loyalty of his alma mater and the profound effect it has had on Seattle. "It's like everyone went to the UW. Even if they didn't-they know UW because of the Huskies," he says. "We can do that for Anchorage." Bulmer believes we're on our way and that a great athletics program is one important way a school can solidify its connection with the community. "It pulls in the people, it pulls in the community and shows their interest, their support-mentally and monetarily...I think this new arena they're building-it's fabulous," he says, referencing the new Seawolf Sports Arena-slated for construction beginning in spring 2012-that will be able to hold up to 5,000 Seawolf fans (and perhaps a few brave supporters of their opponents).

In addition to his support of athletics at UAA, Bulmer stays busy championing academics through his service on the advisory board for UAA's College of Business and Public Policy and as chair of the College of Arts and Sciences advisory board, both of which are notable for achieving 100 percent giving among board members. Achieving that united philanthropic support from every board member was not difficult, Bulmer says. "They caught on to the idea. People want to be part of [the university] and have an influence." When board members from the community endorse the university, it can have a ripple effect. For instance, Bulmer says, if a legislator asks what community members are doing to help the university, "we'll say, 'we're giving-that's why we're asking you to give.'"

Bulmer is the founder and president of Alaska Executive Search, so he knows a little something about economic trends in Anchorage and throughout the state. And he knows that a great university grows and changes to meet the needs of its community. In fact, that's what he loves most about UAA, "...how dynamic it's become. Everyone seems to be moving-the students, the faculty, the administration. People are moving because it's growing and they don't have any choice but to keep moving." And he's proud of the role he has in spreading the word about all the extraordinary activity at UAA and how it is important to the community. He says, "I'm as excited about this as the UW. In fact, this is more exciting because the UW has done it, now we're doing it." What UAA's future reputation and success will hinge on, Bulmer speculates, is the storytelling: "Those outside need to know more about it. That's the university's challenge."

Bob and his wife, Anne, have made Anchorage their home since 1975, just before Anchorage Senior College officially became the four-year University of Alaska Anchorage. It's 2012 that has Bulmer really excited, though. "It's a critical mass what's happening right now. We're to the point where this is something; this is a power. It's exciting for all of us to watch it." And, if you follow Bulmer's example, to roll up your sleeves and get involved.