Support UAA students from the classroom to the stadium
by Matt Jardin |
![Seawolves Hockey starters gathered on the ice at Anchorage's Westchester Lagoon in January of 2020 for a photo shoot commemorating 40 years of Seawolf Hockey.](/news/archive/2021/03/_images/200127-hockey-at-westchester-jre-0058.jpg)
Meet more of UAA's amazing student-athletes in our Seawolf Athletics slideshow.
As the University of Alaska system prepares to launch the largest public fundraising effort in state history, two other major fundraising campaigns specific to UAA are still underway: Save UAA Gymnastics and Save Seawolf Hockey.
Gymnastics and hockey are currently slated for discontinuation due to state budget cuts. The teams will be automatically reinstated if supporters raise required operating expenses by the recently extended 2021 deadlines specified by the UA Board of Regents of June 30 for gymnastics and Aug. 30 for hockey.
“For over 40 years, Seawolf hockey has encouraged and inspired countless students to do great things on and off the ice,” said Matt Curley, head hockey coach. “More importantly, Seawolf hockey has given them the direction and focus to be good citizens and people as they strive to reach their goals, enriching not just their lives, but the lives of those around them.”
"Since our team's establishment in 1984, we have embraced a culture of giving back to the community,” said Marie-Sophie Boggasch, interim head gymnastics coach. “Last year alone, our 18 team members volunteered more than 550 hours while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.64. Your contribution can help save UAA gymnastics for many generations to come and preserve the legacy that has shaped Alaska's youth and community."
Both gymnastics and hockey are hoping to see the same success as UAA’s skiing program, which was similarly planned for elimination until supporters successfully raised two years of operating expenses.
In fact, the successful campaign for skiing sparked renewed community momentum. Notable contributions to Save Seawolf Hockey include a $4,900 donation from the UAF Alumni Association and $1,500 donation from the Nanook Hockey Alumni Association — UAA’s closest partner (and friendliest rival) — plus two $25,000 gifts plus matching donations up to $50,000 from former Seawolf hockey alumni Brian Kraft and Steve “Bogie” Bogoyevac. Additionally, vocal support from the Seattle Kraken NHL team has been overwhelming, garnering more than $150,000 in donations.
Donate to Save UAA Gymnastics.
Donate to Save Seawolf Hockey.
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