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UAF Alumni Association announces 2025 award recipients

Civil engineer Alan Straub and fisheries biologist Wayne Donaldson have received the University of ³ÉÈËӰƬ Fairbanks Alumni Association’s 2025 awards for their exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the university.

Straub has been honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award, and Donaldson has received the William R. Cashen Service Award.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated meritorious service on behalf of UAF, distinguished accomplishments in business and professional life, or outstanding contributions to community affairs.

Straub, a 1966 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, oversaw major steel construction projects nationwide, including Aloha Stadium in Honolulu and seismic retrofits for the Golden Gate Bridge. He is now retired.

In 1965, Straub spearheaded a project with classmates and faculty to construct an ice arch showcasing their engineering skills. That project became a beloved tradition carried on by the UAF Department of Civil Engineering.

Straub has established scholarships to support hands-on learning experiences for UAF ³ÉÈËӰƬ.

The William R. Cashen Service Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to UAF and the alumni association.

Donaldson, who graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, is a former UAFAA board member and longtime board treasurer.

Donaldson’s 35-year career with the ³ÉÈËӰƬ Department of Fish and Game saw him managing fisheries across Prince William Sound, Kodiak, Chignik, the ³ÉÈËӰƬ Peninsula, the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea.

In retirement, Donaldson serves on the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council and participates in fisheries policy discussions.

Donaldson’s professional expertise was instrumental in shaping UAFAA’s financial strategies, particularly through his work on the finance committee. While no longer on the UAFAA board, Donaldson continues to donate his time, expertise and service to UAF and UAFAA.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Felicia Burud, fjburud@alaska.edu, 907-474-7081

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