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University leaders share messages of support and resources following Western ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â storms

October 17, 2025

Back-to-back storms have caused significant flooding and destruction across Western ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â, displacing residents and disrupting communities in Nome, Kotzebue, Bethel and surrounding areas. The University of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â community has been directly affected, with students, employees and alumni working together to assist those impacted. Below are messages from UAA Interim Chancellor Cheryl Siemers and UAF Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga, sharing updates, gratitude and guidance on how to access resources and support recovery efforts.

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Dear UAA Community,

As a trusted community partner in our city and state, UAA recently opened the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Airlines Center to provide temporary shelter for those impacted by Typhoon Halong.

I am proud of our university community and the tremendous effort of departments across our Anchorage campus that quickly mobilized to transform the AAC into a safe haven and welcoming environment for those who are experiencing uncertainty after this natural disaster. 

Many of you have asked, how can you help? At this time, the most effective way to offer our support is with online financial donations through the , the or . Monetary donations allow these organizations to quickly provide individuals and families with essentials, such as food, clothing and toiletries. 

The American Red Cross is only accepting online financial donations and cannot receive in-person items at the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â Airlines Center. With resources stretched thin, it is important we allow the American Red Cross and other municipal and state partners to focus fully on providing aid and support to those sheltering at our facility.

Thank you to everyone in our university community for your continued compassion, generosity and commitment to supporting our ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â neighbors in this time of need.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Siemers
UAA Interim Chancellor

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Dear UAF community,

Over the course of the last week, western ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â has been hit by back-to-back storms, including the remnants of Typhoon Halong over the weekend. These storms brought historical flooding and destruction to many communities across the western part of the state. Residents have been displaced from their homes, businesses, and academic pursuits. Emergency responders continue to search for those missing after the storms made landfall. Some areas are still dealing with flood waters.

While our campus buildings in Nome, Kotzebue and Bethel appear to have avoided serious damage, many of our students, colleagues, alumni, and friends have been hit hard by these storms and will need support as they recover from the impacts.

Faculty and staff, it’s likely that many of our students may have been directly or indirectly affected by the storms. Please be as flexible as possible with class assignments and deadlines.

Students, we recognize that your focus is likely on your family, friends, and community right now, and we want to support you however we can. In addition to communicating with your faculty, here are some resources to help:

• : for an Extenuating Circumstance Letter or emergency funding options
• UAF Student Care Team: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu
• : 907-474-7043, uaf-sh-cc@alaska.edu
• Academic Advising:
• Bristol Bay Campus: 907-842-5109 or bbcinfo@alaska.edu
• Chukchi Campus: 907-442-5052 or lsconwell@alaska.edu
• Community & Technical College: 907-455-2800 or ctc@alaska.edu  
• Kuskokwim Campus: 907-543-4505 or djnelson7@alaska.edu
• Northwest Campus: 907-443-2201 or nwc.advising@alaska.edu
• Rural Student Services: 907-474-7871 or uaf-rss@alaska.edu
• Academic Advising Center: 907-474-6396 or uaf-advising@alaska.edu

Employees affected by the storm should work directly with their supervisors if they need time off. I would also encourage you to learn more about the services offered via the . In addition to counseling resources, the program offers a variety of legal, financial and work/life services that may be helpful in navigating storm recovery.

Finally, I know many of us are wondering what we can do to help our friends and neighbors in the affected communities. The following organizations are taking donations to help fund recovery for the people affected by the storms:

I thank the entire University of ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â community for supporting our students, colleagues, and friends throughout the state in this time of need.

Sincerely,
Mike Sfraga, interim chancellor