Distinguished Alumnus Award

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the association's most prestigious award. It was first awarded in 1962 and continues to annually recognize living graduates of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ. Alumni are selected for the award based on meritorious service on behalf of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ, distinguished accomplishments in business and professional life, or distinguished human service in community affairs.

All alumni are encouraged to nominate individuals for the Distinguished Alumnus Award. There must be three letters of support for the nomination, all from ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ graduates or former students. The nomination should include information on the candidate's life achievements.


2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award winner

Alan Straub ‘66

Alan Straub ‘66
Alan Straub ‘66

The University of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Fairbanks Alumni Association has named its 2025 award recipients. Civil engineer Alan Straub has been honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated meritorious service on behalf of ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ, 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 ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Department of Civil Engineering.

Straub has established scholarships to support hands-on learning experiences for ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ students.