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Feb. 10, 2022

Dear ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ community,

Today a Fairbanks jury found Steven Downs guilty of the murder of Sophie Sergie, a young ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ Native woman who was killed on the ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ campus in April of 1993.

I hope this verdict brings a sense of closure to all those who have waited for justice for nearly 30 years. However, let’s also recognize that this trial has been a difficult reminder for everyone grieving Sophie’s death as well as victims of similar crimes. Her tragic death continues to be painful for many at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ and throughout ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ.

Violence against women, particularly Indigenous women, remains a tragic storyline in ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ’s history and it continues in our present. We must all work together to change this narrative. The University is a place of learning — where we learn from history so that tragedies are not repeated. Please do your part as we renew our commitment to a culture of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring at ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ.

If you are struggling, please don’t struggle alone. For students, the Student Health and Counseling Center can provide support or counseling. Call 474-7043 to speak with someone or visit for more information. Employees are eligible for free counseling through the Employee Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-993-7650, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sincerely,

Dan White, chancellor

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ÓÐÁϺÐ×ÓÊÓƵ is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: .