Opinion: Protect University of Alaska from budget cuts

Published 3:00 am Friday, April 12, 2019

We are proud alumni of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and are deeply concerned over the future success and viability of our state’s university system in light of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed budget cuts.

[Students protest proposed budget cuts to university]

The University of Alaska is a public trust and an investment in the future of Alaska. We believe that cuts to its funding, if any, must be limited. The university drives Alaska’s economy and is a valuable tool for improving the state’s future. Alaska simply cannot afford to lose its only public higher education system.

[Opinion: Cut education funding, and watch school outcomes suffer]

We are asking our representatives in state government to stand up for all Alaskans by protecting the University of Alaska, and to exhibit the leadership and values that we have entrusted in you as your constituents.

Peter Van Flein,

On behalf of University of Alaska Fairbanks Alumni Association members Barbara Fujimoto, Amanda Wall, Libby Eddy, Rachel Laeusen, Cindy Wright, Tom Brice, Forrest Kuiper, Mary Beth Loewen and Shannon Johnson-Nanlook

• My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.