The Legacy of Bill Stroecker and the Bill Stroecker Foundation

UAF photo

Bill Stroecker stands in front of a photograph of breakup on the Chena River in early downtown Fairbanks.

“Shining a light on Fairbanks” was one of Bill Stroecker’s missions, and it’s now a mission carried on by the Bill Stroecker Foundation.

Stroecker, who passed away in 2010, started giving during his lifetime, and the Bill Stroecker Foundation has continued his legacy at UAF. Contributions from both during the past 43 years now total over $2 million.

To support UAF units and students, the foundation has created eight scholarships and endowments:

• Helen Van Campen Journalism Scholarship 
• Bill Stroecker Jazz Endowment 
• The Marion Weeks and Bill Stroecker Scholarship
• Bill Stroecker Accounting Scholarship 
• Bill Stroecker Brass Scholarship 
• UAF Bill Stroecker CTC Endowment 
• Bill Stroecker MBA Scholarship 
• Bill Stroecker Petroleum Engineering Scholarship

Stroecker graduated with a degree in business from UAF in 1942. He became a civic leader in Fairbanks, leaving his home only once for the military before succeeding his brother as president of the First National Bank of Fairbanks—which later became KeyBank. Stroecker remained as a vice president at the local branch until his death.

His diverse interests are reflected in the range of endowments BSF supports, but Stroecker particularly enjoyed music. He played in a jazz band, the Frigid-Aires.

All eight endowments help students attend and focus on college, ultimately supporting the next generation of journalists, accountants, musical artists, and engineers.

BSF’s largest gift was to the UA Museum of the North to develop the whale skeleton that currently hangs above the entrance. The whale mount has allowed the museum to create a new exhibit and educational program for K-12 students.

BSF eases undergrads’ costs

The Marion Weeks and Bill Stroecker Scholarship was named in honor of both Stroecker and his sister, Marion Weeks. The scholarship supports students majoring within the College of Business and Security Management who may be overlooked in the general scholarship process. The scholarship is awarded to students who may not have the highest GPA or greatest financial need but still face barriers to education and deserve support on their educational journey.

BSF also backs the Bill Stroecker Accounting Scholarship, which supports Alaska’s future accountants. The UAF accounting program is the only program in Alaska to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Accounting majors also get real-world experience through the Student Investment Fund course and participation in the tax assistance program.

Ashley Plys is a recipient of the Bill Stroecker Accounting Scholarship and strongly believes that scholarships allow more time to dedicate to career development.

“The support of the Fairbanks community through scholarships has empowered me to use my time wisely as I prepare for my future in the professional workforce,” she said.

The scholarship has allowed Ashley to dedicate “more time to career development, which is just as important as applying what I learn in the classroom,” she said. “Scholarships allowed me to get involved with the many opportunities around me, whether it was networking with professionals through student clubs, finding resources on campus to help refine my resumé, or supporting events on campus that inspire me to be a leader.”

The Bill Stroecker Petroleum Engineering Scholarship is currently the only full-ride scholarship offered at the College of Engineering and Mines. The first student was selected and will be awarded the scholarship for this next semester.

BSF believes in the arts

The Bill Stroecker Brass Scholarship funds students majoring in music at UAF, especially if the student has an emphasis on brass instruments. Stroecker played the trumpet in his jazz band, and his passion for the instrument is felt in this scholarship.

The Bill Stroecker Jazz Endowment supports not only students (with an emphasis on those who play horn) but also faculty and other program expenses. The endowment will exist in perpetuity to benefit the Music Department.

Honoring Helen Van Campen

The Helen Van Campen Journalism Scholarship was named in honor of Helen Van Campen and her diverse career. Van Campen, who died in 1960, was recognized as a talented journalist and photographer. Her stories about life in Alaska were published in Collier’s magazine and the Saturday Evening Post.

Current journalism students can continue this professional legacy while having financial barriers eased by the scholarship.

BSF’s support creates toolboxes

Another endowment creating lasting impact is the UAF Bill Stroecker CTC Endowment, which provides both student and program support. Part of this funding was used to create toolboxes for students in the diesel-heavy equipment program. Each toolbox bears the BSF logo with the “shining a light on Fairbanks” saying.

Access to high-quality materials is necessary for proper training and workforce development. Support in all forms truly makes a difference, and each toolbox carries on Stroecker’s legacy.

BSF backs postgraduate education

The Bill Stroecker MBA (Master of Business Administration) Scholarship eases the cost of attendance for Alaska residents enrolled in the MBA program. The MBA at CBSM helps students build advanced skills within the field and provides hands-on experience in marketing, finance, strategy, organizational behavior, and more.

Remembering Bill Stroecker

Workforce development is sometimes as simple as supporting students on their educational and vocational journeys, allowing them to focus more on school rather than worrying about the cost of attendance.

Stroecker was a hardworking individual who believed in Fairbanks and the future of the city. His foundation upholds that belief in its widespread support of programs and endowments.

The foundation recently joined with other community leaders to start what will hopefully become an annual tradition of hosting a party on Stroecker’s birthday, allowing people to gather with community friends to remember the man and celebrate his life in the city he called home.