Alvin S. and Gloria M. Okeson endow scholarship

University of Alaska Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna College campus is pleased to announce that Alvin S. and Gloria M. Okeson have established a gift agreement for an endowment of $25,000 for a scholarship in their name. This scholarship was established for non-traditional students who often don’t have many scholarship opportunities when advancing their education.

In August, the Matanuska-Susitna College started a faculty and staff giving campaign that has heightened the sense of giving around the campus and among former faculty and staff of the college.

“We were delighted to be able to give back to the institution that we served,” the Okesons said in a statement.

“Al and Gloria Okeson were both instrumental in the transition of this college from an idea to fixed campus with full-time students,” said Mat-Su College Director Talis Colberg. “Al Okeson was the president of this institution from 1961 to 1988 — by far the longest tenure of any director at this institution. For many years, Gloria was the default support staff when none were available elsewhere. Together they started their relationship with the Matanuska-Susitna College 50 years ago. Now, (heading into) the year 2011, they have generously commemorated a half-century with the university by establishing a $25,000.00 endowed scholarship fund for ‘non-traditional’ students. This is a wonderful moment for Matanuska Susitna College.”