Honoring students who are strengthening mental health and wellbeing in Alaska
Each year, NAMI Fairbanks is honored to support University of Alaska Fairbanks students through our endowed scholarships—awards created to uplift students whose academic goals and lived experiences align with our mission of improving mental health outcomes across Alaska.
Today, we celebrate the 2025–2026 NAMI Fairbanks Scholarship Recipients and share how these scholarships continue to change lives.
Our Scholarships at a Glance
NAMI Fairbanks proudly offers several scholarships through our endowed funds at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. While each award has its own history and purpose, all share one mission—supporting students whose lives, studies, and future careers will strengthen mental health and reduce stigma across Alaska.
Joy Albin Scholarship
Supports part-time or full-time undergraduate students in any field of study at UAF. This scholarship recognizes students who show dedication, resilience, and the potential to make a positive impact within their communities.
Ann Denardo Memorial Scholarship
Provides support to part-time or full-time students in any field whose families have been touched by mental illness. This award honors Ann Denardo’s legacy by uplifting students whose personal experiences inspire them to pursue education, understanding, and advocacy.
Kate Cross Das and Deben Das Graduate Scholarship
Awarded to part-time or full-time graduate students in any field who intend to serve individuals living with mental illness or dedicate their careers to education, advocacy, and reducing stigma. This scholarship supports emerging leaders preparing for roles in research, counseling, social services, and other fields where mental health understanding is essential.
NAMI Rural Campus Scholarship
Supports part-time or full-time students enrolled at any rural UAF campus (excluding the Community and Technical College). Open to students in any major, the scholarship prioritizes those committed to mental health advocacy, counseling, social work, psychology, and supporting individuals and families in rural communities.
Why These Scholarships Matter
The voices of past scholarship recipients remind us that these awards are life-changing. Students consistently share that receiving a NAMI scholarship:
- relieves the financial burden of tuition or living expenses
- allows them to focus fully on their studies and career preparation
- affirms their commitment to mental health advocacy and service
- helps them balance school with work, parenting, or community responsibilities
- gives them hope and confidence, knowing their community believes in them
Many recipients are first-generation college students, working parents, or individuals returning to school with a renewed sense of purpose. Their stories speak to the transformative impact of community support.
Looking Back: Stories That Inspire
Last year’s recipients described powerful journeys that continue to illuminate the purpose of this endowment:
- A psychology major working toward becoming a Marriage & Family Counselor while balancing school, parenting, and community service.
- A first-generation student who arrived at UAF unsure of her academic abilities and found confidence, purpose, and mentorship.
- A homeschool program coordinator dedicating her career to trauma-informed education and student support.
- A biological sciences student preparing for veterinary school while working multiple jobs and giving back to Fairbanks.
- An accounting student overcoming socioeconomic barriers and building a future rooted in service and leadership.
Their stories reflect the resilience, determination, and compassion that define the spirit of NAMI’s mission.
Introducing the 2025–2026 Scholarship Recipients
Elizabeth Brown – NAMI of Fairbanks Joy Albin Scholarship
Lillian Gengler – NAMI of Fairbanks Joy Albin Scholarship
Theo Anderson – NAMI of Fairbanks Ann Denardo Memorial Scholarship
Olivia Manley – NAMI of Fairbanks Ann Denardo Memorial Scholarship
Christine Ryan – NAMI Rural Campus Scholarship
Megan Lingle – NAMI Fairbanks Kate Cross Das and Deben Das Graduate Scholarship
These students represent the next generation of mental health advocates, behavioral health professionals, educators, counselors, researchers, and care providers. Their studies span fields that all touch mental health—from psychology and counseling to anthropology, public health, accounting, biology, and beyond.
Most importantly, each student brings a personal commitment to strengthening wellbeing in their communities—whether in Fairbanks, rural Alaska, or across the state.
Building a Stronger Future for Mental Health in Alaska
The NAMI Fairbanks Scholarship Endowment was created with a simple but powerful vision:
to support students who will one day support others.
Every recipient represents hope—hope for better access to mental health care, deeper understanding of mental illness, stronger support for families, and a brighter future for Alaskans.
To our donors, partners, and friends: thank you for making this possible.
Your generosity lifts students, strengthens our mental health workforce, and builds a more resilient Alaska.
Congratulations to our 2025–2026 scholarship recipients.
We are proud of you, inspired by you, and cheering you on every step of the way.
To learn more or apply for a NAMI Fairbanks scholarship, contact the financial aid office at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 907-474-7256
