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Drinking beer and wine for scholarships and fun
By Eric Morrison
Whalesong Staff
Fabulous wine,
beer and food brought together nearly 200 people to help support
the University of Alaska Southeast on Friday Oct. 25, during the
UAS Alumni Association’s 3rd Annual Beer & Wine Tasting.
Faculty, staff, students and friends of UAS socialized and indulged
on the fine wine and cheese at the Twisted Fish restaurant in what
turned out to be both a successful and relaxing event.
“What I love most about this event is that it’s
a great opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends
of the university (over the age of 21) to get together and have
a good time getting to know one another” said UAS Director
of Development and University Relations Lynne Johnson. “Without
a doubt this is the best event of the year.”
UASAA President Diana Cote said the event has been so successful
because it is geared toward raising money for scholarships, but
more importantly toward being able to relax and have a good time.
“During this event we raise a bit of money for our programs,
like scholarships, but it’s mainly an opportunity to reach
out to the community and have a social event that’s fun and
relaxing,” she said.
Cote said the event would not be possible without the
generosity and support of the local alcohol distributors. Alaska
Distributors, K&L Distributors, Odom Company, and Specialty
Imports all provided a wide range of wines, while the Alaskan Brewing
Co. provided a rich menu of their award winning beers.
“The wine vendors, they put a lot of thought into
it,” said Cote. “They really make it a lot of fun. They
really bring a broad range, something that’s really affordable
to something that is very unique.”
Due to the Alaskan Brewing Co. rarely attending any
other wine tastings in town, Cote said she felt privileged to having
them attend. “One of the great things about this event is if
your spouse or friend doesn’t like wine, there’s beer,”
she said.
Numerous door prizes were given away, including martini glasses,
UAS sweatshirts and Alaskan brew gear. There was also a seven-day
cruise for two on Holland America that was raffled away at the event.
Joan Cahill, a UAS graduate who is currently attending
classes for a master’s degree in public administration said,
“I’m a huge fan of both UAS and wine so it’s a great
combination.”
A handful of students attended the event for the opportunity not
only to enjoy some of the finer things in life, but also to rub
elbows with alumni, faculty and staff.
“I thought it was very nice to go to an event where
I could socialize with UAS alumni,” said student Tracy Wendt.
“I can talk to them about how to take my future goals and turn
them into reality. It’s cool to be able to chat with them because
they’re the pillars of the community and they’re the ones
pioneering the path of my future.”
Although it was all about wine and a good time, it wasn’t
all about alcohol. “If you walk around and hear the conversation,
that’s the cool part,” said Johnson. “It’s not
about the alcohol, it’s about the people getting to know one
another.”
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