New pedestrian bridge across Providence Drive to be named in honor of Ann and Al Parrish
by Ted Kincaid |
Ann and Al Parrish, longtime supporters and friends of the university, will be celebrated this spring when the new pedestrian bridge across Providence Drive is named in their honor.
From left to right: Tlisa Northcutt, Chris Turletes, Chancellor Case, Ann Parrish, Megan Olson, Al Parrish, Sam Gingerich and Carla Beam. Photo courtesy of University of 熊猫在线视频 Anchorage/Ted Kincaid
The Parrishes have been deeply involved with the university for nearly three decades. Al served as chief executive officer of Providence Hospital from 2002-2011, and during that time he helped forge strong partnerships between UAA and Providence, especially in the areas of nursing education and early childhood development. He served for years on the Chancellor's Board of Advisors and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UAA in 2012. Ann, a UAA alumna, served as a UA Regent from 1983-1991 and then as a UA Foundation Trustee from 1991-2012. She founded UAA's signature event, the Celebrity Chef Invitational, in 1993. Ann received UA Foundation's Bullock Prize for Excellence in 2003 in recognition for her outstanding contributions to the university.
A naming ceremony in spring 2016 will formally dedicate the bridge in their honor.