Nancy Castro Receives Chancellor's Award
Nancy Castro, Admissions and Financial Aid Coordinator at Kodiak College and tireless advocate for access through financial aid and financial literacy, has been honored with the 2024 UAA Chancellor's Choice Award for Philanthropic Excellence. This recognition celebrates Castro's dedication to enhancing educational opportunity and her philanthropic contributions to Kodiak College and the Kodiak community.
The Chancellor's Awards for Excellence are presented annually to individuals that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment in a variety of categories. Each year the Chancellor’s award for achievement and/or innovation in a category of the Chancellor's Choice is presented to two faculty or staff - one awardee from the Anchorage campus and one awardee selected from a community campus. The 2024 theme for the Chancellor’s Choice Award centered on philanthropic excellence. This award recognizes faculty and staff engagement with donors and the stewardship that creates funding opportunities through building and maintaining relationships in our communities. Jacelyn Keys, Kodiak College Director, wrote in her nomination of Castro, “Nancy's relentless efforts in fundraising, student support, and creating opportunity for students by creating funding streams to help pay for or offset the cost of tuition has set her apart as a true leader in philanthropic endeavors at Kodiak College and the University of Alaska Anchorage.”
Castro has long been a champion for educational access, particularly in the areas of scholarships and financial aid. Her philanthropic work has been instrumental in the awarding and establishment of scholarships as well as ensuring the Kodiak Island Scholarship Fair, the island’s comprehensive scholarship fair, is a success. Through her leadership and financial contributions, she has played a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
Kodiak College is proud to celebrate Nancy Castro's achievements and her impact on the college. Her contributions have not only enriched the lives of Kodiak College students but have also strengthened the fabric of the entire Kodiak community.