University of Alaska Fairbanks - Denali Yearbook (Fairbanks, AK)

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A mother and child anxiously await Kid-Evac transport ation to Anchorage

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fcffr Volunteers during the battle of the power plant at the heighth of the flood (Photos by Ted Loder.) DISASTER! I he year 1966-67 will be long remembered by the people of Fairbanks and those students who were on campus during summer of that year. This was the year of disaster. A series of earthquakes, the most violent of which reg- istered 6.7 on the Richter scale, and subsequent aftershocks left the community in a jittery state. Then in August came the flood which spread heartbreak and hardship into practically every family. The college community was relatively fortunate—being on high ground. It served as an oasis for the multitude routed out of their homes by the treacherous waters. This was also a disastrous year for the Denali. Apathy, inexperience, lack of cooperation AND the flood, com- bined to make this book late. We are sorry for the delay, sorry for those of you who may have been left out. Forgive us our omissions for they were not in- tentional. If the book does not meet your expectations, we hope it will at least serve to jog your memory in years hence so that you will recall the year 1966-67.

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A TIME TO W hen Ben Atkinson died last Octo- ber many on campus felt as though the entire University machine slipped a cog in its forward movement. Ben, director of physical plant and campus planning for nine years, guided the University in its tremendous surge to establish itself as a modern campus. Perhaps there is no better eulogy than to say Ben loved Alaska, loved the University and loved his work. In re- turn, many loved and respected him. Here are some of the comments from friends at his untimely death (he was only 49): Dr. William R. Wood: Ben was one of the great builders of Alaska and the university ... He held the respect of all who knew him. He did not talk about honesty and integrity. He lived these qualities. Dean Earl Beistline, Acting Academic Vice-President: Ben came to Alaska and fell in love with the territory, the state and the university. The university became a major part of his life . . . his accomplishments were many ... he will be remembered for many years . . . . Dean Charles Keim, College of Arts and Letters: I was fortunate. I knew both sides of Ben Atkinson; engineer and sensitive photographer, organist and string instrumentalist, and strong outdoorsman. Norma Martin, Ben ' s last secretary: He was the best man. We ' ll still keep the heat operating and the new buildings coming, but it ' ll be hard without him. In summing up, perhaps Joann Hollister, a clerical worker, said it best: What we need are more Ben Atkinsons.