The Alaska Nanooks Department of Athletics announced on Mar. 30 that nominations for the Nanook Hall of Fame Class of 2026 are being accepted for one more month, with a submission deadline set for April 30.
The nomination process allows the community to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to University of Alaska Fairbanks athletics. The Selection Committee, which includes university and department staff, former inductees, and community members, will review all submissions. Those selected will be honored as part of the 13th class during an induction event scheduled for fall 2026; details about the date and location are yet to be determined.
Past inductees into the Nanook Hall of Fame include athletes such as Dan Jordan (Rifle), Bente Heller (Swim), Darryl Lewis, Sr. (Men’s Basketball), Keith Street (Hockey), Sue Murphy Stanton (Women’s Basketball), Sam Harthun (Volleyball), and Tyler Kornfield (Cross Country/Ski). The full list is available on the official Alaska Nanooks website.
Eligibility criteria require student-athletes to have been out of competition at the university for at least five years before being considered. Teams, coaches, administrators, athletic staff, and boosters must also not have been active in their roles for a minimum of five years prior to nomination.
Established on Jan. 9, 2008, the Nanook Hall of Fame was created “to honor and preserve the memory of the men and women who, through their outstanding contributions both in intercollegiate athletics and community involvement, have brought honor and distinction to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.” According to its founding statement: “It exists to recognize not only outstanding contributions of student-athletes but the contributions of coaches, administrators, athletic staff, community members, and others who positively have promoted the mission of the University…”
More information about current members can be found by visiting AlaskaNanooks.com.
