The Alaska Nanooks Department of Athletics has opened the nomination process for the Nanook Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2026, and can be submitted through the department’s official website.
A committee made up of university staff, former inductees, and community members will review all nominations. The selected group will become the 13th class to join the Nanook Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is planned for fall 2026, with details about the date and location to be announced later.
Nathan Pearsall, Sports Information Director for the Nanooks, commented on this year’s process: “We look forward to building off of the foundation we rebuilt last year with the Class of 2025. Last year we inducted a class of 10, with nine individuals and one historic team, and this year, we intend on continuing that momentum by recognizing another outstanding group of Nanooks whose impact has shaped our department’s rich history.”
The Hall of Fame honors individuals 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 Hall was established in January 2008 to recognize those who have contributed significantly to athletics and community life at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The recognition extends beyond athletes to include coaches, administrators, staff, and community members who have supported or promoted the mission of both the university and its athletic programs.
A full list of current Hall of Fame members is available on the Alaska Nanooks’ official website.
