Distinguished Alaskans Aid Foundation as '98ers
The foundation is a non-membership corporation that depends on services provided by its officers and directors, others interested in Alaskan mining, and on donations and grants.
The Foundation is especially indebted to 24 persons who have each contributed $1,000 to become 98'ers, in honor of the first stampeders to Alaska in 1898 at Nome.
The '98'ers (current through January 2017.)
Dr. Earl Hoover Beistline (d) | James Moody (d) |
Cheryl Bradley | John Mulligan (d) |
Jason Brune | Patrick O’Neill (d) |
Thomas Bundtzen | Jeanne Ostnes and Tim Benintendi |
David and Patricia Carnes | Larry and Darlene Peterson |
Glen Chambers (d) | Elmer E. Rasmuson (d) |
Doug Colp (d) | Irving Stoy Reed (d) |
Asle Eikeland Family | Margaret Cox Rich |
Karen Erickson | William Stroecker (d) |
Don and Carolyn Gray | William Stroecker Foundation |
Karl and Nancy Hanneman | Taiga Mining Company |
Wendell Hammon Jr. | Teck Alaska Resources |
Dr. Charles Hawley (d) | Dr. Robert Trent (d) |
Dr. Walter Johnson | Mitch and Michele Usibelli |
Sonny Lindner | Joseph E. Usibelli (d) |
Shirley Liss | Usibelli Foundation |
Lyndon Transport | Teresa Chepoda Usibelli |
June and Norm McAtee | Candy Waugaman (d) |
Wallace McGregor (d) | Dr. William Wood (d) |
Neil McKinnon | Dr. Kenneth L. Zonge |
Tom Mein | |
Clark and Karen Milne | |
(d) deceased |
Most of the 98'ers are recognizable as miners of national or international reputation. The late William R. Wood was President, Emeritus, of the University of Alaska. Dr. Wood suggested the organization of the Foundation. The late Elmer E. Rasmuson was an Alaska banker and benefactor, long interested in Alaska natural resource history. Dr. Walter Johnson knew many pioneer Alaskans. His research has taken him to Sweden and Norway in search of the true story of the so-called "three Lucky Swedes" of fame at Nome.