
Juneau was an exciting but intimidating place when I first started visiting the legislature as head of Alaska Public Radio Network in the early ‘80s. There were legislators who were quite adept at avoiding eye contact (and still are today) no matter how hard you tried to engage them while walking down the long halls. Senator Arliss Sturgulewski was not one of those legislators. She was welcoming, kind, frank—ever the advisor and mentor for a young lobbyist who had no idea what she was doing.
A moderate Republican at that time (I believe she’s since dropped her party affiliation), she acted in the best interests of Alaskans, whether they were her constituents or not. A true Alaska Stateswoman. She was willing to work with whomever shared her passions—Republican, Democrat, urban, rural, it didn’t matter. We could use some Sturgulewski-ism today, couldn’t we?
On the occasion of your 90th birthday, a big hug to you, Arliss, from me and all of Alaska. Thank you for setting the bar high for public servants, for fighting for the little guys, for standing up for what you believe, for making everyone feel like they matter. We love you!
5 Comments
Posted by george van otten
Dear Arliss: I am sorry that I did not see this celebration of your 90th birthday until now (three years later). In any case, I want to thank you once more for your tremendous support when I served as the Dean of Academics for Sheldon Jackson College. It was not because we did not give it our best effort that Sheldon Jackson College eventually closed. I now live in the mountains near Sierra Vista, Arizona, and with the exception of treatments for cancer (so far so good), I am doing well. I continue to teach on-line graduate courses for the Homeland Security Degree Program for Penn State Univ. If you get this message, and you have the time to respond, it would be great to hear from you. Blessings. George A. Van Otten
Posted by Gladys Meacock
Arliss (even if I don’t know her feel comfortable calling her by her first name) was a hard conscience worker who worked tirelessly for the state of Alaska and all of its constituents. Happy Birthday Arliss!
Posted by Carol Guillory
Happy Birthday Arliss. I had to move from Alaska in 1994. Sad day indeed. I appreciate you being a strong woman in the 80’s. A great time for me & other women in Alaska as I remember. I found my independence in this beautiful state. It will always be home for me. May you continue to carry a great light for women ❤️
Posted by Heather Flynn
Diane, you were never intimidated. Nonetheless we all learned from Arliss and are so grateful for her guidance and wisdom.
Posted by Morgan Christen
I agree! As one of the many that Arliss welcomed and encouraged, I am delighted to join in the chorus of people wishing her a happy, happy 90th.
With heartfelt thanks for her many acts of kindness,
Morgan Christen