William R. Cashen Service Award
William R. "Bill" Cashen '37 was an alumni director, professor and university marshal, as well as a public servant, historian, family man, proud alumnus and friend to many alumni. Cashen set the example for service to the university and its alumni association. This award is designed to recognize and perpetuate his example and inspire all those associated with the University of ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Fairbanks.
Eligibility: Alumni and non-alumni qualify for the award. Only employees of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Alumni Association are excluded.
Criteria for selection: Nominees will be judged on the basis of meritorious service at more than one level of alumni activity. This could include, but is not limited to, serving as a chapter officer, serving on the board of directors, assisting with a project, setting up a scholarship, or serving on a ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ selection committee or advisory council.
2026 William R. Cashen Service Award winner
Bruce Cech
Bruce Cech is the recipient of the 2026 William R. Cashen Service Award, honoring his more than four decades of outstanding service to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. For generations of fans, Cech has been the beloved and enduring “Voice of the Nanooks.â€
Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Cech began his broadcasting career in Fairbanks, where an early radio position led to a lifelong connection with ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ athletics and the Fairbanks community. Now in his 37th season broadcasting Nanook hockey, Cech’s career has spanned nine head hockey coaches and 18 athletic and interim athletic directors.
Cech credits the support of colleagues, friends and partners across ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ and Fairbanks, along with KSUA student radio, for his successful career. His dedication and passion have helped shape the Nanook experience for generations of alumni, students and fans.