Spring 2024 Honorary Degree Award: Diane Kaplan

In 2023, Diane Kaplan retired from her role as president and CEO of the Rasmuson Foundation, a position she has held since 2001. Under her leadership, the foundation became the largest philanthropy in Alaska, with assets growing from $5 million to an estimated $800 million today and annual donations of $25-30 million to nonprofits, tribes, artists and local governments.

Kaplan's notable achievements include launching high-impact initiatives including Pick. Click. Give., the Individual Artist Awards and a dental health aide therapist program. She also led a successful fundraising campaign of $40 million to combat homelessness in Anchorage and contributed to grow the Alaska Community Foundation's assets to over $100 million.

Through national philanthropic partnerships, Kaplan has attracted more than $300 million in investments for Alaska projects. She engaged community members through listening sessions and formed Recover Alaska, a statewide effort to address alcohol-related issues. Kaplan has also supported the introduction of a dental therapist workforce in Alaska Native communities, improving access to dental education and services.

As a result of her contributions, Kaplan has earned her numerous awards, including the Commonwealth North's William A. Egan Distinguished Alaskan Award and Grantmakers in Health's Terrance Keenan Leadership Award in Health Philanthropy. She serves on various boards, including the United States Artists Board and the Alaska Community Foundation.

Before joining the Rasmuson Foundation, Kaplan provided consulting services and served as CEO of Alaska Public Radio Network. She holds a degree in communications and women's studies from the University of Pennsylvania and has been nominated by President Joe Biden to serve on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting board of directors.

On Wednesday, May 1, the University of Alaska Anchorage honored Diane Kaplan with an Honorary Degree during a special ceremony in advance of spring commencement. Also recognized were Meritorious Service Award recipients Cathy Rasmuson and Ira Perman as well as Honorary Degree recipient Alvin Amason.