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Feb. 10, 2022
Dear ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ community,
Today a Fairbanks jury found Steven Downs guilty of the murder of Sophie Sergie, a
young ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Native woman who was killed on the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ campus in April of 1993.
I hope this verdict brings a sense of closure to all those who have waited for justice
for nearly 30 years. However, let’s also recognize that this trial has been a difficult
reminder for everyone grieving Sophie’s death as well as victims of similar crimes.
Her tragic death continues to be painful for many at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ and throughout ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ.
Violence against women, particularly Indigenous women, remains a tragic storyline
in ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s history and it continues in our present. We must all work together to
change this narrative. The University is a place of learning — where we learn from
history so that tragedies are not repeated. Please do your part as we renew our commitment
to a culture of respect, diversity, inclusion and caring at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ.
If you are struggling, please don’t struggle alone. For students, the Student Health
and Counseling Center can provide support or counseling. Call 474-7043 to speak with
someone or visit for more information. Employees are eligible for free counseling through the Employee
Assistance Program. Please call 1-888-993-7650, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sincerely,
Dan White, chancellor
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