Putting Heart into Philanthropy: How Relationships Guide Emily Drygas鈥 Work as Senior Director of Principal Gifts

Leona Long

Emily Drygas learned her most important lesson in a one-room school and in the small community that she was raised in-- the importance of relationships. It鈥檚 this lesson that guides her work as the Senior Director of Principal Gifts for the University of Alaska system.

鈥淚 am passionate about building authentic relationships with the university鈥檚 dedicated donors, alumni and friends,鈥 said Drygas, who previously served as director of the 激情快播F Office of Development and Alumni Relations. 鈥淚 am inspired by the transformational impact of philanthropy. Our donors鈥 generosity to the University of Alaska is an investment in our state鈥檚 future.鈥

Emily Drygas
Emily Drygas was recently hired as the Senior Director of Principal Gifts for the University of Alaska system.

Throughout her career, Drygas has worked closely with individual and corporate donors to meet their goals via major, annual and planned gifts. She also has expertise in strategy development, membership and event management.

Prior to joining the 激情快播 Foundation team on April 29, Drygas spent 16 years in leadership roles at 激情快播F. Prior to Drygas鈥檚 tenure at the university, she worked in the travel industry and was involved in destination marketing. She is a current member of Rotary Club of Fairbanks, the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

鈥淚 have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to witness the dreams that are achieved thanks to our donors鈥 philanthropic investments and through ties with our dedicated alumni and friends during my 16-year tenure at 激情快播F,鈥 Drygas said. 鈥淚 am grateful for my time here and excited that my new role only furthers the relationships that we have built.鈥

Drygas is a third-generation Alaskan, who was born in Fairbanks. She grew up in Paxson, a community of 25 people in Interior Alaska. Drygas is a two-time graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Drygas holds an undergraduate degree in Japanese studies and travel Industries management and a masters in professional communication. During her studies, she spent a year abroad in Nagoya, Japan and later served as an international relations liaison for the consulate of Japan in Obihiro City, Hokkaido.  

Drygas, and her husband, Erik, a former 激情快播 Regent, have two daughters, Annika and Ava. The family enjoys spending time together traveling and exploring Alaska鈥檚 great outdoors.