This volume relates the founding and subsequent history of the University of Alaska in Fairbanks. It is written by a retired former student and lifelong faculty member in the geophysics department. Divided into major sections, the first covers the site, early Alaskan history, founding of the school when the focus was on agriculture and mining, the career of Otto Geist (noted paleontologist), research on the Aurora Borealis, and establishment of the Geophysical Institute by President Truman. The second section opens with consideration of the continuing struggle between the new and old guard over the appointment of Terris Moore as President in 1949. The following chapters explore establishment of the "Ice Bowl" a football playoff, development of basic science and graduate programs, and continuing struggles over governance of the Geophysical Institute. Other topics discussed include a failed attempt to establish an agricultural institute, Terris Moore's resignation, and selection of a new president. Appendixes contain a table of inflation rates 1900 to 1990, military branch enrollments, and aerial photographs of the campus. Includes an index and extensive reference notes for each chapter. (JB)