The 2009 Spirit of KUAC Award recipient is Dave “Dr. Dave” Lacey.
KUAC celebrated the hard work and dedication of its volunteers on Thursday, April 23rd at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party. We are thankful for our dedicated volunteers, and are thrilled for the opportunity to express our appreciation. This year we did it up fiesta style at this red hot party, giving volunteers a chance to mingle with staff, family and friends – and eat ice cream!
The Spirit of KUAC Award is presented at this event to a volunteer for his/her exceptional service to KUAC. Open nominations were accepted for 30 days and then forwarded to a selection committee of community members. The 2009 Spirit of KUAC Award recipient is Dave “Dr. Dave” Lacey.
Previous Spirit of KUAC recipients:
- 2004 – Leone Hatch
- 2005 – Reverend Murray Richmond
- 2006 – John “Alaska Jahn” Lysen
- 2007 – Tim “T-Man” Sprout
- 2008 – Lisa Sporleder
Congratulations to all of the 2009 Spirit of KUAC nominees:
- Mary Jo and Nick Anagnostou
- Gary Bender
- Ashlee Breese
- Lorien Nettleton
- Susie Hackett
Thank you to the Spirit of KUAC selection committee:
- Michael Campbell – MWR at Ft. Wainright
- Lisa Sporleder – dedicated volunteer & 2008 Spirit of KUAC recipient
- Faith Long – UAF SOM student advisor & volunteer
- Emily Bratcher – KUAC volunteer
- Martin Miller – storyteller, underwriter (A Weaver’s Yarn) and on air talent
Comments from Dave Lacey’s nominators:
Dr. Dave was an advocate for public radio. Whether it was a fundraiser or on-air shift, you always got the sense Dave was giving it his all. He brought his wealth of knowledge of music to the listeners every time he hosted a show. He would ask other volunteers what they were playing and use specific examples of songs he was curious about. He cared about KUAC more than most and that’s hard to do because we have some dedicated folks at this station.
Dr. Dave was a huge part of this community. He brought us together on late dark nights in winter, and late sunny nights in summer. He joined us with the music he loved and offered as a gift regularly over many, many years. He was the spirit of volunteering.
Dave was a faithful part of Saturday night for many years. Dave lived his life in service to the Alaskan community and the world in many ways, including sharing the music. Dave gave his weekends to the listeners for many years. He included Alaskan Natives in his show, and made their music known to other cultures.
Almost 27 years of service to KUAC and a founding member of the still popular program ‘Any Old Time’. One of the most well known oldies hosts, Dr. Dave was heard for years on Saturday nights, as ‘your main peace and love man’.
He tried to live a good life on a very low resource base. Even though Dave’s cupboard might be bare, he would always find a meal to share with someone. Dave was honest and true to himself. “In Service” to the end.
