Christina Jackson Memorial Dedication Honors Legacy of Compassion and Innovation
Anchorage, AK — On a poignant and sunny afternoon, faculty, students, friends, and family gathered on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus to honor the memory of Christina Sammartino Jackson. As the inaugural Alaska Programs Coordinator for the UAA-ISU Doctor of Pharmacy program, Christina played a key role in the program’s success, and her legacy continues to shape its future.
The ceremony, held at a newly dedicated memorial site on campus, featured heartfelt remarks from ISU Dean of Pharmacy Tom Wadsworth, who spoke of Christina’s deep influence on the program and her unwavering dedication to her students and colleagues. The memorial, a beautifully crafted bench surrounded by flowers, serves as a tribute to Christina's creativity, warmth, and her lasting impact on the program. “This is more than just a bench,” said Dean Wadsworth. “It’s a space that will offer comfort to students, just as Christina always did."
Christina was remembered not only for her professional excellence but also for her innovative spirit. Her influence can still be seen throughout the program, from the campus logo designs to her breathtaking photographs of the northern lights. "Her creativity and care shaped so much of what we do," Wadsworth noted.
In recognition of her contributions, the College of Pharmacy has established the Christina Jackson Staff Innovation Award, which will be given annually to a staff member who exemplifies exceptional innovation. The first recipient of this award was Ryan Stafford, one of Christina’s close colleagues on the Alaska campus.
Additionally, Christina’s family created the Christina Sammartino Jackson Scholarship Endowment with a generous $25,000 donation, ensuring her commitment to students lives on. The first scholarship was awarded to Seth Bodine, a P4 student who shared fond memories of Christina.
In a moving tribute, it was also announced that each October, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, faculty, staff, and students across all ISU campuses will hold a candle lighting ceremony and moment of silence in Christina’s memory. This tradition will serve as a lasting reminder of her legacy and the collective commitment to standing against domestic violence, the cause that tragically took her life.
The ceremony concluded with this inaugural candle lighting and moment of silence. “We miss Christina every day,” Wadsworth said, “but her spirit continues to inspire us all.”
Following the dedication, attendees gathered to share stories, tour the campus facilities, and reflect on the legacy of a woman who left an indelible mark on the program, the profession, and all who knew her.
