Distinguished Alaskans Aid Foundation as '98ers
The foundation is a non-membership corporation that depends on services provided by its officers and directors, others interested in Alaskan mining, and on donations and grants.
The Foundation is especially indebted to sixteen persons who have each contributed $1,000 to become 98ers, in honor of the first stampeders to Alaska in 1898 at Nome.
The '98ers (current through May 25, 2009)
| Earl H. Beistline Thomas K. Bundtzen Glen Chambers Douglas Colp Wendell Hammon Jr. Dr. Charles C. Hawley Dr. Walter Johnson Wallace McGregor James Moody | John Mulligan Patrick H. O'Neill Elmer E. Rasmuson* William Stroecker Dr. Robert H. Trent Mitch Usibelli Joe Usibelli, Sr. Dr. William R. Wood* Dr. Kenneth L. Zonge |
| *deceased |
Most of the 98ers are recognizable as miners of national or international reputation. The late William R. Wood was President, Emeritus, of the University of Alaska. Dr. Wood suggested the organization of the Foundation. The late Elmer E. Rasmuson was an Alaska banker and benefactor, long interested in Alaska natural resource history. Dr. Walter Johnson knew many pioneer Alaskans. His research has taken him to Sweden and Norway in search of the true story of the so-called "three Lucky Swedes" of fame at Nome.