Legislature honors Diane Hirschberg for decades of service at ISER

The Alaska Legislature recognized Diane Hirschberg on March 28, 2026, for more than two decades of service to the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage and for her contributions to Alaska public-policy research.

Senator Wilikowski presented a citation highlighting Hirschberg’s 23 years at ISER, her role founding the Institute Center for Alaska Education Policy Research, and her appointment as ISER director in 2022. "She has dedicated her time to the mission of understanding Alaska's unique social and economic development," the senator said.

Representative Donna Mears offered brief congratulations and said she had introduced Hirschberg on the House floor earlier in the week. Hirschberg thanked legislators for the recognition and noted her collaborations across Alaska and the Arctic; legislators and staff praised her mentorship and scholarship.

No formal action or vote accompanied the recognition; the ceremony concluded as the committee moved on to technical briefing material.