FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) _ The University of Alaska Fairbanks will officially celebrate its first century next year and officials marked festivities leading up to it with a rededication.

Officials on Monday re-enacted a ceremony that occurred about a century ago with speeches, blessings and the recitation of a speech given by Judge James Wickersham, a key player in the school’s history, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported (http://bit.ly/1glNtnd).

A July 4, 1915 ceremony dedicated the hillside that now supports 10,000 students.

Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott attended Monday’s event and said the university has grown to reach the potential envisioned by its creators.

Vice Chancellor for Rural, Community and Native Education Evon Peter said the rededication included Troth Yeddha’ Park, where the university has plans for an indigenous studies center.

He said this is an important change from years past, when the indigenous cultures of Alaska haven’t always been acknowledged.

Chancellor Brian Rogers says