Cover Photo by: Stephanie Boeshaar
To Support all tribal citizens pursuing a higher education as a pathway to self-determination.
HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The Tlingit & Haida Higher Education Program offers scholarship opportunites to all tribal citizens residing in the United States who are currently attending an accredited university, pursuing an associate degree or higher.
SEMESTER TERM APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE DATES
FALL August 1 - December 15, 2026
SPRING
December 16 2026 - May 31, 2027
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
COLLEGE STUDENT ASSISTANCE
The College Student Assistance (CSA) Scholarship Award is a year-round program that serves tribal citizens residing within the United States Funding for the College Student Assistance Scholarship is based on our compact agreement between Tlingit & Haida and the Southeast Alaska IRA tribes
Students who originate from the following compacted service areas are eligible to apply for CSA funding: Haines, Hydaburg, Juneau, Pelican, Saxman, and Tenakee
Eligible students may submit their applications at the beginning of each new term they enroll in. To be eligible to apply, you must:
Be enrolled in Tlingit & Haida
Originate from a Southeast Alaska community
Be Enrolled Full-time or Part-time in an accredited college or university
Working towards an associate degree or higher
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
Reside in the United States
ABOUT US
ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Alumni Scholarship Assistance Program(ASAP) is a one-time, per-academicyear scholarship award that serves all tribal citizens residing in the US, regardless of their Southeast Alaska community affiliation. Award amounts are based on annual fundraising activities, including memorial donations, private donations, vendor/associate solicitations, and fundraisers The ASAP application period runs from July 1 to September 15
To be eligible to apply, you must:
Be enrolled in Tlingit & Haida
Be enrolled in and attending an accredited college or university
Be pursuing an associate degree or higher
Have a cumulative GPA of 30
Reside in the US
Students will be required to verify:
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Full-time attendance for the term
STUDENTS SERVED
PARTICIPATIONOVERVIEW
Total Number of Applications Paid
Total Number of Tribal Citizens Served
GEOGRAPHICREACH
ProudlyservingTribalCitizensacross23 Statesduringthisacademicyear:
HOLD EACH OTHER UP
THROUGH ART & TRADITION
Among the Tlingit and Haida peoples, holding one another up is a deeply rooted Traditional Tribal Value that endures throughout one's life and across generations. Through programs such as the Higher Education Program, Tlingit & Haida remain dedicated to that Traditional Tribal Value. In addition to scholarship support, the Higher Education program provides students with a one-time graduation stole to celebrate earning their degrees.
This year, the Higher Education Program ran low on graduation stoles. The previous design, created by Tammy Owens, featured either an Eagle or
Raven and could not be reproduced without her permission Because our Native communities place great importance on respecting artists' ownership and intellectual property, creating copies of the existing design was not an option
To address this need, the Higher Education Program partnered with the Tribe’s Village House Printing team to develop a new production plan The Communications Department gifted original artwork, resulting in a new generation of graduation stoles that honors both our graduates and the cultural value of artistic ownership
Two artists, Kari Benolken (Haida) and Sydney Isaacs-Hulstine (Tlingit), both employees of the Communications Department, had already created new Eagle and Raven designs Both designs were then incorporated into the stole, resulting in a beautiful piece that honors both the Tlingit and Haida formline and artistry.
Receiving regalia holds profound significance, especially for our Tlingit and Haida people
Because of this, regalia is not simply “worn” it carries history and rights and signifies belonging The stoles awarded to students through the Tlingit & Haida Higher Education Program are more than ceremonial garments; they represent dedication, resilience, and the traditional tribal value of supporting one another
Through this collaboration, not only was a graduation stole created, but it also became a powerful symbol of community
Eagle & Raven Stole by artists
Kari Benolken & Sydney Isaacs-Hulstine
Eagle Stole by artist Tammy Owens
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
CRYSTAL BROCK-MCLANE
Crystal Brock-McLane, a College Student Assistance scholarship recipient, is Raven Moiety and originates from Juneau. She lives in Redding, California, and recently earned her first associate degree in business administration from Shasta College.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Crystal reflected on her future and returned to school to help achieve her dream of owning a cleaning business As a devoted mother of seven children, ages 17 months to 26 years, she chose entrepreneurship and education to create a better future for her family while remaining actively involved in their lives. She also employs her older children, demonstrating the Tlingit matrilineal values of responsibility, perseverance, and caring for family
Since receiving the College Student Assistance scholarship in spring 2024, Crystal has used the funds to pay for books and other educational expenses. She says the scholarship has also provided encouragement and reminded her that her Tribe believes in her success.
Crystal shares that her greatest academic achievement was simply deciding to enroll in college "There was a time when I doubted my ability to succeed in school at all," she says. Earning her first associate degree marks a milestone of courage, determination, and personal growth. This year, she was also awarded the 2026 Howard Yackus Memorial Scholarship, a national Indigenous scholarship.
Crystal's story is one of self-determination, resilience, and cultural strength Through education and entrepreneurship, she is building a brighter future for herself, her family, and generations to come. Congratulations, Crystal!
TRIBAL VALUES - STUDENT INSIGHT
This year, 40 tribal citizen students participated in the Higher Education yearbook. Each student shared the tribal values they most aligned with. The two values selected most often were Be Strong in Mind, Body & Spirit and Hold Each Other Up, reflecting the deeply rooted importance of supporting one another and keeping our minds, bodies and spirits strong and healthy.
STUDENTS
LUTRICIA ABBOTT
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven)
City, State: Baton Rouge, LA
School: Grand Canyon State University
Degree Seeking: BAS/BAT
Field of Study: Business Management
Career Pursuing: Owner and operator of a doula practice
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Keefe Blankenship | Yash Nein
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven)
City, State: Phoenix, AZ
School: Arizona State University
Degree Seeking: MA
Field of Study: Early Education
Career Pursuing: Work in higher education
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Ketchikan
CLAIRE BOESHAAR
CSA/Alumni Tlingit
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Kiks.adi
City, State: Arcada, CA
School: Cal-Poly Humboldt
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Wildlife Conservation & Management
Career Pursuing: Wildlife Biologist
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
DYLAN BOESHAAR
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Kiks adi
City, State: San Diego, CA
School: Point Loma Nazarene University
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Accounting
Career Pursuing: Sports Financing
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
STUDENTS
LYDIA BOESHAAR
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Kiks.ádi
City, State: Scottsdale, AZ
School: University of Arizona
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Nursing
Career Pursuing: Working in neonatal tribal ICU
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
MARISSA BOESHAAR
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Kiks.ádi
City, State: Winston Salem, NC
School: University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Degree Seeking: MA
Field of Study: Costume Technology
Career Pursuing: Costume Design Theatre
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
TAL BROCK-McLANE
an: Yéil (Raven)
e: Redding, CA
hasta College
eeking: AA
tudy: Business
ursuing: Business entrepreneurship
t Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
ISABEL BRYAN | KAX DUKE
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil / Ggaagg (Raven) / Kiks.ádi
City, State: Fairbanks, AK
School: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Interdisciplinary Studies
Career Pursuing: Early Childhood Education
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit/Tsimshian
Tlingit
STUDENTS
KELSIE BURNS
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yáahl (Raven)
City, State: Missoula, MT
School: University of Montana
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Business Administration - Marketing
Career Pursuing: Brand Marketer
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Kasaan
Haida
MICHAEL CAESAR | TOOK-AH-HOW
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Lukaax ádi (Raven, Sockeye)
City, State: Boston, MA
School: Harvard Medical School
Degree Seeking: MD
Field of Study: Medicine
Career Pursuing: Orthopedic Surgeon
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Haines
ROSE DANIELS | JÁAL
Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / T’akdeintaan (Kittiwake)
City, State: Beaverton, OR
School: Portland State University
Degree Seeking: BS
Field of Study: Biology and ITECK (Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge)
Career Pursuing: Restoration Ecologist
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Hoonah
PRECIOUS DAVID
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven)
City, State: St Ignatius, MT
School: University of Montana
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Anthropology
Career Pursuing: Forensic Anthropologist
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
STUDENTS
CHRISTINA DAVIS | AAN TSEXTʼ
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Ishkítaan
City, State: Juneau, AK
School: University of Alaska - Southeast
Degree Seeking: AA
Field of Study: Business Administration
Career Pursuing: Continue in tribal services
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
NICOLAS DEJESUS
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil / Yáahl (Raven)
City, State: Washington
School: Washington State University
Degree Seeking: BAS/BAT
Field of Study: Architectural Studies & Interior Design
Career Pursuing: Architect
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Haines
Tlingit
Tlingit/Haida
EMILY EDENSHAW-CHAFIN | KIHL GÚUL JÁAD
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yáahl (Raven) / Stlang ‘laanaa
City, State: Hydaburg, AK
School: University of Alaska - Fairbanks
Degree Seeking: PhD
Field of Study: Indigenous Studies
Career Pursuing: Xaad Kíl linguist and Author
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Hydaburg
NORBERTO FERDIN
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Wooshkeetaan (Shark)
City, State: Stockton, CA
School: University of the Pacific
Degree Seeking: MA
Field of Study: Education Specialist
Career Pursuing: Teacher
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Haida
Tlingit
STUDENTS
NDREA FLORENDO | SHKAXWUL.LAAT
A/Alumni
iety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Chookaneidí
y, State: Juneau, AK
hool: University of Alaska - Southeast
gree Seeking: AA
d of Study: Northwest Coast Arts
eer Pursuing: Artist/Teacher
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
TELLISHA FRANKHOUSER
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Kaagwaantaan
City, State: Ketchikan, AK
School: University of Alaska - Anchorage
Degree Seeking: AA/BA
Field of Study: Nursing/Business
Career Pursuing: Nursing & Tribal Services
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Ketchikan
AMIE FUGLEBERG
A/Alumni
iety/Clan: Yéil (Raven)
y, State: Grove City, MN
hool: Southwest Minnesota State University
gree Seeking: BA
d of Study: ABS Special Education
eer Pursuing: Special Education Teacher
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Haines
JORDYNN FULMER | GUNAXSHOOWAXEEX
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / T’akdeintaan
City, State: Juneau, AK
School: University of Alaska - Southeast
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Indigenous Studies
Career Pursuing: Alaska Native Governance
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
STUDENTS
AYLA GRIFFIN
ety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle)
y, State: Grants Pass, OR
hool: Southern Oregon University
gree Seeking: BA
d of Study: Psychology
eer Pursuing: Counseling
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
JUSTIN HANNAN
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Shark
City, State: Georgia
School: University of North Georgia
Degree Seeking: BAS/BAT
Field of Study: Kinesiology
Career Pursuing: Doctor
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
DR. LISA-MARIE IKONOMOV
G'AAN DUX T'OOH
Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Wooshkeetaan (Shark)
City, State: Anchorage, AK
School: Regent University
Degree Seeking: PhD
f Study: Doctor of Strategic Communication
Pursuing: Public Relations/Tribal Services
east Alaska Community of Origin: Douglas
LEO JOHN-BIRD
umni
/Clan: Yéil / Yáahl (Raven)
ate: St Paul, MN
: Mitchell Hamline School of Law
e Seeking: PhD
f Study: Juris Doctor
Pursuing: Indigenous Law and Sovereignty/Health Law
east Alaska Community of Origin: Hydaburg
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit/Haida
Tlingit
STUDENTS
MEGAN LINGLE | ḴOOTGWÁATL
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Wooshkeetaan
City, State: Alaska
School: University of Alaska - Fairbanks
Degree Seeking: MA
Field of Study: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Career Pursuing: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
SARAH LUPINSKI
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Killer Whale
City, State: Idaho
School: Liberty University
Degree Seeking: MA
Field of Study: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Career Pursuing: Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPC
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
USAN MEYER | AANTSEEK
A/Alumni
iety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Yanyeidí y, State: Juneau, AK
hool: Walden University
gree Seeking: MA
d of Study: Psychology - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
eer Pursuing: Licensed Professional Counselor
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
OLIVIA MILLS | KANAT SOO
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / T'deintaan (Seagull)
City, State: Spokane, WA
School: Gonzaga University
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Biology
Career Pursuing: Veterinary Science
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
STUDENTS
IKAYLA MITCHELL | KINÓOGEIX
A/Alumni
iety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Deisheetaan
y, State: Juneau, AK
hool: University of Victoria
gree Seeking: MA
ld of Study: Indigenous Governance
eer Pursuing: University Professor
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
ANDREW NISKA
Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Deisheetaan
City, State: Spokane, WA
School: Brigham Young University
Degree Seeking: BS/BAT
Field of Study: Public Health
Career Pursuing: Medicine
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Hoonah
BETHANY REMI ONIBOKUN
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Wooshkeetaan
City, State: Juneau, AK
School: Universit of Alaska - Anchorage & Southeast Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Philosophy/Psychology/Biological Science
Career Pursuing: Neurophilosophy/Neuroscience Psychology
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
COLE SARGENT | TYEE DAY
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Dog Salmon
City, State: Edmonds, WA
School: Pacific Lutheran University
Degree Seeking: MA
Field of Study: Business Administration
Career Pursuing: Marketing/Social Media Consultant
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
STUDENTS
SYDNEY SELLERS | AAN DUX JUN
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven)
City, State: San Diego, CA
School: University of Arizona - Global Campus
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Business Administration
Career Pursuing: Human Resources
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Haines
TESLIN SMITH
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle)
City, State: Juneau, AK
School: University of Alaska -Southeast
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: English
Career Pursuing: Secondary Education Teacher
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
CECELIA STEBBINS
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle)
City, State: Moses Lake, WA
School: Nightingale College
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Nursing
Career Pursuing: Tribal Health
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
ISABELLA VALDEZ | YANKÁWGÉ SÉE
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / L'uknax ádi (Coho)
City, State: Redding, CA
School: Shasta College
Degree Seeking: AA/AAS
Field of Study: Human Development
Career Pursuing: Nursing
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
STUDENTS
RAYMOND G. WALKER | TOOḴ
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven) / Deishú Hít Deisheetaan
City, State: Juneau, AK
School: Institute of American Indian Arts
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Studio Arts
Career Pursuing: Tlingit Artist
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
SIERRA WESTIKA
CSA
Moiety/Clan: Ch'áak' (Eagle) / Wooshkeetaan (Shark)
City, State: Spokane, WA
pokane Falls Community College eeking: AA
tudy: Integrated Community Services ursuing: Emergency Response/Crisis Intervention t Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
JOSHUA WHITCHER
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven)
City, State: Medical Lake, WA
School: Eastern Washington University
Degree Seeking: BA
Field of Study: Interdisciplinary Studies
Career Pursuing: US Army
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Hydaburg
AMANDA WUOLLET
CSA/Alumni
Moiety/Clan: Yéil (Raven)
City, State: Cloquet, MN
School: The College of Saint Scholastica
Degree Seeking: MA
Field of Study: Social Work
Career Pursuing: Mental Health Therapist
Southeast Alaska Community of Origin: Juneau
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
Tlingit
EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
DR. LISA-MARIE IKONOMOV
Pursuing higher education is a transformative decision that requires commitment, perseverance, and support Many students balance esponsibilities Research shows that strong emotional and practical persistence, and higher graduation rates This is why the Higher Edu in holding each other up, ensuring that tribal members feel suppor heir educational journey, regardless of where they live
Education Program was honored ncluding Dr. Lisa-Marie Ikonomov zen from Juneau, Alaska Dr etaan (Shark), recently earned her he also holds a BA in English consin–Madison, an MFA in n University, an MBA in Service University of Alaska Southeast mov is the owner of Ikonic Public eative, LLC, and has served on the e 2016
Reflecting on her educational jo on gave me the knowledge, skills, and, confidence to make a meaningful contribution,but it was my connection to my heritage and our Native community that ultimately guided me home Education gave me wings to fly, but my roots brought me back"
She believes Native graduates strengthen tribal organizations, expand opportunities for future generations,and advance true self-determination by bringing their knowledge home. Like many doctoral students, Dr. Ikonomov balanced research with family, business ownership, and board service. She credits discipline, organization, and the support of those around her for helping her succeed. As she says, "Meaningful accomplishments rarely come from having more time; they come from making the best use of the time you have"
Guided by the Southeast Alaska Traditional Tribal Value of strength and courage, Dr Ikonomov is the first in her family to earn a college degree She embraces her personal motto: "Feel the fear and do it anyway" Her advice to future students is to dream big, stay patient, and celebrate each step forward
A three-time recipient of the Alumni Scholarship Assistance Program, Dr. Ikonomov credits Tlingit & Haida's financial support with making her educational journey possible.
“The Tribe's financial support enabled me to complete my educational journey without relying heavily on student loans I am deeply grateful for the Tribe's investment in my education and view my achievements as a reflection of that support and belief in my potential,” she said
At Tlingit & Haida, the Higher Education Program supports students from associate degrees to doctorates because every educational journey strengthens not only the individual but the entire community Dr Ikonomov's story is a testament to what is possible when we hold one another up, invest in our people, honor our values, and empower future generations through education. Her accomplishments exemplify the Higher Education Program’s mission in action: when we hold one another up, we strengthen individuals, families, and the future of our tribal communities.
Congratulations, Dr Ikonomov, on this extraordinary achievement!
COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY GRADUATES CLASS OF 2025-2026
Name: Theresa Bloomberg Degree: BA
Area of Study: Tribal Governanace & Business Management
Graduation Term: Winter 2026
Name: Claire Boeshaar Degree: BA
Area of Study: Wildlife Ecology, Conservation & Management
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Walter Borbridge Degree: MA
Area of Study: Theology
Graduation Term: Fall 2025
Name: Crystal Brock Degree: AA
Area of Study: Business
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Rachel Brodeur Degree: BA
Area of Study: Native Studies & Leadership Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Kelsie Burns Degree: BA
Area of Study: Business Administration & Marketing
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Apollo Cadiente Degree: BA
Area of Study: Environmental Science Policy & Native American Studies
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Latosha Emerson Degree: AA
Area of Study: Business Management
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Norberto Ferdin Degree: MA
Area of Study: Education Specialist
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Andrea Florendo Degree: AA
Area of Study: Northwest Coast Arts Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Tellisha Frankhouser Degree: BBA/BA/AA
Area of Study: Nursing Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Tayla Griffin Degree: BA Area of Study: Psychology Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Landon Guthrie Degree: BA
Area of Study: Electrical & Computer Engineering Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Justin Hannan Degree: BA
Area of Study: Kinesiology, Biology & Pre-Med Pathway Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Kathryn Hoppins Degree: BA
Area of Study: Nursing Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Dr. Lisa-Marie Ikonomov Degree: Doctorate/PhD
Area of Study: Strategic Communication Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Dr Leo John Bird Degree: Doctorate/PhD
Area of Study: Law; Native American Law & Sovereignty & Health Law Certificates Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Aubrey Katzeek Degree: BA
Area of Study: Elementary Education Graduation Term: Spring 2026
COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY GRADUATES
CLASS OF 2025-2026
Name: Sarah Lupinski Degree: MA
Area of Study: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Alfred Mangaser Degree: AA
Area of Study: Liberal Arts - Math & Science
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Ella Mills Degree: BA
Area of Study: Nursing
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Jackson Mills Degree: BA
Area of Study: Accounting
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Sophia Park Degree: BA
Area of Study: Film & Television Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Precious Paul-David Degree: BA
Area of Study: Anthropology Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Samantha Ponce Degree: AA
Area of Study: Business Management Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Brooke Ramon Degree: BA
Area of Study: Elementary Education
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Cole Sargent Degree: MA
Area of Study: Marketing & Communications
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Sydney Sellers Degree: BA
Area of Study: Business
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Teslin Smith Degree: BA Area of Study: English Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Cecelia Stebbins Degree: BA Area of Study: Nursing Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Jacob Stebbins Degree: BA Area of Study: Business Administration Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Kellie Temple Degree: AA Area of Study: Strategic Communication & Counseling Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Isabella Valdez Degree: AA/AAS Area of Study: Social Studies & Human Development Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Sierra Westika Degree: AA Area of Study: Integrated Community Service Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Eldri Waid-Westmoreland Degree: Doctorate/PhD Area of Study: Indigenous Studies Graduation Term: Fall 2025
Name: Joshua Whitcher Degree: BA Area of Study: IInterdisciplinary Studies Graduation Term: Spring 2026
Name: Kristena Willard Degree: AA
Area of Study: Business Management, Marketing & Finance
Graduation Term: Spring 2026
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
FROM
OUR TRIBAL PRESIDENT
Dear Graduates,
Today, we celebrate not only the completion of your educational journey but also the determination, resilience, and courage that brought you here Your achievement reflects countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance, and we are honored to celebrate this milestone with you
Each of you has followed a unique path to this accomplishment. Along the way, you balanced responsibilities, overcame obstacles, and remained committed to your goals. While this achievement is yours to celebrate, it also reflects the encouragement and support of your families, mentors, educators, friends, and communities who believed in you and walked with you throughout your journey
Education has always been an investment in our future. Every graduate strengthens our Tribe by bringing new knowledge, skills, and perspectives that help our communities grow and thrive. Whether your next chapter leads you into the workforce, graduate school, a trade, public service, or back home to serve your community, know that your success is a success for all of us
As Tlingit and Haida people, we stand on the shoulders of generations who came before us, our ancestors who protected our cultures, languages, and traditions and endured unimaginable hardships so that future generations could have opportunities they never knew. Their resilience lives within each of us. Honor their legacy by continuing to learn, by leading with humility and integrity, and by using your knowledge, talents, and voice to strengthen our people. Every step you take forward helps ensure that the generations who follow will inherit not only greater opportunities but an even stronger Tribe
On behalf of Tlingit & Haida, thank you for allowing us to be part of your educational journey We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to the many ways you will continue to strengthen our Tribe, enrich your communities, and make a positive impact wherever life takes you.
Congratulations on this remarkable achievement May you move forward with confidence in your abilities, pride in your identity, and the strength of your ancestors guiding you every step of the way
Gunalchéesh. Háw'aa Chalyee Éesh, Richard J. Peterson
President
Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
