April 30, 2019

GRAPHIC BY LEVI BROWN

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019

02

‘Education is important’: Geser Bat-Erdene reflects on the last four years of college

By Malia Barto

arts@thenorthernlight.org

As the semester comes to an end, so does the college journey of many students, including USUAA president, finance major and commencement speaker, Geser Bat-Erdene. ‌ Bat-Erdene will be giving a speech to his fellow graduates at the 2019 spring commencement, held at the Alaska Airlines Center.‌ Bat-Erdene hails from Erdenet, Mongolia, a sister city to Fairbanks. Some friends he knew from middle school were talking about a college out in the States and were attending UAA. Bat-Erdene looked into it when getting ready to go to college and thought it would be the perfect fit for him. Some adjectives he used to describe his time at UAA were enlightening, rewarding and extraordinary.‌ Being a sister city of Fairbanks allows students from Mongolia to attend a UA school for in-state tuition. Although UAA’s affordable tuition was enticing, it was not the sole reason Bat-Erdene attended UAA to pursue a bachelor of business administration in finance with a minor in French. He said cost alone wasn’t the reason he “fell

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

in love” with UAA. ‌ Bat-Erdene has been involved in many student organizations during his time at UAA, including serving as a senator, then vice president and then as president of the Union of Students of UAA.‌ “It has been an incredible honor to earn the trust and serve for the sake of others,” he said about his time serving in student

government. “There’s no greater reward than earning people’s trust.”‌ Being so inspired by previous commencement speakers and student leaders made BatErdene want to apply to be the speaker this semester. He sees the opportunity as a way to share his story, experiences and the overarching idea of the need of education.‌

“Things that may seem different in different countries would have the universal idea that education is important, no matter the political or any other beliefs that societies can have,” he said.‌ If he could go back in time to his freshman-year self, BatErdene would tell himself to stop underestimating his capabilities.‌

“You are the only one who can both lift you up or pull you back,” he said. “So don’t let the doubts take the best out of you.”‌ Bat-Erdene’s goals are plentiful. After graduation, he will move to Washington D.C. this summer for internship opportunities. His academic goal is to work towards a master’s degree in public administration. His long term goal is to go back to Mongolia and become a “beneficial addition to the community.”‌ “[Bat-Erdene] has worked diligently to ensure the success of the organization by initiating ideas, working with administration and always serving the needs of the student body.

Geser [Bat-Erdene] has been a great leader and role model for USUAA and is leaving behind a legacy as he prepares to graduate from UAA,” Kim Morton, director of Student Life and Leadership, wrote in an email.‌ Bat-Erdene’s advice for his fellow graduating classmates is this: “The university is not only a great platform to not only realize your personal passion but to be something, to do something for the great benefit of others …

Be open to possibilities.”‌ Spring commencement starts at 1 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Center. Seating for the public opens at 12:50 p.m.‌

Alina Markina: behind the scenes

By Mary Ryan

features@thenorthernlight.org

Alina Markina, UAA lead media assistant and music student, has a surprising take on music.‌ “Words are just too descriptive for me,” Markina, who works behind the scenes at UAA productions as well as performs, said. “The sound of the voice is what makes me feel heard.”‌ Despite being a vocalist, Markina focuses on music quality, or tone, rather than lyrics.‌ “Whenever I sing, I feel like I’m saying exactly what I want to say by just using sound,” she said. “Lyrics are not what my ear is drawn naturally to.”‌ Markina, currently developing an album, composes ambient songs, which are typically “background music.” ‌ “More often than not, the ideas I have in my head are hard to put into words and I use music as a way to get them out,” she said. “[Ambient music] makes me feel something — something I cannot describe — but I

feel it very strongly.”‌ Makina grew up in Russia, where her mother sent her to vocal lessons and choirs at age 4.‌ “Singing was always a part of my life,” Markina said. “Now singing has transformed into a form of expression for me, and is a way to deal with emotions.”‌ Driven and passionate about music, Markina plays bass, piano, drums and guitar.‌ Her degree concentration is in jazz, and she plays bass in the Erotos punk band as well.

Though these are very different genres, Markina appreciates the both types of expression.‌ Markina has performed jazz at the Writer’s Block Cafe and the Gumbo house. Aside from singing at school, she also participates in jazz jams at Elim Cafe every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.‌ “I enjoy performing because of the ‘performance high’ and the deep connection or bond that develops between everyone on stage,” she said. “I’ve never been happier in my life than [when performing].”‌ Markina works behind the

PHOTO BY MARY RYAN

Alina Markina stands in front of a painting displayed in the Fine Arts Building, where she spends most of her time.

scenes for other’s performances, such as concerts and recitals at UAA. As lead media assistant, she helps artists set up and trains students in stage management, including how to work the lights, audio and cameras.‌ “I love my job. I absolutely love it,” Markina said. “I feel like it is a form of expression also... That’s what really draws me into it, the fact that you can be such a big part of their artis-

tic intent just by [helping] them sound the best they can.”‌ Though Markina is unseen by the audience when she works backstage, those involved in the productions appreciate all she does.‌ “[Markina] is a really good student and has an amazing voice,” music student Anna Berry said. “She’s really important to the music program behind the scenes. She’s very subdued

usually and uses a calm tone of voice but everyone listens to her [when she instructs students backstage].”‌ Markina will continue in the field after she graduates, whether that brings her back to Russia or allows her to stay in the United States.‌ “I hope to combine my passion for live audio engineering with my passion for being a musician,” Markina said.‌

03

FEATURES

UAA International-food club emerging

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

ality,” Universal Flavors Club Treasurer Williams said.‌ features@thenorthernlight.org “Not a lot of people understand where a dish comes from, Inspired by a potluck with how it’s made and what kind of different flavors from around the effort and love is put into it,” world, Hanaa Omar and Cheryl Omar, president of the Universal Williams began the Universal Flavors club, said.‌ Flavors Club about a month ago.‌ They plan to teach others “[I want to] de-mystify [in- how to cook international food ternational] food. It’s not strange and delve into the background of and exotic, it’s just that you’ve each dish. With the help of the never experienced it. Once Daily Den, the club will serve you’ve experienced it, you’ll and enjoy universal flavors. ‌ find a familiarity and common“[My goals are] connecting

By Mary Ryan

people of different backgrounds through the love of food, teaching folks how to prepare their own food with more nutrition and also getting to know other locations here in town that have different cuisine,” Williams said. ‌ Omar echoed Williams’ goals for the future of the club.‌ “The mission is to have a community of people who enjoy and understand traditions in food from around the world,” Omar said. “We are trying to integrate mostly international and local dishes as well.”‌ Omar and Williams both have culinary backgrounds.

Omar grew up in Egypt, where she watched her family members cook Middle Eastern food.

When her family moved to the United States, they continued to cook with friends on Saturday nights. Omar learned from them and worked at Aladdin’s before it closed in December of 2018. ‌ Williams, a psychology student at UAA, values comfort food and personal connections that develop while sharing a meal.‌

“I have made more connections with people through breaking bread [than through other circumstances],” she said.‌ Her culinary experience comes from cooking for the military. She also watched her mother cook with influences from many different places.‌ “Food is my obsession, profession, hobby and vice,” Williams said.‌ Williams sees a connection in cooking techniques from different areas. The difference in dishes depend on the local ingredients, Williams said.‌ “She’s literally a food Wikipedia,” Omar said.‌ One of their menu ideas is sambosas. This dish from Somalia, India and the Middle East varies in each country. Sambosas are fried or baked triangular pastries filled with meat, onions, peppers and spices.‌ The Universal Flavors Club is still in the planning phase.

Other students have signed up to join Omar and Williams. Many individuals have come forth with their own ideas for the club, such as using photography skills

to compile a cookbook.‌ Meetings will occur primarily on campus but also around Anchorage. The group has already hosted a few charity events. They regularly serve Mochileros Street Food, which is Guatemalan-American food, on Tuesdays at Gathering AK Cafe from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.‌ Anyone inside or off campus is welcome to be a part of the Universal Flavors Club.‌ “If you like food, if you enjoy cultures and travel, it’s like you’ll have a piece of every country,” Omar said.‌ Williams hopes to see a diverse gathering of people who are “flexible, considerate and inquisitive” to try something different.‌ Omar and Williams are waiting to finish recruitments to present their club to UAA. They hope to start regular cooking sessions by the end of 2019.‌ For more information or to join Universal Flavors Club, contact Omar at homar@alaska. edu.

From every angle: Tetradigm

By Robert Gant

features2@thenorthernlight.org

The $26,000 sculpture in the UAA/APU Consortium Library parking lot appears to change at different viewpoints.‌ Tetradigm is constructed out of scrap pipes from the TransAlaska Pipeline System. It is a 26-foot tall sculpture comprised of nearly 100 feet of pipe, assembled over the course of 16 days in July of 1976. It has been repainted five times since. Some students do not see the inherent value in the art structure.‌ “I feel like [the sculpture] is so pointless,” incoming freshman Adrian Hanson said. “I don’t understand why we have something so expensive that nobody really looks at.”‌ Tetradigm is a sculpture by Theodore Jonsson, a Seattle sculptor who got his start as a college football player. He rejected recruitment by the Baltimore Colts to pursue art, sculpting public art for notable facili-

ties such as the Sea-Tac airport. ‌ “It’s an interesting shape to put here on campus,” senior natural science student Shantina Gillion said. “I don’t know what purpose it actually serves, or why it was built.”‌ Jonsson designed Tetradigm to change shape depending on the angle and location the sculpture is viewed from. For example, the sculpture appeared hourglass-shaped when Gillion sat in the sky bridge and triangular when he observed from the bottom floor of the Natural Sciences Building. ‌ “This quality symbolizes intellectual freedom and personal expression,” read the sculpture description within Wanda Seamster’s “The Art Of The University of Alaska Anchorage: An Inventory.” “The multiple ways of interpreting the same subject matter – that is expected in an academic setting.”‌ Assembling the sculpture required two cranes, as well as a team of 12 additional individuals. Tetradigm was designed to

withstand earthquakes of up to a 9.0 on the Richter scale. ‌ “I met Ted [Jonsson] in 1976 when he was making his Alaska pipeline [sculpture] in Anchorage,” Pamos Grames commented on Jonsson’s obituary. “I was 8-years-old, and I can still vividly remember him and the motley crew of characters building this beautiful structure out of what I knew, even at that young age, was an industrial monstrosity. It was simultaneously underhanded and overtly political.”‌ Tetradigm has withstood earthquakes, budget cuts and countless generations of incoming freshmen classes. Regardless of what angle it is viewed from, many truths emerge. The longevity of this sculpture combined with the controversy stimulated by it makes Tetradigm a major landmark at UAA.‌ Jonsson passed away in 2015.

Noted in his obituary, he frequently said the phrase, “Life is short, art is long.” ‌

PHOTO BY CHASE BURNETT

Tetradigm sits in front of the East Campus Central Lot, between the Natural Sciences Building and the Social Sciences Building.

International student spotlight: Taehee Kim

By Robert Gant

features2@thenorthernlight.org

Taehee Kim, a student of UAA’s international studies program, is graduating with a mission: use his new knowledge to make a difference.‌ Kim, who is majoring in international studies, is from South Korea. He has attended UAA since 2010. Like many students, Kim has mixed feelings about leaving such a large part of his life behind.‌ “I’m really excited and happy [about graduating] at the end of this semester,” Kim said. “I feel sad because there were a lot of students [who I knew] around campus when I came here, but students move

or go to other states.”‌ Like other students he knew, Kim will be the next student to move on to a new chapter of his life with his degree. Leaving behind peers and friends on campus is a familiar struggle for many students.

While Kim leaves his friends, he takes knowledge with him.‌ “I learned [that] we are facing all kinds of problems,” Kim said. “The problems are getting worse, but we as human beings do not have a solution yet.”‌ Kim recognizes that alone, he does not have much power to enact policy changes. In response to that knowledge, Kim wants to use his degree to work for a nongovernmental organization, or NGO. ‌ Kim is particularly passionate about environmental issues. He understands

climate change and pollution are hazards.

Within an NGO, Kim feels he would be able to fight to protect Alaskan summers and countless other environments.‌ “I think there is nowhere like Alaska in the summer,” Kim said.‌ Kim has consistently been on the Dean’s List over the duration of his studies. Sociology, political science and Spanish are some of Kim’s favorite areas of study from his time at UAA. Interacting with NGOs in Model UN this spring gave Kim a taste of working in the field.‌ “There are a lot of people who abuse their power out there,” Kim said. “I am looking for NGOs [to work for] so that I can approach the issues we have more closely in the field.”‌ Kim and numerous other graduates

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAEHEE KIM

have been given knowledge that can be used to make a difference. International or local, all students have the potential to make something of their college experience. ‌

A&E

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019

05

Paintings, photos and prints all included in the BFA thesis exhibits

PHOTO BY MALIA BARTO

“Is that all there is?” by Ed Petersen.

By Malia Barto

arts@thenorthernlight.org

Six senior bachelor of fine arts students will be displaying their work in an exhibit dedicated to fine arts seniors as their thesis projects.‌ Ed Petersen, Areana Cuddy, Barbra Medcoff, Levi Werner, Jessi Saiki and Alyson Kennard are the artists who are putting on BFA Thesis Exhibit I and II. The exhibits allow artists to display their work a final time before walking the stage at graduation.

This year, the two exhibits will show different mediums from painting to wood carving to photography to ceramics, all with unique meanings or messages behind the pieces of art. ‌ Jessi Saiki is studying handbuilt ceramics and will be displaying her pieces, together entitled “The Human Saiki.” ‌ “I’m most excited for people to relate to my work,” Saiki said.

“I’ve found creating art is a healing and fulfilling experience.”‌ Through representational characters, Saiki’s pieces all focus around the idea of examining the arts as a mental health and therapy tool, looking at themes such as identity, brain injury, family relationships, death and life. ‌ Barbra Medcoff will be graduating with her second degree; her first being in art education and now photography. She will be displaying dozens of photos in the exhibit taken from her photo shoot titled “Anonymous Misogyny.” ‌ Medcoff’s photos capture women reacting to derogatory and vulgar comments left on various public social media pages. Saiki is even one of Medcoff’s models for the shoot. The comments are from screenshots Medcoff took and saved before starting the project. The comments are enlarged and scattered around the women on sheets of

paper.‌ “I don’t think people would make these comments face-toface,” Medcoff said. “I’m hoping that [viewers] think twice about what they say, what they type because these are real people they’re affecting.”‌ Levi Werner, whose bachelor of fine arts’ emphasis is in printmaking, made eight pieces for the exhibit, some which are near life-sized. ‌ “Part of the reason why I chose to create such large figures is because I wanted to create a sort of confrontation between the viewer and the work.

This confrontation was meant to be playful because much of the work has been created with a sense of humor in mind,” Werner said. ‌ Werner’s large pieces were intentionally made to grab, or “demand,” the attention of the viewers by making some of his pieces interactive. As an example, his piece “Commentator”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBRA MEDCOFF

“We’re not talking about feminists here” by Barbra Medcoff.

was said to be like a print apparatus, where viewers can essentially “print” the image in front of them through an intricate setup he created with gears, cranks and pillars.‌ Before the students start working on the pieces, they are to write a thesis proposal about the vision of what their exhibit would be about the semester prior to its opening. The proposal goes through multiple drafts that must be approved by members of the committee.‌

The six students are sharing two exhibits, both held for one week each. The BFA Thesis Exhibit I has already closed, but featured Werner’s relief prints and the paintings of Petersen and Cuddy. BFA Thesis Exhibit II will stay open until the end of the semester, featuring Saiki’s ceramics, Medcoff’s photography and Kennard’s paintings.

The exhibit is being held in the Kimura Gallery, located on the second floor of the Fine Arts Building. ‌

SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019

06

Former standout UAA volleyball player takes over track team

By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org

Senior Chrisalyn Johnson spent the last four years competing for UAA on the women’s volleyball team. Prior to that, she excelled at not only volleyball, but track as well in high school. Although she ultimately chose to focus on volleyball in college, once her eligibility ran out she decided it was a perfect time to get back on the track. ‌ At Dimond High School, she made the varsity volleyball team three times, earning All-Cook-Inlet Conference and 4A All-State Tournament Team honors during both her junior and senior years. ‌ In track, she earned Girl’s Athlete of the Meet at the 2015 Regionals Championships for winning the 100-meter hurdles, long jump and triple jump. The same season, Johnson was runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles and winner of the long jump at the state meet. ‌ When the time came to become a Seawolf, Johnson ultimately made the decision to put track behind her. ‌ “When senior year rolled around, I chose volleyball at UAA because the team at the time were great players that I admired and always wanted to play alongside,” Johnson said. ‌ That decision led her to a lot of success. During her sophomore year, Johnson earned both GNAC Offensive Player of the Week and GNAC All-Academic Team awards. She was also the secondleading kills producer. ‌ Junior year, she became the All-GNAC

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOWARD LAO

Chrisalyn Johnson jumps over hurdles on the track.

honorable mention. She again earned GNAC Offensive Player of the Week as well as AVCA Div. II National Player of the Week awards. For the second year in a row, she was placed on the GNAC AllAcademic Team. She earned all the same awards again during her senior year. ‌ Once volleyball season ended in early November, Johnson had just over two months to start preparing for the first indoor track and field meet. ‌ “Luckily, I was able to start running with the team after volleyball season ended, so I could catch up and participate in the first indoor meet. The coaches and team were so welcoming,” Johnson said. ‌ Johnson also explained that she was often around many other members of the track team before she joined, but it was

a great experience training at The Dome with them and seeing them in their element. ‌ She trained with the team five to six days a week, running and weightlifting.

However, the training was not very similar to what she was used to. ‌ “When I started track, I knew the training was going to be different. It definitely targets parts of the body that volleyball did not,” Johnson said. ‌ Despite that, volleyball has given her certain advantages that she was able to utilize in track, including jumping, upper and lower body strength and coach adaptability.‌ Putting everything together, Johnson competed with her collegiate track team for the first time on Jan. 18 in the Ed Jaco-

by Invite. She leapt into her jumping career with a fourth place finish in the long jump (17’ 11.75”). ‌ Being her only regular season meet, she moved into the GNAC Indoor Championships with very little competition experience under her belt. Despite that, she furnished a third place finish in the long jump (18’ 7.75”) and a runner-up finish in the triple-jump (39’3”) ‌ As for the outdoor season, Johnson has already improved in every event, including taking up the sprints.‌ She made her personal best in the 200-meter dash (26.45) during the Willamette Invitation on March 23. ‌ The following week, at the Mike Fanelli Track Classic, she secured personal bests in the triple jump (40’ 1.5”) placing first, and the 100-meter dash (12.81). She also set a school record in the long jump with a leap of 19’ 2.5”.‌ On April 19, at the Bryan Clay Invitational in California, Johnson extended her long jump personal best to 19’ 5.25”, placing 12th in a field of 76 athletes. ‌ Her long jump also broke her previously-set school record. Johnson’s jump ranks as No. 6 All-Time and puts her at No. 14 in Div. II this season. ‌ Due to her recent success, Johnson was awarded GNAC Athlete of the Week honors. But she isn’t done yet. ‌ “I want to help the team to a GNAC championship and get the opportunity to compete at the Track and Field Div. II National Championships,” Johnson said. ‌ Johnson and the team will be back in action May 10 at the GNAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. ‌

07

SPORTS

2018-19 Bill McKay Athlete of the Year announced

By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org

Each year, UAA athletes commemorate the end of the school year by holding an athlete department all-sport banquet. This year, the banquet took place on April 26. Traditionally, the winner of the Bill McKay Athlete of the Year is announced during the dinner. ‌ There were 12 nominees this year.

Wesley Kirui and Emmah Chelimo were the cross country nominees. Tyler Brimhall and Hannah Wandersee were selected for basketball. Liam Wallace and Casey Wright were nominated for skiing.

Chrisalyn Johnson was chosen for volleyball. Nils Rygaard was nominated for hockey. Sophia Hyderally was named for gymnastics. For men’s outdoor track and field, Christopher Brake, and for indoor track and field, Drew Johnson. Caroline Kurgat was nominated for both women’s indoor and outdoor track and field. ‌ All the athletes were appreciative of their nominations, and many felt like the work they had put in was finally paying off. ‌ Chelimo explained that this year was a lot different than last year. ‌ “I have personally made a big improvement from previous years. Everyone is working hard and very optimistic about the rest of this season,” Chelimo said. ‌

Despite some hardships, Wallace overcame his obstacles and had a successful season. ‌ “[The season] had ups and downs.

Fighting sickness for part of the competitive season made it hard to be consistent with my runs. But, I had some great races here and some of my best results ever,” Wallace said. ‌ In gymnastics, Hyderally explained that she had her most successful season ever, after having qualified for nationals. ‌ Despite the hard work and best efforts of all 12 athletes, however, only one could receive the award. ‌ At the banquet, it was announced that Caroline Kurgat will be the recipient of the Bill McKay Athlete of the Year award, for the second year in a row. ‌ The decision was made by UAA athletics staff members, local media and Benton Bay Athletic Lions Club representatives. ‌ Kurgat has had a record-breaking season that has attracted national attention, including receiving numerous other awards. She earned the Collegiate Women’s Sports Honda Award, Google Cloud Academic All-American, USTFCCCA Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the Pride of Alaska Award for outstanding athletic achievement from the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. ‌ In addition, her nomination for outdoor track and field was due to her 201819 season, where she won the 10,000-me-

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOREN ORR

ter and 5,000-meter races at the NCAA Div. II National Championships. ‌ She now also currently holds the 5,000-meter and 3,000-meter NCAA Div. II Indoor records due to her results during the 2019 indoor track and field season. ‌ “To be where I am today has been a contribution of so many people. I have received tremendous support from the UAA School of Nursing. All my instructors have been so supportive and understanding. They have always accommodated me through my complex schedule,” Kurgat said. ‌

She continued on to recognize her other supporters.‌ “My coach has been so patient and understanding. He has made me the athlete I am today. He is so experienced as a coach and has helped me through all the transformations. He has made my four years experience the best. I also have the most amazing teammates. Helping each other through tough workouts makes it even feel better.” ‌ Kurgat finished her last indoor season of eligibility and is currently finishing her final outdoor season. ‌

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CLASS OF 2019 HONORS LEGEND Cum Laude*

Magna Cum Laude**

Summa Cum Laude*** List of students as of 11:59 p.m. on April 26, 2019

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Dr. John Petraitis, Interim Dean DOCTORATE DEGREES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Clinical-Community Psychology Christopher P. Cavanaugh Xiomara C. Owens Jaime L. Spatrisano Kelley A. Tompkins MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF ARTS Anthropology Susannah K. Deeds Robbin M. Lavine English Matthew S. Main Uinita G. Mauigoa MASTER OF SCIENCE Clinical Psychology Jasmine C. Ice Yazmin B. Sanchez BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Anthropology Sarah E. Bates Pakak Sophie S. Boerner Celia Denton Alexandra G. Derrera Stephen Jolley Naomi R. Labrecque Sairah T. Oliva Art Sammantha R. Adams Rowvhel Jian R. Bautista David R. C. Berry* Erin L. Brayfield* Levi S. Brown Erin L. Cockreham* Heather L. Deadmond* Granite M. Errico Rhiannon L. Fleener* William W. Franklin Johnathan G. Gierard Denali S. Goodwill** Hannah M. Hope** Sawyer R. Link** Michelle H. Maguire* Amy Y. Martin* Shawn D. McIntosh Cody J. Rixse Tiffany R. Sams Alexei A. T. A. Weston Jennis G. Yambao Biological Sciences Zane A. Davis* English Jenifer L. Breiner Jewel A. Burgstahler** Erika B. Castro Adriane N. Clark

Erika P. Coker** Andrew W. Crawford Kellie C. Davis Alexandra A. Ellis** Mackenzie R. Evenson Taylor Gamel Alec A. Garcia Alex J. Glaser Paige K. Greene Jacklyn A. Jaronik Kathryn L. Knight* Benjamin L. Kraft* Charlee E. Laurie Lindsay N. McGowan* Tara J. Melton James N. C. Mixsooke Karen R. Nelson Willard T. Pillars* Anne E. Prysunka Holly A. Reddington* Caleb S. Rogers* Christian B. Sessom Abigail N. Slater Laura B. Souders* Brian E. Stanley* Marie H. D. Sullivan* History Ryan J. Ackles Younghoon Y. Chang Erika P. Coker** Marcus P. R. Deuling** Kendra A. Dosch Kevin J. Gilliland Heather L. Henson Brittnee Housner Ivy N. Lannet Alyssa K. Lapka** Laura L. Lemons Noel M. Miller Michael G. Osborne Jr. Olivia M. Petroccia** Andrew J. Rondeau Christian B. Sessom Sierra K. Zorea Interdisciplinary Studies Mariah S. Simpkins International Studies Hannah R. Cristiano Kierra M. Fears Darby N. Glenn** Intimayo C. Harbison Tyler J. Harriman Vesna Ilnitski* Tae hee Kim* Journalism and Public Communications Malia S. U. Barto** Erin L. Brayfield* Taylor B. Curry Dikeos N. Foudeas Sebastian Garrett-Singh Peter F. Goering** Sunny A. Guerin Jacob T. Lampkin Raymond B. Lee Cheyenne L. Mathews*** Madison K. McEnaney Maya N. Narang* Laura M. Ogan Jacob S. Patton* Stephanie Prokop**

Jordan A. Rodenberger Marie H. D. Sullivan* Bethany L. Voge* Languages Pakak Sophie S. Boerner Alexa K. Heald* Kelsey K. Hernandez* Molly E. Johnson** Sabine O. Kretschek* Maya N. Narang* Shiri E. Segal Joy K. Wannamaker* Christopher J. Welbourne Mathematics Jessen J. Cao Kynsey L. Miller* Philosophy Tate O. Coler Emily A. Kingsley Benjamin L. Kraft* John Macy** Jacob L. Magoon Political Science Richard A. Derby James C. Durante Shiree R. Farmer Intimayo C. Harbison Robert B. Hockema Jayden D. Hodgson* Dalton R. T. Howard Genevieve G. Mina* Marc P. Robertson Megan S. Warren** Psychology Donovan S. Bailey Marianthi C. Basdaras Daisy M. Bausman-Alvarado Rowvhel Jian R. Bautista Marissa L. Citro* Ila L. Cobb Miranda M. Dordan Katherine M. Duncan* Paul L. Eneboe III Hillary M. Gamboa Rosenda A. George Makinna L. Halverson* Bashar Hattar Thuy-Linh King-Harshfield Scott A. Kotulak Piera E. Larosa Monique Manley Kaylee C. E. Marsh Jordan T. Martin Kirsten M. Patterson Mary K. Pharr Haily A. Redmond Megan E. Roberts Sheerabel A. Trinidad Jovan T. Villamanca*** Alice S. Williams* Adalea J. Wyckoff Sociology Valerie M. Clark Angel G. Garcia Nicole L. Meyers Jennifer E. Solano Theatre Taran L. Haynes

Aurora A. Hoefferle Isaac Kumpula Alexandra M. McCall Courtney A. Meneses Rebecca L. Padrick Paitton R. Reid* Joshuah R. Rutten Meghan A. M. Stanford BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS Areana C. T. Cuddy Alyson P. Kennard Barbra J. Medcoff Edward V. Petersen* Jessica M. Saiki Levi D. Werner BACHELOR OF MUSIC Zachery W. Akins Teresamarie R. Chronister** Otto K. Nelson Lindsey A. Dudley* Hana Rondeau* Mischa Shimek Emma F. Wasko Mischa Shimek Emma F. Wasko BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Anthropology Alexandra T. Anthony Chandler Powers Biological Sciences Amer A. Chaudhry** Anton V. Clark*** David J. Cvancara** Adannah Daniel* Anastasia M. Hanson Travis M. Jennings Martin Juarez-Alvarado Lacie R. Lambe Sarah Lee** Vander W. Lekites Jessica S. Lillo Matthew P. Marino* Luke J. Metherell Alissa A. Nanez Arielle K. Neithercoat** Renita R. Reedy-Smith Meleane A. Vailea Mackenzie R. Webster* In Ho Yeo Chemistry Nicholas I. Cropper Environment and Society Leigh S. Honig Kaitlyn M. Miracle Courtney A. Schuman Shelbie A. Shoemake Melissa J. Tuttle* Geological Sciences Joseph C. Crissup Adam R. Jackson* David Z. Lambe Heather M. Watson Mathematics Megan M. Ackerman* Crystal D. Bruns Leslie M. Curran* Katherine T. Krasny

Nathanael H. Nielsen Peyton M. Reid** Lindsey M. Yates** Natural Sciences Michieal D. S. Abe* Grady E. Austin* Samantha R. Beaman Samuel S. Beckett Molly M. Blum Jarret G. Brunz* Amer A. Chaudhry** Romina Gonzales Sadie E. Gunter Alyssa M. Igtanloc David Z. Lambe Vander W. Lekites Kaylin M. Mancari* Julian L. McCarthy Danielle C. McCormick* Alissa A. Nanez Colton J. Newman Terence S. Odron Kcie D. Owens Christian J. Passalacqua Alexander G. Phillips Kirsten D. Pickard Christine E. Richter* Kayla O. Salazar Andrea J. Swanstrom** Hannah R. Wandersee Nathaniel J. T. Ward* Olivia L. Wimberly Psychology Cassandra M. Anderson* Jerry D. Burford Annika N. Flynn** Roslyn J. P. Hermes Ksenia Leshtaeva Julian L. McCarthy Bethany G. Munden Sabrina L. Olson Hannah E. Pryce Colton T. Schultz Autumn Tower Jessica A. Trailer Jonathan F. Yuquimpo*** Sociology Mackenzie R. Miller* ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF ARTS General Program Corilyn S. Adams* Emma N. Andersen Zoe C. Anelon Amanda L. Ates Natalia F. Ballard Brandon W. Bauer Simone C. Bethancourt* Ashleigh H. Bodolosky*** Geena M. Bouwens Garrett L. Bracken Dexter J. Bulaong Mesa R. Burgstahler Brooke D. Buskirk** Joshua D. Bywaters Zina M. Card* Raul I. Carpentero** Kelsey J. Corbin Caitlin E. Cordery* John S. Cordova

Lauren A. Crain Jovani Cruz*** Tonya R. Curtis Skye P. Dagenhart* Paige M. Derossett* Sarah E. Dushkin Brianna R. Elias Jessica M. Galliher Angel G. Garcia Rebekah A. George Ashley M. Gonzalez Gabriel M. Gonzalez Paul M. Griffin George V. Grigas Hailey Y. Ha Sydney K. Hamilton Muhammad X. Han Haz Tayla M. Hansen* Rachel A. Harden Hunter N. Harwood Madeline M. Hogarth** Luc Z. Homan** Jmari C. House Anneliese M. Hudson Kyle S. Jackson Jessica A. B. Jennings Justin N. Johnson Keenan T. Kilcher Kalene R. Koelling Tony M. Kronos Joshua Kwon Raymond B. Lee Kelsey A. Lindberg Yoshimi T. Lindsey Timothy K. Lucason* Stojanka A. Lynch Kaylee C. E. Marsh Matthew B. McGinnis Denara A. McLeod Kian A. L. McNair Speech Alicia M. Morris Kimberly A. Mulkey Tawni Neeser Kaitlyn M. Nelson Paige R. Nelson Sofie M. Riley** Shakirah T. Robinson Charna`e R. Rud Maddelynn S. Sambo Amanda N. Smith Kaylee A. Smith Rebecca C. Sparks Angelica R. Stanley Cheyenne K. Stewman Riley D. Stewman Karie A. VanDeusen Kiara L. Vicente Kendra Villalpando Whitney A. A. Weber Keziah R. Whipple** Kayla M. White Tomeka Wimbush Jamie L. Wooding Orean J. Yi SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING Education Caitlin M. S. Buxbaum Julie S. Case Brittany A. Corbin

09

GRA DUAT ES Jessica L. Faust Lauren H. Fritz Tasha M. Hood Jani W. Lane Mary C. Moroney Cody J. Priest Susan L. Rousculp John D. Sterling Dillon G. Vought Tawny M. Wright Derek M. T. Zorea MASTER OF EDUCATION Early Childhood Special Education Austin L. Crossman Paula J. Hatfield-Bauer Stephanie Tucker Education UAF Jessica L. Aho Jessica L. Blignaut Ann Broberg Lauren E. Casey Erin A. Ingle Margo W. Jones Felicia E. Krieter Morris J. Linett Rochelle R. Pendergast Mia J. Sison Tayler S. Snoddy Nicholas P. Tabczka Educational Leadership Rachel N. Blackwell Janice H. Bullock Ronardo A. Coleman Maria A. Humecky Cassidy A. Jones Aaron J. Kallas Patricia A. Mellon Falon M. Tardiff Special Education Ashlee A. Gray Erica J. Jones Roberta L. Madison-Gravel Teaching and Learning Dewey D. Hoffman Karen C. Phillip GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Language Education Falon M. Tardiff Beverly Taylor Principal Sarah Báez Rhonda J. Davenport Jennifer L. Hudson Kimberley J. Knight Alireza L. Larijani Marie Laukhuf Mel E. LeVan Teresa L. Schneider Kate M. Shoemaker Samantha E. Ward Special Education Danielle C. Are Francisco M. Campbell Lenka Dudzik Monique Immink GRADUATE LICENSURE PROGRAMS Elementary Education UAF Abby G. Blaylock Jessica M. Patchett Secondary Education UAF Jessica L. Aho Jessica L. Blignaut Ann Broberg Lauren E. Casey Erin A. Ingle Margo W. Jones Felicia E. Krieter Morris J. Linett Rochelle R. Pendergast Mia J. Sison Tayler S. Snoddy Nicholas P. Tabczka POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES

Early Childhood Education Sabrina A. Hallmark Elementary Education Colette A. Duclos Susan A. McNeilly Speech Language Pathology Jacy B. Frankford Sadie Goddard Jennifer J. Mayfield Lauren C. Rurik Jean L. Sargent BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Early Childhood Education Ashley M. Bales Blake O. Bautista* Suzanne E. Callander Elizabeth A. Hancock Stevie M. Herbert Kelsey K. Hernandez* Jennifer E. Hoeldt* Katrina A. Kim Emily J. Longlet Elaine D. Merando Amy A. Nalesnik*** Morgan E. Pekar* Elementary Education Donald J. Combs Jr. UAS Marina M. Crow UAS Aaron D. Dolphin-Chavie UAS Arvinelle S. A. Gandia* UAF Tatiana M. Gonzalez* Kaitlyn M. Heil*** UAS Amanda R. Kula Allison C. Leigh Lauren M. McCausland UAS Taylor S. Messer UAS Abby N. Nelson* Jessica C. Osterkamp Alissa A. Rountree** UAS Suzanne M. Snyder** UAF Aubrey A. Swammy Tamara C. Trefon* UAF Jane Y. VanGorder Anais Vargas ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Early Childhood Development Ashley M. Bales Blake O. Bautista* Jessica L. Beers** Suzanne E. Callander Rebecca D. Cyr Renata M. Davila* Ashton L. Ekada Daniel C. Flores Sandra E. Gomez Tammy L. Grimes Sabrina A. Hallmark Stevie M. Herbert Kelsey K. Hernandez* Molly J. Hillis Jennifer E. Hoeldt* Lawrence Juan Chelsea K. Knoph* Emily J. Longlet Stojanka A. Lynch Elaine D. Merando Amy A. Nalesnik*** Shayla R. M. Pedersen* Morgan E. Pekar* Calli L. Pettit Marissa S. Ridgley Katelin T. Robertson** Whitney A. A. Weber COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY Dr. Karen Markel, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION General Management Jacob I. Chambers

Jennifer L. Gosh John F. Gosh Jr. Hannah D. Grilliot Paige C. Hahn Michael C. Hazen Regina C. McDiffett Brian J. Miller Maria C. Montepio Paul A. Shadura III David H. Shahnazarian Stephanie L. Straub Alexander S. Thomsen Cinderella Tollefsen Karen L. Webb Michelle R. Wozniak MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Anna Berecz Matthew R. Farina Jason S. Garcia Bristan Keller Theresa S. Lyons Ramela Vartanian Katy S. Wright BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Economics Alexander L. S. Jackstadt** Paul T. Melin Morgan M. Miller Joseph Y. Suh Gavin W. Triplett Joshua K. Watanabe** Elias O. Wilterding

David J. Hicks Raymond M. Kim Zachary K. Klingbeil Abdoulie Lowe Samuel H. Loyer** Lauren E. Martens* Andrew S. Martin Molly M. Monaghan* Anthony G. Naciuk* James Oh Charles G. Scott Tyrel W. Spoo Jack M. Straub* Svetlana K. Suvorova* Taylor A. Thompson Jay M. Yang Jacob T. Yates Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management Andrea D. Adams Kenzo Arboleda Jessica L. Harpole Samuel P. King Anthony G. Naciuk* Matthew S. Newkirk** James Oh Andrew N. Spencer** Geoffrey D. Tomm**

Economics Heather G. Jesse Erin M. Wareham

Management Contessa S. Adams** Marvin J. Argueta* Aizad A. Bajwa* Shannon M. Baldwin** Sjur D. Berg Connor L. Booth Zachary E. Bronnee Zachary J. Butler Steve K. Carlisle Adrian D. Coombs Abigail S. Corral Roman C. Daniel Luke D. Daniels Heather M. Delgado Meghan A. K. Driscoll Rene W. Dunford Jr.* Randy F. Efird Ismael R. El Moussa Nicolas J. Erb Ekholm Jessica Francisco Mathieu G. Frohlich Reymark V. Galleto* Hannelore M. Gruber Matthew P. Hardwick Kenneth A. Hopkins Jr. Chidiebere M. Iwuoha Jr. Edwin K. Kangogo* Ji M. Kim Zachary K. Klingbeil Jennica M. Lenamond Jeremiah G. Luedtke Angela L. Miguel Robert K. Nash** Ryan Navrot Skyler Nuss Mackenzie M. J. Odom* Arin J. Olson Marcella A. Pawlowski Tran D. Phu Nils O. Rygaard* Lagi J. Salevi Herman T. Schliesing Christopher J. Schneider James L. Shellhamer Amanda C. Stoddard Kendall E. Stormo* Ratna B. Subba Crystal-Lynn M. Thiele Tara N. Thompson* Tamaira S. Tocktoo* Corey N. Todoroff David C. Trinkberger** Andrew R. Underwood Ka Z. Vang Andrew S. Venhaus Erin N. White Lauren M. Whitstine A Xiong Rachael A. Yatchmeneff

Finance Shannon M. Baldwin** Geser Bat Erdene* Jinho Choi** Carlene A. Crow Mathieu G. Frohlich Trevor J. Geerin Scot W. Goulding

Management Information Systems Van R. Brollini Sharon J. Chien Maile L. Davis Jong Her Kenneth J. Hood Edwin K. Kangogo*

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting Elishahrose S. Abainza Aizad A. Bajwa* Daniel A. R. Beasley* Zachary J. Butler Ismail A. Chettfour Callye Crespo* Caleb R. Dirks Valeria I. Dorofeeva Jordan M. Effinger* Lucas J. Everett* Trevor J. Geerin Michael S. Holland Dawn R. Jensen Brenton Z. Johnson Francis J. Kelly V** Jordan N. Kesler* Angela C. LaFevers Daniel Lee Samuel H. Loyer** Stella J. Mabala** Caselyn Shane A. Marasigan* Lauren E. Martens* Molly M. Monaghan* Ivan Jannah Nate Joshua P. OLeary*** Sara Oumchiche Connor N. Parker Aysha F. Raja Rachel J. Raley* Miranda Saetern Christopher J. Schneider Prparim Selimi Jessica M. Soto Amanda C. Stoddard Grant Sullivan Mariia Tereshchenko Tara N. Thompson* Tamaira S. Tocktoo* Heath A. Tucker Jr. Rachel S. Way Brandi L. S. White Mitzy K. Williamson Paul L. Xiong

Forest R. Masters Daniel P. McDevitt Ephraim P. Ocampo* Rachel J. Raley* Lagi J. Salevi Brandon R. Summerlin Geoffrey D. Tomm** Keith P. Underwood** Trisha A. Van Dusen Steven C. Word

Maureen P. Badey Alex S. Else Alena A. Evtushenko

Marketing Marvin J. Argueta* Thomas J. Chon Hugo Espinoza Candice R. Kelley Robert K. Nash** Aaron W. Richardson** James L. Shellhamer Tessa I. Shetter* Daniel Soto Irwin Torralba Andrew R. Underwood Erin N. White

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Civil Engineering Ashley L. Andrews* Dustin I. CampbellHutchinson Ginger M. Cordero Ashley A. Doman Claire L. Ellis* Mar Angelo E. Fernandez Richard V. Flack Grant R. George Russell H. Gingras Jeremiah C. Gingrich Walker R. Harris Anh N. Huynh* Jacob J. Kinder* Justin J. Lobdell* Whitley R. Mattern Korbyn A. Milani Aaron T. Murph Charles C. Pappas Brian J. Pearson Ryan G. Rosario Andres Felipe Ruiz Ryane A. Schrank Evan C. Sharp Tanner B. Stephens* Alungoo Tumendemberel

ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Accounting Philip J. Buckel Apriljoy Cayanan Ryan M. Chingliak Samantha T. Clippard Kyle E. Consingh* David Escamilla Joseph A. George Kaitlyn R. Jared** Chantae D. Kochuten Wioletta K. Krol* Stephanie Lee Melanie R. Malone Elisabeth R. Paulston** Amy L. Schlerf Sonia S. Snickers Mai G. Yang Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Yeng Xiong Small Business Administration Ashlyn P. Antonelli Jack J. Broughton Kate A. Buli James E. Howard III Ivanka P. Puga Duenas Dillon G. Rhodes Oscar H. Rodriguez Brandon J. Ryan Alice S. Williams* CERTIFICATES Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Jack J. Broughton Alexander S. Duerre Gunnar Nagel COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Dr. Kenrick Mock, Interim Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Arctic Engineering Amy J. Blakemore Civil Engineering Alma O. Abaza Seth W. Campbell Bradley H. Cruickshanks David S. Eguires-Lee David J. Garness Kannon C. Lee Irene S. Malto Dale L. McCoy Gabriel T. Pierce Julie N. Tibor Muhammad Saif Uddin Mechanical Engineering Robin T. Neisig Project Management

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Computer Science Brooks R. Woods**

Computer Science Sarah E. Boelter Raphael P. Clemente Dakota R. Crowder** Juston M. Dixon David C. Lee Nathaniel N. McDonald Pamela A. Myers Tung Nguyen Olivia J. Putman* Patricia E. Reilly Jon M. Rendulic Eric S. W. Somerville Elisha B. Waugh Nicolas C. Wibisono* Galena V. Wilson* Computer Systems Engineering Brandon A. Bachman Matthew R. Berry Travis D. Klover Electrical Engineering Levi C. Alexander Lindsey S. Bohnert Cody B. Doggett Udayan Dutta Gwendolyn G. Francis Jarrett E. Hart Titus A. Hunt Robert R. Moore Pieter F. Nieuwland Austin C. Pavlas Ian A. Schacht Cheyenne D. Stedingh Daniel A. Tierney Engineering Kyle T. Allen Michael Z. Dunn Dakota J. Huntington Geomatics Caressa Barton Rayce A. Carey Craig W. Davidson Jaime Fierro Jr. Matthew J. Hayden* Cameron D. Hollingsworth Brandon P. Hoxie Evan G. Jackson Asei Kaneko** Marguerite P. L. Leoni* Tyler D. Lindquist Reagan R. Martz Kevin A. Murphy Daniel R. Ponder Ryane A. Schrank

10 Nicholas A. Srebernak Evan P. Venechuk Mechanical Engineering Brandon C. Adkins*** Matthew P. Bock* Tyler J. Canete-Hall Daniel T. Carson David N. Chamberlain Brian M. Crow* Maria A. Cucullu* Cooper L. Danner Trenton B. Drumm** Udayan Dutta Daniel England Christina F. Forbes Noah T. Fowler* Jonathon W. H. Hazelton Chong Her* Tanner C. Johnson Kenneth C. Lebo Kaitlin A. McCloud** David T. J. McFarland Monique R. Mojica* Mario S. Moran Kellyn K. Mushovic** Kenneth O. Omogbeme Morgan Osborne Dillon R. Pearce Daniel A. Remington Kory R. Robbins** Robert J. Rood Kyle A. Simmons Mason L. Smales** Kaily S. Stanton** Blake L. Steller** Megan R. Wagner*

GRA DUAT ES Joppa J. Smith Lisa M. Smith Maighdlin L. Smith Summer B. Yancey Riley N. Zubiate Legal Studies Samantha G. Abrego Jessica Falke Joseph Mitzel Shiela R. Morrison** Brandy C. Myslivec Caroline M. Sauerbrey BACHELOR OF HUMAN SERVICES Latrisha D. Bednar* Alexandro A. Cetina Darrell W. Helton Miles H. Johnson Emily S. Palmer Adam N. Ward BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Dental Hygiene Kira S. Bush** Celia A. Spencer** Chrissie D. Thornton* Dietetics Emmanuella Anebom Sally L. Coburn Kelsey E. Cohen Kathryn Y. Foster Oksana D. Gehler** Madison R. Head Kimberly C. Santana Brianna L. Ussery

ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Geomatics Dorothy Widner COLLEGE OF HEALTH Jeff Jessee, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH Public Health Practice Laurie A. Hood Jimael H. Johnson Brittney C. Ramert Chelsea B. Ward Waller GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Dietetic Internship Chelsie L. Cryer Staci R. Kloster Janne H. Maier Leanna R. Matthews Amanda N. Schlies Seldovia J. Tadina POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES Paralegal Studies Dijana Dosen Cindy R. Hayner Paul A. Durfee

Health Sciences Frances K. Abbott Katherine N. Alexander* Andrea C. Brainerd Crystal M. Brown Olivia M. Brown Madison E. Burgess* Hannah L. Burnett* Esther S. Chu* Nathan A. Cottee Myles R. R. Cullenberg* Kathryn E. Davis* Estie M. Dawson Katrina M. Domnick Douglas A. Echternacht Nyabony W. Gat* Chantel B. Hartle Alyssa S. Lenig Maia K. Luick Hawken M. McGovern* Teagan K. Mergen Elizabeth K. Mizell Katrina G. Moreno Angela N. Moua Laird G. Newgent Kelly A. O’Hare Sara M. Schindler** Anthony R. Tubon** Saraiah M. Turnbull Raissa M. Umekwe Laura M. Valencia Mark P. C. Villasin* Alix P. Wells** Allison I. Wine

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

Medical Laboratory Science Lesley A. Garcia Brittany N. Jemison

BACHELOR OF ARTS Justice Latoya M. Arreola-Ontiveros Kvichak R. Aspelund Daniel W. Contini Kimberly S. Coscia* Jack A. Davis Krystal M. Farleigh Aaron K. Frazier Ana S. Garcia Shauntelle O. Hemingway Bethany G. Jenner Nina A. Joshi Connor J. Mickel Azabel Ordaz* Matthew F. A. Patzke Kitikhun Posarat Sarah M. Prater Scott J. Putt Marc P. Robertson

Physical Education John R. Brooks Madeline M. Eliassen** Michael S. Freestone Gator T. German Darrion L. Gray Benjamin D. Griffith Jamie C. Haines Lane N. Hodson Morgan E. Hooe Bryce A. Jacobson Ryan P. Judd Sierra R. Mains Paul Kenneth Manabat James F. Marchlinski Patrick J. Newman III* Wade P. Schirack Coby J. Smith Trevor J. Sporer Emily B. Worley

Casey R. Wright*** ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Dental Assisting Megan A. Arnes Ruby M. Mueller Dental Hygiene Amber N. Bare Amber D. Ewing* Ellie J. Gilheany* Amanda Roberts Erica Rojas-Ayala Nicole N. Schulz Daniel N. Siemoneit Fiona J. Teilborg Katrina J. Thomas** Erin A. Walker Chu Han Wang Kirsten M. Warburton

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE Nursing Science Margaret Barnett Sharon R. Liska Mary A. Rowen MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Lelenneth S. Attwood Joanna G. Bacareza Mia C. Camaquin Christopher S. Coon Halley M. Fondren John R. Fratianni Christine M. Hoover Janelle N. Nakea Sara C. Rottman Jebb C. Sagun Lynda L. Selk GRADUATE CERTIFICATES

Fire and Emergency Services Technology Carson M. Cavner Parker R. Flaming Travis D. Golay Travis B. Ogden Kaitlin S. Rush Garrett J. Sey Human Services Rachael E. Bruno Ashleigh W. Egerton Daniel B. Eyer Jaime B. Galvan* Breanna R. Hardy Stephen P. Holmstock* Viorica M. Thompson Amy M. Watson Medical Assisting Casey A. Albanese Medical Laboratory Technology Jamie E. Manwiller*** Paralegal Studies Megan E. Kienlen** Physical Therapist Assistant Bradley D. Ischinger Radiologic Technology Kimberly J. Ariola Taylor K. Bakker Kaitlynn M. Boyer Kacey M. Brooker Jordan D. Bruhn Corie E. Butts** Saemin Chi Rhiannon A. Gamash* Patrick W. Hall** Rebekah A. Keener Kristen M. Lanier Rose M. Larson Jordan A. McGee Taylor A. McGrath* Adelyne G. Micklewright Zanah S. Obeidi Cody M. Putnam Kenndera L. Rediske Shawn T. Smith Joy N. Talbot* Nelson Vasquez* CERTIFICATES Civic Engagement Moira M. Pyhala Dental Assisting Ninoshka A. Ellis Wilmarie Wegner Legal Nurse Consultant Paralegal Jennifer A. McCord SCHOOL OF NURSING

Family Nurse Practitioner Cori A. Keene BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Hannah M. Alexander Sarah C. Andrews Angelina Baklanov** Chad A. Balmes Shayne B. Baruela Abigail J. Brice Winter K. Brodie Julie A. Bunch Jamie M. K. Byers Roxanne-Daniell C. Caletena Mamie E. Clare Hayley R. Cobb Portia A. Collette Michelle K. Cuddihy*** Julie K. Cummings Whitney L. Dahl* Cheyenne N. Drumm Michelle L. G. Fernandez Kathryn G. Fitzgerald* Trevor N. Ham Greg S. Harrie Melissa A. Henszey* Nathan S. House Jennifer E. Hultgren Diana E. Johnson* Alexandra M. Jones Kayla S. M. Kerstetter Jennifer G. Kolb Vinh T. Le Tae Hee Lee* Heather A. Levison* Liana M. Lockwood* Cameron Lucchesi Jessica T. Madsen* Cynthia J. Mairura* Samuel R. McElwee* Josselyn S. Meagley Gabrielle S. Mordini Alexa E. Mortensen Angelica P. Noa Maria Theresa A. Orr Ebunoluwa A. Osara* Savannah R. Pascal* Reylyn Seriah C. Peralta Rebecca L. Persen Alicia A. Reed Kiera A. Richardson* Lauren G. Saffer* Angelina M. Seigneur Hannah J. Siira Shelby N. Solomon Sally Soudan Amber M. Sponsel Raini D. Tanori* Christina A. Thompson Sabine R. Todd* Joy K. Wannamaker* Ashley Y. Wee Amanda C. Weidman Stefawna R. Welch Alanna K. Willman Jeffrey S. Wolf* Erin J. Worley*

DOCTORATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE DEGREES

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Nursing Theodore D. Abeles Ruby L. Acord** Casey A. Albanese Stephanie J. Arbogast Adam D. Axmaker Chelsea K. Ayars* Rachel M. Bernasek Irina P. Borteychuk Janna E. Cooper Ami A. Cudd Guangyuan Ding Emily L. Ekstrand Angela N. Endicott Marissa E. Gingery Miranda L. Guizio Catherine D. Hamilton Tanya A. Harris Melanie M. Jacobs Maria E. Jones Rivera Paige M. R. Kessler Nancy E. Klingel* Carolyn V. Kvernvik* Stevee L. Lammers Ann Y. Lee Sarah E. Madril* Candice C. McKinnon Audrey M. Morton Mie Z. Moua Heather Neely Nicole K. Neussendorfer Valaree J. Nilsen Alandra S. O’Connor Kelvin O. Omogbeme Brittany A. Pambrun Alyson N. Quartly* Benjamin J. Ransom** Shayna A. Rohwer* Katelyn S. Rozvodovskiy* Nicole M. Rufkahr Stephanie K. Sauve Emily Schnell MaryEllen A. T. Smith Meagan E. Stern Maria R. Taug Mary K. Taylor Alyssa D. Thistle Maike A. Undurraga Perl Virginia J. Valencia April S. Villmer Tara G. Wade Loni A. Weggel Kristina J. Williams Lacey J. Williamson* Florenda M. Womble Lanea L. Woods SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK Laverne L. Alexander Anna N. Ancheta Brianna M. Aspelund Cassandra M. Ball Teresa C. Barnes Camille M. Booth Jonathan J. Bower Stephanie L. Button Jessica R. Calderon Leah H. Canfield Constance H. Carlisle Hannah B. Claugus Jessica J. Colbert Kwame Diehl Ronald Engebretson Kevin M. Enloe Diane M. Erickson Jaquelyn R. Gonzalez Danielle Gutierrez Sydney P. Ihde Erica L. Nardella Mercy S. Rains Brittney C. Ramert Jordann M. Reynolds Maryellen E. Robinson Tania V. Silva-Johnson Diane M. Singh Alesya Sinyawski Jessica F. Spurrier Anna V. Vollrath Kayleigh S. White Chelsie L. Williams Isaac D. Winters

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK Nadia A. Allen Amy A. Becia Kendra J. Blei Phyllis R. Brown Jennifer L. Chesbro Guylene Derry Samantha G. DesArmo Caleb S. Duplessis Corrina A. Gilleland* Eva M. Gregg Amanda S. Hansen Devan C. Hawkins* Keely M. Holt* Kirsten M. Knight* Atixhe Lena Deborah M. Lestenkof* Emmalyn M. Murray* Isabella M. Mustacci Kayleen L. Norris Carolyn C. Palembas* Jennifer R. Poplar Maria F. Radillo Luna Michelle B. Shangin Jennifer J. Spencer Kourtney N. Straight Marissa M. Sweet-Lindholm COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE Dr. Denise Runge, Dean BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Hospitality Administration Tyler M. Dooley Erin M. Lee Hospitality and Restaurant Management Sabine O. Kretschek* Tasha L. Quiett BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Applied Technologies Leadership Kenneth R. Argenbright Adam C. Blaum Bryan R. Buckman Zachary B. Cherry Valerie M. Clark Jason P. Crutchfield William L. Hayward Kristopher L. Morse Jared A. Moser Jonathan P. Ravana Barry J. Schimmack Justin F. Shoup Isaac J. Ukoidemabia Aviation Technology Mackenzie R. Adams Caleb Andersen Dylan J. Blankenship Charles L. Brown Hans S. Colberg Jason R. Collins* Jason P. Duffy Taliyah M. Edwards Cooper M. Fell Cody W. Gohlke Daniel R. Guichard Joshua B. Heinig Neal D. Hull Kyle P. Loan Nicholas J. Mikos Timothy M. Platt* John M. Shannon* Tawni N. Taylor* Martin Louie S. Victa* John S. Wasem* Mercedes F. White Austin M. Woods Construction Management Russell G. Butler Gregory T. D’Atri* Steven J. Huston Jonathan P. Ravana Jack H. Reynolds Ryan C. Thorne Benjamin C. Turner**

11

GRA DUAT ES Occupational Safety and Health Angel R. Taveras

Robert D. Gibbs Roland J. Rodriguez Edward Tompkins**

Technology Paige R. Nelson

Computer and Networking Technology Dylan A. Darien Daerique A. B. Enriquez* Alfred J. Hollaus Katelyn M. Korell* Connor I. Kurth Joshua A. Niedermeyer Jeremy J. Soule Christopher M. Weinburger Daniel A. Woody

ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Air Traffic Control Paul M. Curran*** Jacob R. Hansen Antons Mularciks Jemuel N. Prince Sydney M. White Architectural and Engineering Technology Ernest O. Carlson Mary S. Endacott Alejandro Lozano Gonzalez Sean R. Pagulayan Michael C. Yandell Automotive Technology John Ryan A. Aquino Robert W. Kaden* Michael D. Klapperich Brenda L. Sims* Aviation Administration Caleb B. Drumm Veronica M. Gutierrez Roman T. Kropidlowski Aviation Maintenance Technology Alabbas M. Altamimi Minwoo Choe Junior G. Daniel Zachary R. Flynn

Malia Barto

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Culinary Arts Michael P. Bowles Anthony C. Burton Alexandra S. Gilpin** Robert J. Granatir Mallie C. Hall Crystal R. Hornig* Marissa J. LaPlante Geoffrey A. McNaught Jaydon E. Mitchell Fatoumata Njie* Rhiannon M. Routh Amy L. Schilling Caroline C. Towne Diesel Power Technology Aimee K. Deloach Nicholas I. Kough Sean C. O’Connell Gregory L. Perez Jr.* Jose J. Quintana Benjamin D. Stewart Jonathan S. Thomassen** Matthew D. Wright Alexander Zachry Occupational Safety and

Health Primo J. J. Barile Justin R. Freitag Michael J. Frost Felicia D. Garaas Wioleta Garner Sadie E. Gunter Thad L. Hamilton Steven R. Hays Peter F. Lyford Emanuel A. Mathews Kenneth P. A. Millard* Joshua T. Murrell

Hunter P. Phillips Roland J. Rodriguez Edward Tompkins

Welding and Nondestructive Testing Technology Kevin A. Armstrong David E. Cossairt John A. Reid Justin F. Shoup Tia G. Thompson* Christopher B. Williams

University Honors College Dr. John Mouracade, Dean

CERTIFICATES Architectural Technology Michael C. Yandell Aviation Maintenance Technology, Powerplant Kaasan F. Braendel Christopher C. Calvert Junior G. Daniel Jacob J. Edwards James E. Evon Zachary R. Flynn Robert D. Gibbs John R. Glen Jay D. Huvar Charles R. Jewell Nicholas A. Minster Gunnar N. Nelson

Jian Bautista Graphic Designer

Civil Technology Michael C. Yandell Mechanical and Electrical Technology Michael C. Yandell Structural Technology Michael C. Yandell

Honors Graduates are students who have completed all of the requirements of their disciplinary college and of the University Honors academic program, including a senior thesis or project, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. University Honors Scholars have completed all of their respective requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. University Honors Scholars are wearing a green and gold fourragère (shoulder cord) along with a gold honor cord signifying traditional Latin honors.

UNIVERSITY HONORS SCHOLARS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Levi Brown Executive Editor

Suzanne M. Snyder** BACHELOR OF ARTS Art Erin L. Brayfield* English Lindsay N. McGowan* Marie H. D. Sullivan* Journalism and Public Communication Erin L. Brayfield* Cheyenne L. Mathews*** Marie H. D. Sullivan* Languages Joy K. Wannamaker*

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Finance Geser Bat Erdene* COLLEGE OF HEALTH BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Health Sciences Madison E. Burgess* Nyabony Gat* SCHOOL OF NURSING

Philosophy John Macy** BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Biological Sciences Amer A. Chaudhry** Mathematics Megan M. Ackerman* Natural Sciences Amer A. Chaudhry** Christine E. Richter*

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Joy K. Wannamaker* UNIVERSITY HONORS GRADUATES COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS Jessica M. Saiki

Psychology Annika N. Flynn** Jonathan F. Yuquimpo*** SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Mechanical Engineering Cooper L. Danner

BACHELOR OF ARTS Early Childhood Education Morgan E. Pekar* Elementary Education

Ben Edwards Opinion Writer

Congrats graduates of The Northern Light! We’ll miss you and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do in the future!

Robert Hockema Opinion Writer

Cheyenne Mathews Managing Editor

James Oh

PR & Events Coordinator

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019

12

Open Pebble Mine

By Ben Edwards

opinion2@thenorthernlight.org

North America’s largest undeveloped gold and copper mine is right in our backyard. Located 230 river miles from Bristol Bay and just north of Iliama Lake is a deposit estimated to contain at least 57 billion pounds of copper and 71 million ounces of gold.

Pebble Partnership, the corporate entity pursuing the project, anticipates that the mine could employ more than 2,000 workers. The deposit is rich enough to support an initial 20 years of production, as well as extensions if found to be feasible. It is an incredible opportunity for Alaska.‌ But if Pebble Mine was all sweet and no sour, then there wouldn’t be such an uproar about it. The project is extraordinarily controversial, and there’s a good reason to be careful. It is an open-pit mine that will require two roads and a ferry across Iliama Lake. The Bristol Bay region is a complex watershed that supports a lucrative fishing industry. There are numerous incidents in history where irresponsible miners created horrendous environmental repercussions.‌ The concern about Pebble Mine is authentic. The speakers voicing these concerns deserve to be heard and debated. Alaska is a pristine landscape and we all want high standards for development. ‌ Lately, though, it seems like the well-intentioned skeptics of Pebble Mine are not actually interested in exploring how to mine responsibly. The blunt demand is to never mine. Other prospects in the state, such as the Donlin Gold project, face similar demands. ‌

This sentiment does not serve the cause of environmental responsibility as well. Frankly, mining will occur regardless because it is such a valuable cornerstone of the Alaskan economy. Minerals account for the state’s second largest export commodity. An existing mine, Red Dog, accounts for 80% of all zinc produced in the United States. Thousands of workers are employed in the industry and various small businesses, Native Corporations and the State government benefit from millions of dollars paid in royalties.‌ The world is hungry for mining. Global copper demand is projected to increase by as much as 350% by 2050. Today, humans consume more than 20 million metric tons of copper per year for infrastructure, wiring, plumbing, electronics and green energy technology. This will grow as living standards improve globally. Keeping pace will require opening new mines, and copper happens to be the principal ore in the Pebble deposit. ‌ So balancing the environment with the economy should be less about thwarting mines, and more about building and operating them responsibly. We can do this with Pebble Mine.

That will require cooperative engagement from environmental activists.‌ Pebble Partnership has gone above and beyond with their project proposal. They spent more than eight years and $150 million to produce the most extensive environmental study in Alaska. Mine infrastructure will be as compact as possible, so as to minimize the impact. The worthless, rocky material that results from separating valuables from ore will be stored in

two tailings storage facilities.

One will be for the 88% of nonacid generating tailings, and the other will be specifically designed to safely hold the remaining acid-generating tailings.

This involves full synthetic lining, sturdy embankments and a layer of water at the top to minimize oxidation, which will secure potentially harmful tailings from leakage and earthquake damage. The tailings will be returned to the pit upon closure.‌ This isn’t just what Pebble Partnership is saying. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released their draft environmental impact statement in February.

The EIS was produced by scientists and engineers who do not have a stake in Pebble Mine, and its purpose is to inform regulators on the project and suggest alternative actions for mitigating problems. ‌ The EIS found that Pebble Mine can coexist with the salmon industry in Bristol Bay. You can read the assessment yourself on page 53 of the Executive Summary. This is incredibly important to recognize since mine opponents are trying to frame the two industries as mutually exclusive. It is not the case that Alaskans have to choose between mining and fishing. The EIS cites examples of successful coexistence, such as the Cook Inlet fishing and gas industries. ‌ The findings of the EIS should come as a relief to Pebble opponents. The region’s water tributaries will not be contaminated. Water flow will be as sufficient for supporting salmon habitats as it is now. Transportation of minerals will be orderly and there will be full treatment of any water that goes through the facility. The mine isn’t as bad as they thought. Unfortunately,

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

some groups began to disparage the 1,400 page EIS less than 24 hours from its release, accusing it of being a rubber stamp document is rather slanderous to the independent professionals who worked diligently to produce it.‌ But fine. Extraordinary projects require extraordinary justification. If people are still unconvinced, then supporters of the mine must work harder. To protect our environment, the state can utilize some tools to make Pebble Mine the safest it can be.‌ We can raise the reclamation bond for Pebble Mine. This is a financial account that withholds a certain amount of money for the lifespan of the mine. Upon closure, the mining company must restore the land to an acceptable pre-mining condition in order to be released from the bond. If the company does not restore the land, for any reason, then the bond is disbursed to finance the restoration. The company can then be sued for the cost.‌ The state can get creative with these tools. The insurance

requirement that mine operators must meet can be raised. Quotas can be installed on the daily ore production, which would slow the operation down and potentially avoid any rushing. State environmental regulators can have permanent oversight over the mine, and demand access to any special action that is inconsistent with the day-to-day routine. ‌ We should consider all of these tools with temperance so that the mine remains profitable and safe. Given the enormous economic potential, though, investors are likely to make concessions to the state if it helps to kickstart the project.‌ Pebble Mine can be done right. Alaska can take a seat on the world market for copper, all while proudly flaunting a pristine environment that competitors envy. But we need constructive cooperation from environmental activists. They were instrumental in improving the mining industry over the past century, and they can do it again with this century.‌

We should rethink tipping

By Robert Hockema opinion@thenorthernlight.org

Going out to restaurants and bars has become a bit of a painful experience for me. For years, a night out with my friends has looked a little something like this:‌ We sit down, order drinks and have nice conversation. Everyone eats way too much, so we all sit and wait 30 minutes for our stomachs to settle. ‌ Finally, the moment of dread arrives: everyone pulls out their wallets to pay. The issue for me isn’t paying — I’m always on a tight budget, but I pay my part like everyone else at the table.

The issue comes when everyone starts negotiating the tip. ‌ “Oh, they were a good waiter.

What’s 15% of the bill?” ‌ “Yeah I’ll just throw in a couple of bucks, these waiters could definitely use the money.” ‌ I imagine this is par for the course for just about everyone reading… and yet, I could not think of a more bizarre restaurant ritual for us to engage in. ‌ Hear me out: I promise, I don’t hate poor college students trying to make ends meet. I understand that the vast majority of restaurant workers, baristas and bartenders rely on tips to make a living. In fact, according to the Economic Policy Institute, the number totals to around 4.3 million workers. The problem is that our culture of tipping contributes to the precise reason why so many American workers rely on tips. ‌ Think about it. Employers in the service industry know well that tipping culture is socially mandated. Without thinking of the value of a tip relative to the service provided, business owners know tables are forking over enough to increase the real

wages earned by each worker by at least a few dollars. Given that, employers have a huge incentive to lower wages. Instead of making positions competitive by paying their employees a living wage, they pass on the obligation to make their workers pay rent to us and cut their wages back to save money. That’s a massive burden to place on consumers, especially poorer ones who can barely afford to pay for the service, nevertheless an arbitrary bonus on top of the bill. ‌ Essentially, our uncritical culture of tipping has led to the justification for low wages. Why pay people a living wage when they know they literally will never have to? It’s like holding consumers economically hostage — cough up a few extra dollars for little to no improvement in the service, or else face the consequence of reduced social capital. ‌ On top of the harms to workers, tipping doesn’t even have the conventional benefits most people praise it for. Aside from

the moral and economic aspects, most assume tipping incentivizes better service. Waiters know customers will throw a few extra dollars their way if they’re attentive and nice, which gives them a reason to take better care of you on your night out — so the story goes. ‌ The reality is that tipping 1525% is an expected social norm, enforced by the scowls from your date and pointed questions from your waiter. Thus, those in the service industry are expecting a tip one way or another and are unlikely to greatly improve their service. One Cornell study in 2000 found that differences in customer service ratings account for just a one to five percent variation in tipping increases. Moreover, in countries like Japan, where tipping is seen as rude, service is still fantastic, proving tipping isn’t necessary for a quality experience. ‌ It gets even worse from there.

Not only do tips have a minuscule influence on the quality of service, but the size of the tip

is usually based on completely arbitrary factors. For starters, tipping itself discriminates based on service. Why are tipping waiters and bartenders the norm, but not plumbers or fastfood workers? ‌ It also discriminates based on… well, everything else. A study cited by The Economist found that gender and race greatly influence the size of tips, with black servers being tipped less and “attractive” servers pocketing $1,261 annually more than “unattractive” ones. ‌ At best, tipping has become antithetical to its purpose. At worst, it actively contributes to the low wages paid out to the poorest and most marginalized.

Your tipping is not helping, it’s contributing to the problem. The only way to stop it is by collectively abandoning this insane ritual, which will incentivize employers to pay their employees the wages they deserve instead of footing the bill to us. ‌

14

OPI NION

Letter from the Editor: TNL staff wins 11 state awards

By Cheyenne Mathews cmathews@thenorthernlight.org

Every year the Alaska Press Club awards state media for their journalistic efforts in everything from business reporting to best illustration. Every year, UAA students at The Northern Light compete with full-time professionals in these categories.

This year TNL won 11 awards.

First Place Best Website (All media) — TNL Staff Best Education Reporting (Print-Small and Large) — Marie Ries Best Scenic Photo (TV, Radio, Print-Small) — Chase Burnett Suzan Nightingale Award for Best Columnist (PrintSmall) — Robert Hockema Second Best Magazine Cover (Print-Small and Large) — Jian Bautista Best Weekly Newspaper (Print-Small and Large) — TNL Staff Best Profile (Print- Small) — Robin O’Donoghue Suzan Nightingale Award for Best Columnist (PrintSmall) — Ben Edwards Best Breaking News Story (Print-Small and Large) — Robin O’Donoghue Best Education Reporting (Print-Small and Large) — Robin O’Donoghue Third Best Headline Writing (All media) — Caleigh Jensen Current and former TNL alumni also won awards for their work in other organizations including former Copy Editor Victoria Petersen (for Peninsula Clarion and The Spenardian), Executive Editor Levi Brown (for The Spenardian), former A&E Editor Ammon Swenson (Alaska Public Media), former Executive Editor Samantha Davenport and former Staff Photographer Young Kim (for the Spenardian) and me (for Anchorage Daily News).

After spending three years as an editor and reporter at TNL, I can confirm that it is not an easy task to compete with professional journalists in these awards while maintaining a busy student schedule. Student journalists are expected to sustain their course load while writing two stories for The Northern Light every week, taking photos, editing copy, making graphics or all of the

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEYENNE MATHEWS

The Northern Light staff Malia Barto, Cheyenne Mathews, Levi Brown, Caleigh Jensen and Mary Ryan display awards won at Alaska Press Club 2019.

above.

This year, in particular, has been a draining year to be a UAA journalist. The 2018-19 academic year saw more breaking news than either of the previous two years combined. When the earthquake hit UAA, our paper was quick to put out information, gather student and staff photos and create video round-ups of the updates.

It turns out the earthquake was just a practice round for what ended up being the biggest breaking news of the year for UAA students: several programs in the School of Education had lost their accreditation. While no one in our staff was seeking an education degree, we all knew someone who was impacted by this situation. As student journalists, it’s hard to write about your peers undergoing something as frustrating and disappointing as losing the ability to walk at graduation with an accredited UAA degree.

While Press Club will not award anything for 2019 until next spring, coverage of the School of Education

demonstrates the necessity of student journalism. In this time of crisis, education students like Nick Tabaczka were given a platform to discuss how the loss of accreditation affected them personally. Staff members from our features editor to our executive editor attended a slew of forums — which were often held at times when education majors were partaking in student teaching — so that they could be informed.

Throughout the year, we’ve continued to inform you of pressing student issues from sexual assault awareness on campus to the Governor’s proposed budget for the university. We’ve also given you things to read for reprieve like food critiques and theatre previews.

Next year, Caleigh Jensen will continue the valuable work done this year as executive editor. She is taking on the role as seven staff graduate this semester, so if you are interested in continuing the legacy of TNL, apply at careers.alaska.edu

15

OPI NION

Analysis: Is the chancellor hanging off of a glass cliff?

And if she is, what is she doing to get back up?

Sure, enrollment was low and state financial support wasn’t as cmathews@thenorthernlight.org high as it was in 2014, but by all means, UAA was staying afloat.‌ Most people have heard of Then the November earththe glass ceiling; it’s the concept quake hit. UAA rolled with it that women are seldom offered and was well regarded for the or elected to senior level posi- open communication and infortions. Chancellor Cathy Sandeen mation they released on social has clearly overcome this barri- media and through email.‌ er. However, there’s a more neThis came in stark contrast farious phenomenon that seems to the beginning of spring seto be acting itself out during her mester when students found out Chancellorship: is Cathy San- via KTUU Channel 2 News that deen hanging off of a glass cliff?‌ UAA’s School of Education had The glass cliff is the idea lost accreditation for its initial the women will only be offered licensure programs. That weekleadership roles in a time of cri- end, there was radio silence. ‌ sis for the organization. OftenThen, Gov. Dunleavy retimes, they are put in positions leased a budget that cut the uniwhere they are leading a fail- versity system exponentially in ing company, which further en- February. Shortly after, KTVA trenches the idea that women are Channel 11 News reported that a bad leaders, when in fact women long time professor had sexually are more likely to be hired for an assaulted students for decades executive position at a failing or- with few consequences. Again, ganization than a thriving one.‌ UAA was quiet.‌ This just may be the case for Finally, in April, the Board of Cathy Sandeen.‌ Regents voted to discontinue the In May, Sandeen was invited School of Education, a decision to take on the position of Chan- that Sandeen had opposed. ‌ cellor of UAA, a role she stepped So, after all these events, is into in September. At the time, Chancellor Sandeen hanging off things at UAA weren’t too bad. a glass cliff? ‌

By Cheyenne Mathews

STAFF CONTACTS Opinion Writer Robert Hockema opinion@thenorthernlight.org‌

Executive Editor Levi Signe Brown (907) 786-1313 editor@thenorthernlight.org‌

Opinion Writer Ben Edwards opinion2@thenorthernlight.org

Copy Editor Caleigh Jensen copy@thenorthernlight.org Features Editor Mary Ryan features@thenorthernlight.org‌ Features Reporter Robert Gant features2@thenorthernlight.org‌ Arts & Entertainment Editor Malia Barto arts@thenorthernlight.org‌

PHOTO BY LEVI BROWN

cialty, Sandeen still has a long way to go to prove that UAA is not a failing institution under her lead. These next few years will be transformative for the university. Sandeen will likely take part in discussions on how to prevent programmatic accreditations in the future, raise revenue that is likely no longer coming from a conservative state government and continue to interest Alaska high schoolers in a Seawolf degree. ‌

Most people their first year in a new job get the luxury of sitting back and learning about how an office is typically run before they have to step in and make big decisions. Sandeen didn’t get a year. She had, at best, three months to familiarize herself with UAA before the university put her to the test. ‌ She may be on the precipice of a glass cliff, but if this year is any indication, she’s definitely not staying there. ‌

A S S O C I AT E D CO L L E G I AT E P R ES S

3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508‌

Managing Editor Cheyenne Mathews cmathews@thenorthernlight.org‌

Sandeen has been blamed for several of the breaking news situations that have occurred over the last year — like the loss of accreditation in the School of Education — despite the fact that she was not the Chancellor during most of the reaccreditation period. That’s her glass cliff. While she may not have been responsible for putting the university in this debacle, she is now in charge of getting us out.‌ While there was some initial blowback to the Chancellor’s first comments on accreditation, Sandeen has gone far above and beyond to take accountability for the program and prove that her administration will be more transparent. Few students have attended forum-like Chats with the Chancellor, but Sandeen has been able to reach a large UAA audience through posting video updates on social media for most major issues. ‌ As a representative of the institution, Sandeen has also been proactive about writing letters to the editor to the Anchorage Daily News and The Northern Light. While the public campaigning seems to be her spe-

Graphic Designer Jian Bautista jbautista@thenorthernlight.org‌ Ad Manager Morgan Wilhelm admanager@thenorthernlight.org PR & Events Coordinator James Oh events@thenorthernlight.org Media Adviser Paola Banchero‌ Administrative Adviser Zac Clark‌ Administrative Assistant Allie Hartman

Sports Editor Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org‌

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