December 13, 2016

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THENORTHERNLIGHT university of alaska anchorage

commencement edition

independence

december 2016

COMMENCEMENT EDITION

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FALL 2016

finish

.. student loans

lack of job experience social life

break

anxiety

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bills

independence

..... start ...........

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student loans

start

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 02

The many benefits of earning a college degree A college education can bring more than just a diploma

By Alexis Abbott

news2@thenorthernlight.org

While college can bring some of the best years of one’s life, it also comes with some of the most stressful times one will probably ever encounter. College is overpriced, challenging and sometimes tedious, but the amount of perks that come with a higher education can make it all worth while.

Preparing one for the “real world” and all the jobs that might interest them only begin to account for the benefits prospective students gain from going to college.

Getting a degree will better secure your upper-hand in the future career search.

Earning a degree will make one more attractive to employers compared to those without a college education. Statistics from the U.S Census Bureau report that those with a bachelor’s degree have a median annual earning nearly twice as much as those with only a high school diploma. ($42,783 vs. $21,569) This is a pretty significant difference, while education level is the biggest factor in determining earning potential.

Besides earning more money and having more job opportunities, the wisdom you gain from a college education is an applicable trait that you can apply to any life situation, work-related or not.

Investing in a college education is sometimes criticized due to the growing tuition costs, and the debt that many millennials take on in pursuing their chosen degree.

UAA Multicultural Center director Andre Thorn, who recently received a Ph.D. in education leadership and policy analysis, believes that education is the most powerful weapon.

“A college degree is important to earn because it demonstrates that you are trainable and have the discipline and determination to complete the task at hand.

You learn so many concepts on the journey towards the degree that many of the courses and the content can be transferable in other work, educational or relationship situations. This is the value of a well-rounded education,” Thorn said.

Thorn is a first-generation college student who grew up in the inner-city of Las Vegas with a single mother, who inspired him to go to college and earn a degree.

“The odds were against me, but I felt that if I could earn a degree, I could leverage that to overcome my situ-

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ational reality. Being the first in my family to go to college, my mother had to sacrifice a lot and it wasn’t easy,” Thorn said. “But with time, studying and learning from my failures, I persisted until I got the degree. It was a significantly proud moment for me to see the look in my mother’s eyes when I brought the degree home and gave it to her. I am using the degree, and the two others I have achieved, to change the world in my own way.”

Thorn is proud to share his accomplishments and motivate those with similar backgrounds to pursue a degree even if it seems unattainable.

“Besides the obvious benefits of increased opportunities and higher salaries that a degree affords you, I get to serve as an example for my family and friends. I still get calls from friends and family across the country, asking me questions about ‘how do I....’ ‘what should I do to....’

Therefore, because I have multiple degrees, and work at a college campus, I get to serve as a resource for my family, friends and the community. What can be greater than that?” Thorn said.

Josh Edge, who graduated from UAA in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public communications, has now worked for Alaska Public Media for about six and a half years. Edge believes that getting a college degree is essential in almost any career path.

“Unless someone opts to go into the military or to a trade school, a college degree of some kind is essentially a requirement for most careers in today’s job market. Finding a job can be challenging, but I think it only gets more competitive as you get further along in your career. As common as college degrees are now, without one, you’re at a distinct disadvantage with prospective employers. Sometimes even a bachelor’s might not be enough,” Edge said.

Edge revealed that he owes a lot of his success to getting involved on campus while in school, including

working at The Northern Light.

“Immediately after high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and college just seemed like a natural next step to take in order to figure that out.

While my first two or three years were spent without much focus, I was at least finding things I knew I wanted to do for a living. Eventually, after I started working at The Northern Light, I discovered that I really enjoyed journalism and really excelled at it, so that’s what I ran with. And so far, it’s worked out very well and has led my career in some pleasant, but unexpected directions,” Edge said.

Jonathon Taylor, a UAA alumni, who graduated with a political science degree, is now the deputy press secretary for Governor Bill Walker. Taylor considers obtaining a degree to be a challenging but important accomplishment that speaks volumes for your character.

“For me, it was kind of assumed that I would go to college and get a degree. I was inspired to take on a political science degree because of my interest in politics and it’s application in the real world,” Taylor said.

“There are several benefits that come with getting a college education and degree. First, you have the personal satisfaction of making such an accomplishment. Graduating from college isn’t easy, and graduates deserve serious praise for pulling through. Next, you gain important connections and build relationships. Some of the best relationships and friendships I’ve made have been with students, staff, faculty and administrators that I interacted with almost daily. Those are the folks who will be references for you and write letters of recommendation for you, which can help you land jobs and get into graduate school.”

Whether college may or may not be for some, the fortune gained through higher education may just mean more than earning an academic degree.

The Edge Update: Mike Kelly, Russian hacking and South Korean impeachment

By Max Jungreis KRUA

Local On Wednesday, Dec. 7, former Republican state representative Mike Kelly of Fairbanks died in a plane crash in Fort Wainright. Kelly was flying a singleengine craft when it crashed on military property 17 miles from Fairbanks. Gov-

ernor Bill Walker offered his condolences to Kelly’s family in a Twitter message posted Wednesday evening. Kelly, 74, was elected to the house of representatives as a Republican in 2004 and served until 2010. His colleagues remember him as a diligent worker and outdoorsman.

National Friday, Dec. 9, President Barack

Obama ordered the intelligence community to run a full review on Russian hacking activity related to the 2016 presidential election. Mere hours later, the CIA released a public statement concluding that Russia had acted covertly during the 2016 election to aid the campaign of Donald Trump. According to their assessment, Russian hackers broke into the servers of both the RNC and the DNC, but only shared files with Wikileaks from the latter. Shortly after that, WikiLeaks started posting emails from John Podesta, Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager containing excerpts from paid speeches Clinton gave to Wall Street Executives, among other things. The slow drip of emails haunted Clinton’s campaign in the closing months of the election, providing a constant stream of negative press. Following the announcement, Trump’s transition team issued a statement expressing a lack of faith in the intelligence agencies’ findings. “These are the same people that said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction,” the statement said. “The election ended a long time ago in one of the biggest Electoral College victories in history. It’s now time to move

on and ‘Make America Great Again.’”

Global Friday, lawmakers in South Korea voted to impeach President Park Geun-hye, the country’s first female leader. The vote was overwhelming, at 234-56, with six abstentions. The country’s Constitutional court will now deliberate the motion, which could take up to six months. Until that time, Prime Minister Hwang Kyoahn will act as president. The vote possibly marks the end of the political turmoil that has engulfed the peninsular state since prosecutors detained the president’s close friend Choi Soon-sil was detained on charges of abuse of power and attempted fraud. The scandal began when a South Korean television station revealed that they had found an abandoned computer belonging to Choi containing evidence that she had received secret government documents and intervened in state affairs. Local media have accused her of using her relationship with the president to force companies to donate millions of dollars to foundations she runs. Park apologized on TV following the vote for causing national chaos.

NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 03

Campus security coverage questioned after series of hit-and-runs Several parking lots and garages on UAA’s campus have no security cameras, leaving students in the dark

By Sam Davenport

editor@thenorthernlight.org

By Kathryn DuFresne content@thenorthernlight.org

With the lack of security cameras around UAA’s campus, many hit-and-runs, vandalizations and burglaries have gone un-surveillanced and undocumented.

The lack of security gives the opportunity for theft and destruction of property, leaving students with no alternative but to accept the fate of a fender-bender or other damage.

Johanna Richter, an economics major at UAA, was studying late on campus when her car was hit. When Richter was leaving the library, she came out to find her car with noticeable destruction to her bumper, approximately $1,500 worth of damage.

There was a note left on the car with contact information, but when Richter called, it was revealed to her that she had been given a fake number. Richter then contacted University Police Department to see if they could help, but to no avail.

“They [UPD] said there was nothing they could really do about it because there’s no security camera footage to go off of,” Richter said. “Basically, they just said I needed to file a report with the DMV that an accident happened for my insurance.”

Richter believes that the lack of security on campus leaves students susceptible to burglaries and hit-andruns, something that could easily be prevented by the installation of security cameras.

“This seems like it is a pretty big problem. There’s either hit-and-runs or in parking lots or burglaries, and also, what if you get assaulted? What are they going to do about that? To me, it seems like a security camera is a pretty low-cost way to have more crime solving at UAA, and as a preventative measure,” Richter said.

Richter isn’t the only student that has been faced with damage to their vehicle and had no way to hold anyone accountable for it. Emily Haas, a civil engineering major at UAA, faced approximately $8,000 worth of damage to her vehicle when an ex-boyfriend slashed her tires and keyed her car in the East Garage on campus on Nov. 15.

“My car is totaled. He actually carved through the metal, he didn’t just key my car. He stabbed through the roof and stabbed through the doors. It was more damage than my car was worth,” Haas said. “They [UPD] told me they didn’t have anything showing that he was doing it, or that he was actually there. All they had was him leaving the classroom and leaving through an emergency door. I asked to see it, and they said no.”

UPD Lieutenant Michael Beckner responded to concerns, noting that like the rest of the university, UPD has budget restraints that restricts them from adding more security cameras around campus.

“In 10 years, we’ve come a long way — leaps and bounds with camera systems on campus, and we hope to continue to do that. Right now, with the budget situation the way it is with the university, you know, they’re trying to keep tuition down and to go buy a bunch of cameras...” Beckner said. “We try to put them in places that would give us the most coverage — the most bang

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for the buck.”

For a 720p high-definition security camera through FLIR, a top of the line imaging company, each camera costs approximately $168. Security cameras for businesses or schools can cost less with a bulk order, and often companies can gain a tax write-off for their business done with a university.

Beckner also noted that the cameras are expensive to maintain, and further budget cuts could prevent further coverage.

“I think it’s great that the students are asking, and wanting more, because we’re wanting more too. We would like to get them in all the parking lots because, like anything else it does help us identify some things, or if there’s an incident or dispute, we can see what happened, one way or the other.”

Nick Tabaczka, double major in mathematics and political science, believes that UAA has been spending their money in places that are not in the best interest of students.

“Although I do like to stay warm, at the end of the day, we don’t need more sky bridges... it’s cosmetic.

We’re cutting things that aren’t cosmetic right now that matter to students, and that bothers me.”

When asked about the safety of campus overall, students still have many concerns.

“I don’t feel very safe at all. I went and got a protective order the very same day, but unfortunately my protective order doesn’t cover me on campus. Since he’s in two of my classes, he was allowed to be there until UAA

f 2016

n o s n o i t a l Congrathuievement!

Your Ac Fall Class o

“Congratulations on joining 50,000 of your fellow Seawolf alumni!

I celebrate your hard work and dedication, and look forward to the mark you will make with your UAA education.”

Tom Case, Chancellor

got something done about it, and that took about two weeks, so I didn’t go to class,” Haas said.

Tabaczka has been in three different fender benders on campus, two of which were his fault. In both situations, Tabaczka left a note with a phone number on the individual’s vehicle.

“The first time, I had just gotten a new truck. It was over by Eugene Short, and it was an older truck that I hit.

It was just a little dent on the chrome, but I left a note and the guy called me back. He spent more time complimenting me on the phone than anything else,” Tabaczka said. “You get the piece of mind in knowing you did the right thing.”

UPD recommends filing a report the moment an incident happens on campus but highly recommends being in the practice of leaving a note in case one causes an accident.

“It’s always good to leave a note with your contact information because that’s required by law. If you do damage somebody’s car in an auto accident and leave, and don’t leave your contact information, and we do have it on camera and find out who you are, it is a crime, and we will charge that person for that crime,” Beckner said.

Students are also advised to report any and all incidents, including vehicle-related, to University Police as soon as they can post-damage. Filing a report may not prevent the damage, but can allow for UPD to began an investigation, starting with any security cameras present in the area.

04 | NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Tuition and the uncertain future at UAA

Concerns regarding the future of UAA have emerged, leaving many students wondering what to expect for the university as soon as next fall

By Alexis Abbott

news2@thenorthernlight.org

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

The University of Alaska has experienced many changes in recent years, but the fall of 2017 is when many of the adjustments are planned to be implemented. From tuition raises, program cuts, and a declining class selection, the future of UAA seems nothing short of unclear.

News that another program has been cut, another five percent tuition raise was approved or rumor that respected athletics are to be eliminated are just some of the changes that seem to be never-ending.

Attending a university that is experiencing major modifications is challenging when you wish to pursue a degree that isn’t quite as common as engineering, nursing or biology.

Pooja Kumar, a sophomore at UAA is one of those students. Kumar wishes to pursue a degree in environmental science, which has recently been cut from the university catalog.

“I currently know that the program is suspended, and I know there are some people who are getting an environmental science degree that will be graduating in a few years. I know that there are ways if you work with the department, they might give you the major, but so far if you look on UAA’s website there’s been nothing about Environment and Society, my preferred major. It just clearly says that this program has been suspended,” Kumar said. “It makes me sad to know that my major is no longer here, and I most likely am going to have to transfer. I really do want to pursue a major in environmental science and since UAA can’t really provide that, I’ll have to find a university that will.”

Like environmental science, there are several other departments being temporarily suspended or getting cut from the university, leaving many students and staff unsure of what to do next.

Adeline Schlabaugh, an instructor in the chemistry

department, which has been put on temporary suspension, is one of the remaining staff trying to get the program back up and running.

“It is unfortunate that the program has been suspended, but it would be worse to accept new enrollments and not offer a clear path to graduation. We simply couldn’t guarantee specialized courses would be offered on a regular basis, such as biophysical or inorganic chemistry. If we were to accept new majors, we would have to send students outside of UAA to take these classes.

Those of us currently teaching are putting incredible hours into the preparation of our courses and execution of our workloads, and every single one of us wants to see the program revitalized,” Schlabaugh said.

The consistent changes occurring at the university have been rough on many students, staff and faculty, but they are also nerve-racking for a lot of future Seawolves.

Morgan Cleary, an Anchorage resident who is enrolling at UAA next year in hopes of becoming a dental hygienist, is concerned to hear about the extensive financial adjustments.

“I’ve been told tuition costs are rising five percent and could possibly be continued in the future, while scholarships are reducing each year along with it. Financial aid cannot keep up with rising tuition which costs students, or future students, like myself to pay more money out of pocket for a higher education. This concerns me greatly and is alarming because I’ve already taken time off from school since graduating in 2015 because I could not afford to attend school right away,” Cleary said. “The changes are discouraging me to even want to go to college. Soon, only the rich will be able to afford an education and the poor will be left in the wake of high tuition costs. I believe that we need to do everything we can as students and future students to stop rising tuition prices before it’s too late.”

Through all of the utter confusion that has transpired from changes at the University of Alaska and at UAA, it is imperative for students, staff and future Seawolves to stay unified through it all.

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FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 05

Fall commencement speaker Sophie Leshan celebrates UAA and the community she found within Graduating in just three and a half years, Sophie Leshan will be embarking on her next adventure with the class of 2016

By Victoria Petersen

vgpetersen@thenorthernlight.org

PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM

Originally from the state of Michigan, Sophie Leshan credits UAA’s strong sense of community to her successful college career.

Growing up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sophie Leshan spent her childhood in the heart of a college town.

University of Michigan and the town of Ann Arbor is described by Leshan as the quintessential college town.

Despite the stark contrast with UAA being a small commuter school, Leshan found her calling and blossomed.

“Where I grew up was right on the edge of [The University of Michigan] campus, so where I grew up was what you think of when you think of a traditional college experience, so that is what I grew up literally next door to,” Leshan said. “I came and toured the UAA campus as a junior in high school. I graduated high school a year early so I could move up here with my parents. I was just like, ‘Oh this is not what I expected’, with having that perception of what the University of Michigan was. But UAA exceeded my expectations.”

One of the biggest advantages of UAA is the community the campus and city harbor for students to learn and grow.

“One of the real strengths was getting to meet community members from all walks of life. Particularly within my degree program. it was powerful for me to be in a classroom with people who were students and parents of students who were coming back to education as a second career and hearing their perception of what’s going on. It made my experience all the more strong,” Leshan said.

Leshan will be graduating this semester with a degree in early childhood education. After a semester of student teaching and three and a half years of studying at UAA, Leshan is graduating early and excited to get into classrooms and share her passion of learning.

“I’m graduating in three and a half years, which is kind of crazy because I did not go in with the intention of graduating high school and college early, but I just feel like I’m a life long learner and I love going to school.

Now I get to bring my passion of learning and facilitate it in a classroom setting,” Leshan said.

After moving here four years ago with her family, Leshan has intentions to stay in the last frontier and either teach Alaska’s youth or work on education policy

at the state level.

“I would love to work in Alaska, I love it here,” Leshan said. “I didn’t anticipate staying here for too long, but I fell in love. It’s so outdoorsy and there’s so many opportunities to get outdoors. There’s a really strong community here too. That’s definitely something I value. I found that immediately here.”

For students entering UAA for the first time, Leshan recommends getting involved with on-campus activities and clubs. When Leshan first got to UAA, she joined the Emerging Leaders program, a three-semester leadership workshop where you refine your leadership skills. This program helped inspire Leshan to join student government, where she worked for two years as the chair of activities committee and then the chief financial officer.

In her three and a half years at UAA, Leshan also served on concert board for two years.

“I started my first semester with really no sense of direction with what I wanted to do.... I definitely jumped right in and got involved right away,” Leshan said.

“There’s so many clubs on campus, and chances are there’s people on campus who have the same interests as you. There’s so many great opportunities to have a comprehensive student experience and to really be fulfilled in your education here.”

Leshan credits the people of UAA as the highlight of her college experience.

“I’ve met so many wonderful people at the university whether it’s students, faculty, staff. UAA has such a strong relationship with the Anchorage community.

Through the university, I met a lot of other educators.

I’m so grateful I had the opportunity and I was able to make so many valuable connections,” Leshan said.

Leshan will be delivering the Fall commencement speech on Sunday.

“I really value that we are all coming into graduation with the commonality of being UAA students. We are all studying different things, but we are all so united being UAA students. Despite being so different in so many ways, we can come together, and I hope we can find opportunities to continue learning and applying our skills even when we’re no longer a student,” Leshan said.

Leshan will be looking for teaching jobs in the area after graduating, where she hopes to share her passion of learning with others.

Wise words from UAA alumni

PHOTO BY JAY GUZMAN

The UAA Alumni Relations Center is nestled in between the Social Sciences Building and the Consortium Library. Staffed by the UAA Alumni Association, the center serves to keep alumni connected together in and out of Alaska.

By Richard Han

rhan@thenorthernlight.org

Graduating means a lot of things. It’s an end of one chapter of life and the start of another. Students spend years to reach this point, so what does one do after graduation? There is no clear cut answer, and no one person has the same path. Each person with an occupation and a degree

has been in each graduate’s shoes, in a cap and gown and ready to take on their next venture. No one piece of advice will be the key to success, but it sure can help lead some in the right direction. Years after graduation, these UAA alumni are now in their respective career fields. With the education they learned in college, they have become who they are today.

The route after graduation isn’t always an easy one but with help of these wise

words, it can potentially make it smoother.

Tristan Kim graduated from UAA with a Master of Science in project management and now is a business continuity analyst at Alaska USA. When he graduated, he knew that he was far from being done.

“Don’t expect your diploma to do everything. You still have to work hard to earn and expand your knowledge and skills,” Kim said.

Some people believe once a diploma is earned, jobs start lining up and it’s an easy road from there on. For most cases, that isn’t the reality. Striving to work hard even after receiving his diploma is what Kim believes got him where he is today.

How soon one should their journey start is a big question many people face.

Each career path is different so every decision depends on the person and their circumstance.

Rebekah Son believes graduates should waste no time. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from UAA and is now a fourth and fifth-grade teacher at Orion Elementary School.

“You can have some time to yourself after graduating, but don’t let yourself have too much time. Whatever field of work you are in, you have to keep learning and keep getting better. You have to get as much experience you can in your field of work. Many people say to take

years off to play because you won’t have time after you work but if you work early and get a good job and be successful within that job, you’ll be able to play even harder later,” Son said.

On the other hand, some believe in taking time for yourself before diving into your career. Daniel Heo graduated from UAA with a degree in natural sciences and is now a pharmacist at Sam’s Club.

“Do as much as you can before you start working. New activities, traveling, hanging out and meeting new people, because once you start working, that’s all you are going to be primarily doing for 30-40 years of your life. Although your job will be important, find other hobbies, passions and goals in your life. You will need these to continue enriching and fulfilling your life because by the time you have a job, most of your life’s goals are accomplished,” Heo said.

Big things are ahead for each graduate and these three UAA alumni know firsthand that it isn’t always easy. At times, they were nervous and anxious about their paths and were discouraged along the way. With the help of their peers and loved ones, they endured through the hard times. Just because they are in their desired careers they know their journey isn’t over. Life after landing their dream job still requires hard work and dedication.

06 | FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Tassel the hassle: Origins of graduation traditions explained

By Brenda Craig

features@thenorthernlight.org

In the moment of graduation, students are not thinking about the origins of the cap and gown. It seems funny to wear a robe at a traditional event celebrating one’s success in academics.

According to the UAA commencement document, there is a legend about an ancient Greek teacher who is responsible for potentially starting the tradition of the cap and gown.

This mentor dressed his students in mason’s sackcloth robes with mortarboards he claimed, “Their destiny is to build. Some will build cities, some will build lives — perhaps one of them will build an empire, but all will be builders on the solid foundation of knowledge.”

The matching mortarboards and robes can be seen as a symbol of unity.

Whether or not this is true, the cap and gowns are still worn till this day. Referencing back to the UAA commencement document, there are traces of the gowns that are similar to the ones worn today in the mid-12th century. When studying under a scholar, many of the students wanted to dress similar to their instructors, who were mainly monks or priest at the time. As time went on the academic robes stuck, but there were mild modifications made. Now, each university has their own traditional colors added, UAA’s being green and gold.

Wearing the cap and gown can bring the feeling of satisfaction and honor. Jennifer Holganza, majoring in marketing and management, has been looking forward to wearing the cap and gown once again.

“I think the cap and gown are great and very traditional,” Holganza said. “In high school, I was so proud to wear maroon and gold to represent my lovely Dimond High School. I think wearing it again will be just as amazing and not only will I be proud, but many of my loved ones watching.”

The cap and gown are not the only traditions that were preserved, but the ceremony of graduation itself.

The iconic graduation song, “Pomp and Circumstance,” can easily be recognized at any graduation. Written by Sir Edward Elgar in 1901, the song first became correlated with graduation ceremonies when Elgar received his honorary doctorate from Yale University. His song was played during his graduation and soon became the song that would represent graduation ceremonies from

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then on.

“There is absolutely nothing like hearing the first notes of Pomp and Circumstance and beginning to walk,” Holganza said.

Hoods are another common tradition. The UAA commencement document mentions that the hoods are a representation of the medieval monk’s cowl. During the ceremony, UAA master’s degree graduates will be wearing their hoods displaying their extension beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Although the turning of the tassel is fairly new, it still

has its fair share of symbolism. Starting about 50 years ago, the moving of the tassel signifies the movement from candidate to graduate. Depending on the university, the side the tassel lays and is moved from is determined by that school. Many universities state that the tassel should be moved from the right side to the left.

However, UAA claims that it does not matter which side the tassel is worn, but it is traditional to move it to the opposite side after accepting the diploma.

The graduation ceremony celebrates those who accomplished this chapter in their lives and opens the next chapter creating a new beginning. Some graduates choose not to walk at graduation due to expenses of graduation itself or they are just ready to grab that diploma and go. Others participate in the ceremony not only for themselves, but to make their family and friends proud.

“It’s a positive tradition, I’m only walking in it for my parents.” Anthony Picasso, major in criminal justice and minor in anthropology said. “But, I think it’s great, the real celebration happens after the ceremony when we can actually hang out with our families and friends.”

UAA has their own tradition that takes place at beginning of the graduation. There is a performance made by the Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Tsimshian as an Alaskan Native welcome dance. Bridgett Dyson, chair of the commencement committee, plans the graduation ceremonies.

“The Lepquinm Gumilgit Gagoadim Tsimshian have been performing this dance at our ceremonies for years,” Dyson said. “Toward the end of the ceremony, a representative from the UAA Alumni Association introduces the Alma Mater, which is then led by two student singers.”

These different traditions are common through graduations all over the world. Yet, there are rituals that are specific throughout cultures and communities. In Alaska, Hawaiian traditions of leis are common and have become a big part of saying ‘congrats’ to our graduates.

“I am Filipino, so you can say I’m an island baby who will have leis of both flowers and candy. It’s also another tradition that I am so excited for,” Holganza said.

A great accomplishment should always be celebrated.

Traditions tie together the past and the future and show the importance of accomplishments. These graduates have waited a long time to proudly walk down and claim their hard earned diploma wearing their cap and gowns.

Seeking enlightenment in Meditation and Wellness Club

By Lee Piltz

lpiltz@thenorthernlight.org

When first walking into UAA’s Meditation and Wellness Club, the first thing I noticed was a very restful, quiet atmosphere. The act of making too much noise in their meeting room verged on the forbidden. There was some soothing music playing quietly in the room and my entrance was met with warm smiles.

The meeting started with introductions and a brief run-down from the club’s president, Kyle Pace. After introductions were taken care of, we began to meditate while Pace guided us through the process. I usually meditate on my own; however, I have participated in guided meditation before. After the meditation, we had a group discussion about many

different things. The emphasis being that the space is a judge-free zone and that ‘what happens in the club, stays in the club.’ Afterward, we stretched a little bit to loosen ourselves up and meditated for a while longer before parting ways.

Pace’s calm, relaxing voice helped to settle me into the clarity of mind necessary for meditation. Tommy Herr, fellow club member explains that these meditation sessions, and Pace’s mantra, help him in his studies.

“For me, it’s served as a really good reminder that I’m in control of my thoughts. For example, studying: When I’d study, I’d space out and get so frustrated. Like, ‘Why can’t I focus on this?’ But I think back and think, ‘Just come back to it.’ That’s something that Kyle is usually always saying, ‘Come back to your breath.’ So instead of my breath, I come back to the book or the assignment that’s in front of me,” Herr said.

Meditation offers several benefits for many people. Like Herr, many people use the practice as a way to assist in focusing on studious endeavors. However, there are others who use the practice as a way of opening their mind. Not opening their mind necessarily to enlightenment, but to the world in general. Nelson Crockett, a year-long member of the club, explains that meditation has helped him be a more receptive individual to other ideas and points of view. “I find that it’s a good resource when practicing meditation to network with people, see new ideas and

see new contexts because meditation tends to be a private practice for most people, it’s not as out in the open. Here is one of the places I can find it out in the open. I find it useful to bounce ideas off of people to see what works for them and to see what might work for me, rather than just being lost in my own bubble when it comes to practice,” Crockett said.

While most people seek out meditation for physical, mental or spiritual reasons, others simply stumble into the practice.

Usually, they find meditation out of curiosity or in one student’s situation, out of an assignment. EJ Dixon became a recent member of the club through an assignment in his Eastern Religions class.

“Being guided has helped me a lot with my meditation. I first started coming to this club because it was for a class assignment for my Eastern Religions class. I came to one session because I had to and I had to write a report on it. I’ve been coming ever since, for a little more than a month. The mental clarity I get from meditating is really helpful. That’s why I keep coming back,” Dixon said.

Pace, the club’s president, found meditation through the help of his own curiosity and the internet.

“I started meditation basically because I had always heard the word meditation and never really knew what it was or very much about it at all. I was actually living in Arizona with a girl that I was dating at the time, I had moved from Alaska to Arizona and was living with her for a

while. It was a very interesting time in my life. I had no direction and was trying to figure out where in the world to go with myself. I knew that meditation was a thing, so one day I just looked it up on Google and started to practice. I have been practicing on and off for about 5 years now,” Pace said.

UAA’s Meditation and Wellness club has been active for nearly two years. It was started by Pace and a friend due to their mutual interest in meditation. Pace explains that he enjoys teaching meditation and he plans on continuing to teach next semester.

“We’ve been a club going on two years now as of next semester. We started the club because it was something that me and my co-creator, Cole Murphy, were very much about. We met through the class that EJ is taking now, and started it because we had an interest in meditation and had no idea what we were doing and then just kept doing it. I come back and continue to make it a part of my world...

I find great pleasure in teaching meditation. It’s when I find myself the most focused.”

The club isn’t conducting any further meetings for this semester, but they will be up and running next semester for regular meetings. If you’ve wanted to try meditating, or are already meditating on your own, I urge you to come to one of the club meetings. You’ll find a relaxing atmosphere, judge-free discussions, and some wonderful companions.

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 07

Edible gifts good enough to eat

By Victoria Petersen

vgpetersen@thenorthernlight.org

The holidays don’t have to put a dent in your wallet. Try these easy and inexpensive gifts that will wow and impress any gift recipient you encounter. These gifts will be tasty, useful and show you care.

Homemade Rosemary Extract Use this tasty olive oil for salads, sandwiches or any other kind of cooking. This is the same idea as infused vodka, except using oil. Store the oil in a cute bottle to make the gift extra presentable.

Directions

PHOTO BY VICTORIA PETERSEN

Use decorative bottles to gift your infused oil, infused vodka and hot sauce in.

1. In a mason jar, or other sealable glass container, pour the olive oil in until it’s nearly full.

2. Add multiple sprigs of rosemary. It’s up to you how much rosemary you want to use — the more you add, the stronger the taste.

3. Place in the refrigerator for 3-5 days before filtering and serving, or storing.

Homemade Infused Vodka Gift this to your favorite party animal or your local cocktail lover. They can use it to mix creative drinks with at their New Years party.

The first step is to choose what you want to infuse. Juicier fruits work best, but other things like ginger, green tea and jalapeno work too. I recommend blueberry, blackberry, cinnamon, cucumber, lime or mint. Feel free to mix these together to create flavor combinations.

Directions 1. In a mason jar, pour vodka and your chosen ingredients in. The more fruit you put in, the stronger the infusion, so the amount you put in is up to you.

2. Seal the mason jar and shake, store the jar in a cool, dark place for two weeks. Take the jar out every other day and shake.

3. Once the two weeks are over, strain the liquid and it’s ready to serve or wrap up for a gift.

Homemade Hot Sauce A simple sauce only requires one type of chili. For a more complex sauce, use multiple colors and types for a unique spice.

Ingredients • 1/2 pound of hot peppers • 1 tablespoon of salt • 3/4 cup of distilled white vinegar

Directions 1. Chop the stems off the chilies and place them and the salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until a coarse puree forms.

2. Pour the mix into a mason jar and seal. Let it sit in a dark place for 12 hours.

3. Once the 12 hours are up, pour the vinegar in and let it set for one to seven days, The longer you let it sit, the stronger the flavor will be. Once you’ve reached your desired flavor, shake well and strain.

Pour into a clean bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Seawolf Pack: Sophie Leshan • Kavu Bag — versatile single sling bag that can be used for student life, teacher life and hiking life.

• iPhone — perfect for snapping in-themoment photos.

• Macbook — always being used for writing and laying out lesson plans. Stickered with art from Octopus Ink. • Binder — used to organize different aspects of her everyday life as well as her teaching life.

• Journal — for thoughts and doodles.

• “The Nature of Alaska” book — having worked as a nature outdoor living skills specialist during a summer camp, this book is handy for identifying different aspects of outdoor Alaskan life.

• Pouch — filled with miscellaneous cables and chargers.

• Pencil box — filled with markers for transition times with her elementary students.

PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM

By Young Kim

ykim@thenorthernlight.org

Meet Sophie Leshan, the commencement speaker for UAA’s Fall 2016 graduation ceremony. After transplant-

ing here from Michigan before starting at UAA, she attributes the campus’s strong sense of community as the backbone of her successful college career. Graduating with a degree in early childhood education, she hopes to teach here in the state of Alaska. I had a chance to meet with her, and this is what we found in her bag:

• Wallet — necessary daily carry.

• Tea — especially important for this time of year.

• Chapstick — mandatory for keeping lips moisturized.

• Necklace and ninja star — little gifts her elementary students have gifted her.

08 | FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

UAA student resolutions for the new year

Just keep swimming Seniors graduating in 2017 explain struggles throughout the last semesters of their academic career

By Brenda Craig

features@thenorthernlight.org

PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM

For computer sciences major Michael Rees-Benyo, learning to manage his time better is a resolution for 2017 that takes precedence over all else.

By Lee Piltz

lpiltz@thenorthernlight.org

December is that time of year when people are thinking about what they want to accomplish in the next year. Most people have pretty standard New Years resolutions, and our culture sometimes mocks the more cliche ones. A lot of people strive to lose weight in the coming year, to try to save money better or to spend more time with family and friends.

Resolutions tend to be more broad than focused.

However, students at UAA have much more specific resolutions. Travis Klover, a computer systems engineering major at UAA, resolves to go to the gym more frequently, but not for the reason one would think.

“My New Year’s resolution is to go to the gym every day starting in 2017 because this coming several times a week thing just isn’t cutting it... If not the gym, then the pool or just running or something. I’m in ROTC and I’m trying to apply for a special operations career field and you gotta be kind of stupidly fit to get into those. My mostly fit attitude isn’t gonna cut it, so I need to get stupidly fit,” Klover said. “I also want to call my mom every week and tell her I love her because I’m usually super bad at calling my mom and she likes to hear from me. It makes her day.”

Many students are striving to keep up with their academics in the new year.

Especially for seniors and juniors, doing well next semester is a top priority for those graduating or those soon to graduate.

Aurora Newkirk, an English literature major, explains that as the end of her degree approaches, she would like to stay

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away from procrastination in addition to her other resolutions.

“I’m gonna be a senior next semester so I’m almost done with my bachelor’s degree. My New Year’s resolution is to stay motivated and don’t fall into senioritis. I still want to do a good job and not procrastinate like I’ve been doing this semester. My other one is about my home life. I live in an apartment with two roommates and we get along pretty well but we have our disagreements. One thing I want to do is pick my battles. My roommate picks all of the battles and I pick none of the battles. So I need to learn when to speak up and when to let little things slide. I also want to learn how to better talk to strangers because that scares me,” Newkirk said.

It’s not just procrastination that students are looking to stave off. Many newer students are having trouble managing their time, or at least, they hope to get a better grasp on the practice that is time management.

Michael Rees-Benyo, computer sciences major, would like to manage his schedule more effectively above all else in the next year.

“Primarily, I want to be more responsible as a person, which seems like a catch-all statement, but mainly in terms of deadlines and scheduling. I haven’t been great about that and that’s cost me a lot this year. I really want to up my game with time management. I’m definitely going to get a planner,” Rees-Benyo said.

There are many different resolutions being made by different people across the world. Whether their resolutions are cliche or creative, they are all notable.

As long as people strive to be better, the world can only improve. Hopefully, everyone’s resolutions are realized this year.

The sweatpants, skipping class, ignoring small assignments, last minute studying and overall lack of motivation can be described as senioritis. During the final year of school, drive is lost. Students that are graduating this Fall 2016 semester have made it through this terrible illness.

Those who are graduating in 2017 may have a hard battle of senioritis to face.

Alec Wilber, a graphic design major at UAA, will be graduating in the spring of 2017 after one final semester of school.

“You really just want to be done reading, writing and stressing about homework,” Wilber said. “You think of what you could rather be doing and anything at all seems better than writing that paper.”

It is easy to lose concentration during those long lectures when there are important tasks that need to be done in order to plan for the future. Maria Lilly, journalism and communications major with a concentration in strategic communications, graduating in spring 2017, faces some of the symptoms of senioritis.

“Senioritis has contributed to a difficulty focusing in my classes, there is just so much to plan for and think about beyond school,” Lilly said. “I am not just planning for future semesters now, I am planning for a job search, moving, health care and so many other things.”

There are three types of students when it comes to studying. The student that studies and prepares weeks in advance, the one who studies the night before, and the one who does not study at all. However, whichever type of studying student you may be can be subjected to change as

the years go on.

“I didn’t study much when I was a freshman, now when I do study, I have the option of getting drunk during, which is nice,” Wilber said.

After finishing the GERs and other prerequisites, the final semesters of college can be more enjoyable.

“I study more now that I am in my upper division classes,” Caitlin Alzono, a philosophy major graduating in fall 2017, said. “I enjoy what I am reading much more than what I first started with as a freshman.”

In the final stages of college, students reflect on lessons, mistakes and experiences made over the years.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about my academic career,” Lilly said.

“There are moments I wish my GPA were better or I had changed my major sooner, but when I think about it, college has been a time of personal growth and academic improvement.”

The excitement of being so close to graduating can be overwhelming while also being a great motivator to those with graduation in the near future.

“I am so excited to graduate next semester, I feel like I am ready and excited for the transitions in life coming up,” Lilly said. “I’m thrilled by the prospect of life beyond school when school gets stressful, I try to take time to just breathe, think and refocus on my goal.”

To those seniors reaching their last final semesters, let the graduates of fall 2017 be your motivators. Soon enough it will be you wearing the cap and gown walking in the graduation ceremony. So embrace the sweatpants, the late nights of studying, no sleep and endless amounts of energy drinks. It will all be over soon.

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With the fall semester coming to an end, seniors graduating in the spring must dig deep, persevere and fight senioritis to finish their college careers strong.

10 | FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 11

Trip out: Post-graduation

Traveling after graduation can be an unforgettable experience before settling down

By Brenda Craig

features@thenorthernlight.org

The question, ”What’s next?” always pops up when thinking about life after graduation. There are so many possibilities, but deciding where to start is the hardest part. After spending the majority of a lifetime in school, trying figure out what to do for the rest of a life is an overwhelming process. Locking down a career is usually the first thing students plan on doing post-graduation. Paying off student debts, buying a house and other responsibilities come with a cost. However, there are other options before settling down with a lifetime career.

Traveling after college is a great opportunity to go out and experience the world first hand. Planning to travel abroad can be intimidating. There are many sources online that can help students find opportunities to travel after graduation such as TransitionsAbroad. com. Morgan Brown, an elementary education major at UAA, studied at Semester at Sea through the education abroad program at UAA for college credit. Though this program was through UAA, Brown plans to do a similar abroad program in the future and advises others to do the same.

“I absolutely want to travel after I graduate, there’s nothing else I find more important in this world than immersing myself in it,” Brown said. “If you are about to graduate and you are considering traveling, do it, at least research places and programs, I promise one will pull you in.”

Traveling abroad differs from the study abroad program with opportunities that don’t include homework.

Shannon McLaughlin, hospitality and restaurant management major, has done the study abroad program through UAA and is looking forward to traveling after graduation.

“Since I am so close to graduating, I don’t think I will be doing any more study abroad programs, but I am wanting to travel and live abroad as much as I can, which of course is similar to study abroad without the homework, tests and grades.”

Many think of a vacation when the topic of traveling abroad is brought up. Leslie Tuovinen, education abroad coordinator in the Office of International and Intercultural Affairs at UAA, explains how this is not the case.

“Participants in quality study abroad programs, such

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

as those in UAA’s portfolio, upon thoughtful reflection, might mention gains such as a broader perspective and awareness, a deeper appreciation of where they come from and what they have, deeper self-knowledge and maturity, cross-cultural sensitivity, the ability to deal with ambiguity, increased employability and/or competitiveness for graduate school,” Tuovinen said.

In today’s society, it is easy to get stuck in a job that leaves no time for traveling. While it is important to take on new job opportunities, it is also important to take on life opportunities, which includes traveling.

“For people graduating and deciding to step into a lifelong career, as someone who has traveled before making a huge like that, I would suggest to travel first, once a person is committed to a career, they tend to let it become the priority of their life,” Brown said. “One thing most Americans will never understand until they travel abroad is that those other places in the world actually exists.”

Before settling into lifelong commitments after graduation, there might not be a chance to get out and explore until your future kids are all grown up and out of the house.

“I know it’s not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’ to just go and travel the world,” McLaughlin said. “Some people are more than content to just stay in one place their whole life, but for the rest of you, remember that you have your

entire life to settle down, get a career, get a house, get married and have kids, now is the time to do something for yourself, take risks, and go explore the world.”

When considering traveling abroad, remember to do a fair amount of research on programs, especially before giving credit or debit card information.

“It is critically important that individuals looking into programs abroad for after graduation vet them very carefully. Know who you are dealing with and where your money is going,” Tuovinen said. “What is promised is not always what is delivered. sometimes you are applying to and paying one organization and getting passed off to another.”

Traveling after graduation does not entirely mean go out of the country for years at a time, a week vacation can be adventurous to some. For those planning on moving out of Alaska after graduation, taking a road trip through Canada to reach the lower 48 instead of taking a plane can be a fulfilling journey.

Traveling may sound like taking a vacation or just stalling until getting a job, but why not celebrate the hard-earned graduation with a trip? It can be a two-week vacation or a two-year expedition, both gaining experience of an unfamiliar place. There is much that can be learned just by stepping out the front door and into a new territory.

UAA commencement speaker: Bigshot celebrity or motivated student?

By Richard Han

rhan@thenorthernlight.org

Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee and Matt Damon are just a few of the big-name celebrities who have been commencement speakers this year. Many colleges pay thousands of dollars to get these people to speak at their graduation. UAA does not follow this type of commencement-style. UAA has an open invitation for graduating seniors to have the chance to be the commencement speaker.

According to the Boston Globe, three schools in Massachusetts paid $25,000 to $35,000 for their commencement speaker. That’s more than a year’s tuition for a UAA graduating student.

For UAA, a student is selected by the Student Commencement Speaker Advisory Committee, who is appointed by the dean of students. The committee consists of two faculty members and three gradu-

ating students not applying for the honor.

The student speaker has the opportunity to reflect on the last few years and motivate the students for the future. Not just anyone can apply. To be eligible, students must be graduating in the semester of application. They must be enrolled in at least three credits at UAA and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application.

The committee meets the applicants and listens to their speeches and each committee member scores them individually. Then they come together to review each applicant’s strengths and challenges than from there, their recommendation is submitted to Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Bruce Schultz, who makes the final decision.

For the 2016 Fall commencement ceremony, Sophie Leshan, an early childhood education major, was chosen by the committee to lead the commencement ceremony.

There are a lot mixed feelings about commencement for many students.

“I think for a lot of students they are excited about commencement, but they’re not real sure what’s this whole thing going to be. ‘I’m doing this for my family.’ ‘I’m not sure I really want to but my mom wants me to go,’ so there’s that group. Then there’s students that are just like, ‘Yay, I’m so excited,’ but I think in the back of a lot of peoples’ mind is, ‘Is this going to take forever?’” Annie Route, director of Student Life and Leadership, said.

Some students are disappointed in the fact that UAA doesn’t try to bring a celebrity or successful person to speak.

“I could care less what a fellow student has to say, but I’m not surprised that UAA didn’t reach out and bring someone cool or inspiring,” Anthony Picasso, who is graduating with a degree in criminal justice with a minor in anthropology, said.

On the other hand, many students believe having a student speaker is better than having a famous actor or celebrity.

“I feel like using a student rather than some big shot is a great idea. They went through our journey or they are going through it so it makes it more meaningful. Everyone is also very excited about graduation in the first place so I personally wouldn’t be concerned about who is going to be speaking at the commencement. I’m just excited to graduate,” Crystal Goeth said, who is graduating with a degree in small business administration.

Graduation is a special time for students and their loved ones to reflect on their academic success. Regardless of who the speaker is, as long as they are able to instill a sense of purpose and achievement, the commencement can be a lasting memory for every graduate.

The commencement ceremony will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Center.

12 | FEATURES

Fall commencement: An old tradition revitalized

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

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UAA has held fall commencements consecutively since 2014, but the last one before that was held in 1986 cmathews@thenorthernlight.org

UAA’s Fall commencement 2016 will be held Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. Fall commencement is a smaller ceremony than spring, according to special events manager and chair of the commencement committee, Bridgett Dyson.

“The winter ceremony allows more students to participate in commencement,” Dyson said. “Prior to December 2014, very few summer and fall graduates were participating in commencement at all. Fortunately, the completion of the Alaska Airlines Center allowed us to host this second ceremony on our own campus.”

In Dec. 2014, UAA reintroduced fall graduation for the first time since the last fall ceremony was held in 1986.

“The ceremonies are virtually the same,” Dyson said. “The difference is the number of participants. The winter ceremony is about half the size of the spring ceremony. This allows us to open the ceremony to the public and makes it possible for students to invite family members and friends without a restric-

tion on the number. In the spring, we must ticket the ceremony to assure that every graduate can invite someone to celebrate with and that no one is turned away at the door.”

Another big difference between the fall and spring semester graduation ceremonies has to do with size and the number of students who graduate.

“The winter ceremony has been growing, and we expect about 400 students to participate on Dec. 18,” Dyson said. “About 750 students walk in the spring ceremony.”

While the fall commencement may seem like a non-traditional aspect of UAA, but in reality, it is just in outlet for student graduation.

“Winter commencements are very common [in other schools] and a way to touch more of our students by providing the graduation experience,” Dyson said. “There are both winter and spring commencement ceremonies. The spring ceremony is held the Sunday following finals week of the spring semester.”

The fall commencement graduation hooding ceremony will be held Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 13

An Alaskan Christmas: Local holiday gift guide Give your friends and family the gift of Alaska by supporting your local economy

Located in Spenard, Dos Manos art gallery is a great place to find Alaska-made art of all kinds.

By Victoria Petersen

vgpetersen@thenorthernlight.org

Support your local Alaskan economy with some Alaska-made products. From French-inspired macarons to mittens to keep your hands warm in Alaska’s harsh winters, Alaska has what you need this gift-giving season.

PHOTOS BY VICTORIA PETERSEN

Denali Dreams Soap Company features bath and body products for everyone — even your dog.

Foodie: Give the gift of a sweet treat. Sweet Caribou french macarons make a decadent present for any foodie on your list. Sweet Caribou has a new storefront in midtown where you can choose from a wide range of macaron flavors. A half dozen macarons are $12, and a full dozen is $24.

Handmade wooden spoons and cutting boards make great gifts for the cook in your life. Made by a couple in Fairbanks, Gold Heart Supply Co specializes in handmade woodwork. Products can be purchased on their online store, or in downtown Anchorage at The Mercantile. Price ranges between sizes of cutting boards and spoons average between $20 to $80.

Fashionista: Salmon Sisters, a local shop inspired by Alaska’s fishing culture offers a series of nautical inspired jewelry, shirts, hoodies, leggings and even Xtra-tuffs. Price ranges between products.

Hulin Alaska Design, located in Spenard, offers handmade and uniquely designed products. Shirts, hoodies, stickers, leggings and more, Hulin designs all the products in his workshop which is located on-site.

Prices vary depending on the product.

Pampered: Denali Dreams Soap Company offers $2 naked soap bars. These bars don’t quite make the weight cut to be packaged and sold, so they are sold in the nude for $2.

They can be wrapped up though, and make great stocking stuffers. Other great products include their complex-

Soap in production at Denali Dreams Soap Company. All soaps are Alaska made and feature Alaska inspired scents and flavors.

ion bar and bath bombs. Prices vary.

Arxotica products are handmade in Bethel, Alaska with the environment in mind. With products that focus on sustainable beauty, everything they make is made naturally and organically. From body care, to soap, to lip balm, to moisturizers Arxotica has something for everyone on your list. Prices range between products.

Art lover: Dos Manos art gallery harbors work by local artists.

From mediums such as painting and stained glass work to Alaska-inspired clothing and stickers, Dos Manos has a unique selection of gifts for every budget.

For men: For the bearded men, Cut and Caliber offers a locally made beard oil for $20. The oil helps keep Alaskan beards groomed, and ready for any Alaskan adventure.

They also offer combs, t-shirts and water-based pomade for friends sans-beard.

Stop by The Mercantile in downtown Anchorage to find an assortment of fine menswear products. Featuring a wide range of locally made products, look out for leather goods made by store owner Mikey Huff. His selfmade brand, Huff Goods, was created when Huff found a passion for leatherwork. He makes wallets, hats and other products at his workshop, which is located inside the store. Prices vary.

GRADUATES

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 14

Leveling up to the next stage of life . . .

CONGR ATS TO THE GR ADUATING

CLASS OF 2016 HONORS LEGEND Cum Laude*

Magna Cum Laude**

Summa Cum Laude***

*List of students as of 4:15 p.m. of Dec. 9, 2016

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Dr. John R. D. Stalvey, Dean DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREES Clinical-Community Psychology Corene E. Alvarado Mariana Ivanovic MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF ARTS Anthropology Roberta M. Gordaoff Tamara J. Holman Aubrey L. Morrison MASTER OF FINE ARTS Creative Writing and Literary Arts Kersten N. O. Christianson Jennifer K. Ferderer-Foley Morgan Grey Andrea L. Hackbarth Vered R. Mares Elizabeth A. Pohjola Brandon G. Thompson Marie E. Tozier MASTER OF SCIENCE Biological Sciences Pamella R. Conley Kerry L. Kubly Molly D. McCarthy Laurel F. McFadden Clinical Psychology Michael J. Arnatt Rebecca A. DeVito Megan J. Kreider Carla E. Pace Jennifer A. Pierce Jaime L. Spatrisano Tracy J. Stewart Divina-Gracia L. Trevethan Interdisciplinary Studies Matthew A. Clark GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Children’s Mental Health Jennifer A. Pierce Patricia M. Quinn Gladys J. Robards BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Anthropology Pierce A. Bateman*

Jeannine L. C. Becker Rachel K. Billiet Danielle V. Chilson Kyle M. Demientieff-Worl* Ashley R. Miller Elizabeth A. Sikora* Lisa D. Sullivan Bryan R. Willis Art Ariel M. Eveland Lena Ha Hans W. Hallinen Teal S. W. Hansen Chloe J. Holland* Yasuhito Nakasato* Scott C. Pugh Kailee M. Wallis Biological Sciences Brian C. Baker Allison V. Cleary* Lyle D. Moore-Kroll Desirae R. Pascale English Courtney L. Bjerken Nancy H. Chon* Joseph M. Hansen Erika L. Johnson Chad W. Keen** Nancy J. Long Stephanie A. Mellott Craig A. Miley** Jeffrey D. Norris Lisa M. Pearce Elizabeth A. Pearson** Daniel M. Rink Tayler S. Snoddy* Gabriel N. Zorea History Dylan J. Anthony Katelyn A. Bailey Nixon Pierce A. Bateman* Patrick R. Davidge Anthony P. Davis Michelle K. Eames Celeste C. Earley Rico S. Ellorza Kierstyn C. Hollibaugh Erin M. Murray Jacob B. Tatum Heather A. Teel Danielle M. Trubiano Brandon T. Weikert Bryan R. Willis International Studies Marilyn Alvarenga - Gaxiola Imran Chaudhry Amber M. Easley Zachariah S. Fredrickson Journalism and Public Communications

Nolin P. Ainsworth Alexandra E. Buitrago Natalie M. Carrasco James R. Evans** Kensey S. Finnegan Iana A. Popova Charles B. Rowell II Elizabeth N. Savage* Franklin M. Stanley Ryan D. Syvertson Sharon Yi Languages Daisy F. Alfaro Katherine M. Balaban Carla J. Bazan Pirotto* Lindsey K. Dowling Zachariah S. Fredrickson William C. Giedosh Kathleen A. Hall Sarah J. Johnson** Kelsey J. Metcalf* Iain C. Miller Lyle D. Moore-Kroll Satoshi Morozumi Evelyn L. Newhouse** Andrew M. Steinkruger Heather A. Teel Music Kyle R. Lindsey Matthew E. Person Edward Washington II Philosophy Lukas O. Baker Kenneth C. Mandt Tasha M. Raygor Kira R. Singleton** Political Science Peter A. Finn Rebecca K. Halat Daniel Lee Daniel J. McDonald Matthieu F. Ostrander** Thomas J. Presley* Rosie L. Smith Jacob B. Tatum Katherine R. Taylor Psychology Caleb J. Amos Melanie V. Carey Odyssey Jane G. Carino Jayd L. Cox Madeline L. Fox Leah J. Hamre Lucas S. Horn Jessica F. Ingham* Elaina M. Jewett Skye M. Johnson Kyle R. Lindsey Joseph Y. LoSciuto Brenique T. Lowe Christyn T. Luu

Kirsten R. McBride Grace P. Olrun Tasha M. Raygor Mali R. Redick* Desiree Rodriguez* Sebastian J. Sarnowski Cydney S. Short Jo Anna L. Shotiveyaratana Jessamy L. Silver Caitlin A. B. Smith Jennifer R. Theulen LoriAnne J. Wallace Maia R. M. Wen** Shane R. Wilson Charlianne E. Witt Diana V. Yurkova* Sociology Emily M. Casto Daija Cornelious Robert J. LaBrec III Sandra Medina Bailey J. Stevenson McKenzie C. Stock* Michael P. Zwiselsberger Theatre Katelyn A. Bailey Nixon Crystal C. Dosser* Kevin C. Lee BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS Christopher G. Judd BACHELOR OF MUSIC Music Education Emphasis Isil Askin Joy M. Kil Jihyun Kim Colton J. Welch Music Performance Kira N. Eckenweiler Joy M. Kil BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Anthropology Debra A. Blanchard Biological Sciences Bryan P. Box Jeremy D. Buttler Kristopher J. Carroll Ralf P. Dagdag Leticia E. Dowd James R. Jarrell Kyna M. Lewis Makenzi R. Magiera Selahndra J. Mathew Edgar Meza Jonas M. Naegele Yeonwoo Pak Tong Z. Thao** Garrett A. Todd* Dominique V. Ugarte

Judy L. T. Vu Kyle J. Wisnewski Jacob A. Worden Chemistry Gabriel R. Holland* Dominic M. Mallari Environment and Society Abby E. I. Bell Zoe R. I. Tressel Geological Sciences Alexandra C. Busk** Chloe V. Ivanoff Kelsy J. Konkright** Jennifer R. Lock Dawn M. Loxley David A. Meagher Larry D. Shores Richard C. Tankersley Mathematics Christopher B. Basketfield* Nicolas C. Bell Johnathon L. Repasky Natural Sciences Heidi R. Armstrong Collette A. Bailey Marie Joy Ann D. Caballa Kalab S. Carlile Sarah Chon Aaron M. Clay* Ralf P. Dagdag Adrienne K. Driskill* Olivia J. Franke Desirae G. Hicks Jochante M. Johnson Michael R. Kelty Sheva A. Loncle Iain C. Miller Megan E. Nelson Kayla N. Peck Bryan W. Quimby Elizabeth R. Schoessler* Paul J. Winter Psychology Jessica N. Passini** Madlen R. Penn* Tressa J. Polacek* Katelynn Z. Raygor Elizabeth R. Schoessler* Sarah C. Snyder Amanda N. Stanley Shelby R. Wainwright Sociology Jessica N. Passini** ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF ARTS General Program Ronnie A. Adams

Devan C. Andersen Cassandra N. Ayerdis Aaron B. Bailey Raniyah Bakr Tina M. Balesteri Carl Bartenstein Michelle K. Beakler Karissa L. Betlan Jordyn E. Block* Kathleen R. Boeckman* Devin M. Boyle* Amanda M. Bradley Timothy W. Brown Morgana A. Butler Isabel C. Carpenter Maria R. Chace Elizabeth Chang Amy D. Clark Kandace Cole Kelsey A. Cunningham Jason R. Cusack Bobby J. Deutsch II Ana-Dusica Devic Rhea E. Dunder Erica D. Edwards Amanda M. Englishbee Keith G. Eraso Charis R. Erhardt Tara A. Fagan Brandon R. Fall Nichole A. Faulkenberry Terence J. Ford Dariella E. Freed Kelci N. Geary Bryce B. Gitzen Vanessa I. L. Gonzalez Morgan E. Goudey* Devin B. Grant Hayle D. Gregorius Lorenzo R. Griego*** Kimber D. Harnar** Phillip G. Hill Samantha A. Hoffie Briana N. Holtz Lena A. Illig Melanie J. Ivanoff* Sarah E. James Alex S. Jenkins Audrey J. Jensen Brooke M. Jimenez Justin M. Jones Stephanie S. Kings James T. Lane Anita L. Laulainen*** Carolyn R. Layne Jessica M. Lerman Danielle R. Lincecum Helena N. Logan Azaria Z. Love*** Caleb E. Lovelace Cheryl R. Magee** Daniel P. McDevitt Jennifer J. Menjivar Jennifer L. Miller** Eric J. Milliken Troy W. Murdough

GRADUATES Erienne G. Norton*** Stephen J. Obarzanek Amphone Phoummany Sarah J. Porter** Amanda L. Pugh** Cameron J. Ramirez Shanitta A. Randolph Jennifer K. Rappuhn Jacob A. Raygor Erich W. Reed Connor W. Reeves Andrew J. Romero Melanie T. Sager Rachel E. Saunders Kimberly O. Sigman Aleks M. Smith Padraic S. Spaulding Susan D. Stevens Sydney N. Stone* Matthew E. Sumida Dethsakda Suriyavong Mikayla M. Sweet Couiza S. Taylor Kayla M. Taylor Joel T. Tinnaro Chase R. Tomberlin Matthew R. Travis Misty E. Vanlue Jennavy S. Villasenor Kelly J. Weckesser Joseph A. Wells Ashley A. Withrow Lacey D. Wright Monica J. Wright Nao H. Xiong Elikunida Yakunin COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY Dr. Rashmi Prasad, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION General Management Connie J. Beemer Ryan C. Buchholdt Rheannon P. Burgoyne Linnzi E. Doerr Daniel P. Ferguson Andrew D. Fraiser Iuliia Grishina Patrick M. McCormack Lucas K. Miller Carissa L. Silva Robert G. Stott Jr. Yuqi Wang MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Logan S. Basner Jenny A. Murray David J. Racki BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Economics Stacy N. Byas Jin Yeong Chi Madelyn G. Himmelwright Matthieu F. Ostrander** Travis L. Parrish* Andrew M. Steinkruger Bridger G. Vance* BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting Eric M. Andersen Sarah E. Boeckman Janet Carson Joyce J. Chelimo Kristen E. Culver Christian V. Diamond William R. Gray III** Cinthia C. Guerrero* Elyce Hackley Jacob S. Haworth William M. Ji Joseph M. Johnson Judy Q. Keo

Timothy C. Lee Andrea L. McCormack* Heather R. Porter Joseph M. Posey* Miranda Tolliver* Tori A. Wangrud Jacob G. Whipple** Sheng Yang Cole J. Younger Ronny L. Ziesmer** Economics Matthew D. Baugham Mustapha Ceesay Erik D. Danner Random J. Reamey Lydia J. Sobek** Wesley E. Watt Alexander Y. Yang Finance Ryan M. McCrum* Adrian H. Ramos Alexander R. Reno Amanda Sagmoen Maria Kristina C. Villamor Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management Matthew D. Baugham Anthony J. Craig* Loreen E. Davis** Josephine V. Dyer Christopher Funderok Taylor L. Heber* Sarah R. Henkel Michael L. Langstaff Anastasiia S. Morozova Michael T. Santangelo Sarah M. Stever Adam G. Ward Management Taylor C. Andrews Tarah Bergeron Slaton Boska John W. Bowen Kari L. Cotton Jessica E. Deckard Amarin J. Ellis Jovelle G. Emperador Robert W. Erickson Jacob S. Haworth Aubrie J. Herman** Victoria R. Hickey Jennifer C. Holganza Alan J. Hull Alan K. Jackson* Degen E. Kasper Riza G. Keys Casey D. Kubitz Christian L. Leckband Ryan J. Lee* Jonathan G. Mastroyanis Anastasiia I. Medvedko Genesis A. Mejia* Claudia A. Nanez Tana Skye T. Nevada Rachel M. Odom Jennifer M. Piper Adrian H. Ramos Ethan K. Schneider Jessica N. Sessum-Rahn Stephanie L. Sheaffer* Jean S. So Adam G. Ward Wesley E. Watt Andrea N. Wilson Isabel G. Yamat Sheng Yang

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Conran H. Gunther Taylor L. Heber* Jennifer C. Holganza Degen E. Kasper Christian L. Leckband Jung H. Lee Ryan J. Lee* Aja R. Mann Anastasiia I. Medvedko Genesis A. Mejia* Kyle A. Miller Anastasiia S. Morozova Rachel M. Odom Yoon Jung Otterstetter Kaylee J. Reed Alexander R. Reno Stephanie L. Sheaffer* Jean S. So Melissa M. Vesco Jamie P. Whitesell ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Accounting Rachel S. Ames Jessi D. Austin Taylor E. Custer Nikolas J. Darmetko Karen L. Denton Rosalie L. Johnson Eyiuche Morah Janeive A. Palesano Nasya A. Williams Alice V. Wilson Phillip Y. Yi** Business Computer Information Systems James D. Brown Colin C. Coker Tyler J. McKinney Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Michael W. Burno Patrick L. Flores-Muller** Adam L. Jacobson Nicholle T. Lafazio Kyler W. Quinn Small Business Administration Kasey R. Bezold Rene K. Coffman Domenique N. Everett Nathaniel R. France Laura A. Gutierrez John S. Hayes John H. Jaskoski Danielle M. Rodriguez Rose A. Schara Chelsea L. Sieh Alisha R. Vent Victoria Virlan CERTIFICATES Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Shane W. Baski Raul I. Gonzalez Crystal R. Tingook COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Dr. Paul Deputy, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES

Management Information Systems Glenn C. De Guzman Joseph P. Howell Johannes C. Meyer Eyiuche Morah Dana L. Reese Trevor J. Schmidt

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING Education Courtney S. Jolin Fanny J. Newton Timothy C. Peters Scott H. Roseman Brian A. Ross

Marketing Zachary M. Aregood Patrick R. Brooker Joyce J. Chelimo Jovelle G. Emperador

MASTER OF EDUCATION Counselor Education Melissa L. Walters Early Childhood Special

Education Micheal E. Luke Educational Leadership Galen J. Brantley Jr. Carolyn S. Fautanu Gregory J. Gibson Jeffrey M. Lesseig Eric Willets Nathan J. Woodford Special Education Joy E. Bartko Bobby B. Britton Yunju Myrick Teaching and Learning Nicole S. Acena Janelle R. A. Alexander Melanie R. Franklin Katrina A. S. George Kayla A. Hinton Laura M. Honkola Richard Y. In Susan J. Laughton Mellissa A. Mayse Marilee M. Nufer Tulsi S. Patil Cara V. Stallman Lisa C. Weight Heather M. White See Xiong GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Language Education Inna A. Ashcraft Kirsten Buckmaster Jesse J. Davis Erin K. Hall Kaylee I. Hoffner Janna M. Kampen Casey M. King Stacy X. Lee Trudy P. McMullen Jordan A. Pufka Benjamin E. Richardson Rita Schexnayder Ninkyfaith S. Schuld Lauren B. Turner Bao Vang Abigail M. Wells Heather M. White Kelsey R. White Jihee Yim Leah E. Zumwalt Principal Laura M. Allen Special Education Emily S. Matlock Cory A. Montgomery Jessica M. Randolph Dawn Y. Vallely Superintendent Brian R. Freeman POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES Elementary Education Scott J. Feris Grace C. Lurtsema Speech Language Pathology Rebecca H. D. Coffin Ashley N. Reynolds Katelyn N. Tullius Marissa J. Williams BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Early Childhood Education Danielle E. Babic* Kyung Yeun Choi* Patrick M. Clark Jennifer L. Hately*

Celina D. Houser* Leah R. Kelley Sophia A. Leshan** Kasey E. Michell Sarah E. Miller Mary J. R. Quijance* Katelyn R. Sloan* Elementary Education Yuliana S. Burya Emma E. Digert** Stephanie M. Gabel Skylar N. Griffith* Haley C. Lorenson** Lindsey R. Schiavi Sabrina E. Simons* Toni L. Truelove William S. Whisman ASSOCIATE DEGREES

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Early Childhood Development Kimberly D. Buskirk Victoria R. Glick* Rebecca L. Porter* Tammy M. Rice COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Dr. Fred Barlow, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Andrew T. Lenz MASTER OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Kyle E. Walker MASTER OF SCIENCE Arctic Engineering Clinton J. Banzhaf Civil Engineering Ayaz Ahmed Joshua K. Alvey Natalie R. Hanson Daniel T. King Benjamin J. Wagner Sava P. White Engineering Management Julianna R. Fuqua Gregory D. Puckett Mechanical Engineering Zachary A. Garcia Joshua L. Heppner Project Management Brandon A. Bowden William A. Bryant Christopher Covert Alina O. Dahl Blake J. Delaney Tashina M. Duttle Jason M. Lopez Donna R. Neill Jeremy J. Nielson William F. Rannals Katura M. Willingham

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Trent E. Matthias* BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Civil Engineering William M. Columbus Jr. III Jesse M. Oakes Christian D. Osentoski Donovan V. Parker Jenna M. Sparrowgrove Ciara L. Teilborg Gabriel K. Thomas Evan J. Tyler Seth A. Wise Computer Science Kevin A. Bartlett* Cody R. McWilliams Kenneth C. Mendenhall II Computer Systems Engineering Cody R. McWilliams Dacota S. Wood Electrical Engineering Martha L. Banda Mohamad Y. Hassan Joshwa E. Lagares Alan McCutcheon Curtis M. Nelson Jr. Daniel D. Ning Engineering Robert J. Allard Joseph M. Daley Theresa G. Jehle Eugene A. May** Peter A. Mayac Blake S. Rowan Torvald D. Thomas Geomatics Brandon M. Alred Gerhard Hahn Caitlin M. Hanson* Jeffrey D. Johnston John H. Ryan Christopher E. Williams Mechanical Engineering John K. Berg* Joseph H. Coon Matthew R. Farina Carleyann E. Grant* Maile M. Guieb Skyler J. Kern* Tyler J. Kobelnyk Sori Min CERTIFICATES Geographic Information Systems Patrick E. Pope COLLEGE OF HEALTH William Hogan, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH Public Health Practice Olivia C. Barrow Jessika M. Beam Stephanie J. Holmquist Ryan B. McWilliams Tara L. Stiller Andrew Tooyak Jr.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATES

POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES

Environmental Regulations and Permitting Subha Pandey Viola J. Stepetin

Paralegal Studies Meagan L. MacDonald

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

BACHELOR OF ARTS Justice Brianna L. Baldwin* Daniel N. Bellerive* Brooke A. Burkett

BACHELOR OF ARTS Computer Science

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

16 | GRADUATES Jonathan E. Butler Brian D. Caldwell Nyachan T. Chuar Laura A. Cruceta Lakedria L. Davis Jennifer R. A. Ham* William C. Homestead Jacqueline C. Hull* Lena A. Illig Ryan A. Jakubek Samantha B. Jones Sara M. Kinn Kayte A. Lindsay Sean P. McErlane Anthony A. Picasso Jeremy D. Sacks Jessamy L. Silver Kelsey L. Solnick Kristen M. Speyerer Kollin S. Wallace** Rachel L. Wyatt Legal Studies Patrice R. Frank Erin M. Leaders Case J. Mohr* Michael J. Notti Marcus C. S. Phang BACHELOR OF HUMAN SERVICES Polly D. Andrews LauraBeth R. Dodd* Elizabeth A. Embree Jennifer Hill Sarah E. Johnson Grace M. LeNorman Colleen M. Newcity Alexis J. Schwartz** Ashley N. White* BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Dental Hygiene Polly Kojin** Adrian R. Mattes** Dietetics Margaret E. Rohr* Health Sciences Katie A. Adams* Kimberly D. Amaya** Jeremy A. Ayers* Carol S. Brady Shea N. Christianson Joanne Chung Jessica L. Clary Karen R. Clement* Christina R. Davis Zachary J. Dotas* Cary M. Fremin Heather L. Gallahorn* Rochelle M. Goulet Daniel L. Jackson Terriann Shell Kylie N. Street* Sarah A. Sullivan Seldovia J. Tadina Toni M. K. Taylor* April Danne P. Utanes Danielle Wathen Medical Laboratory Science Shasta B. Anderson Miranda R. Carroll* Maria Gemelia V. Gutierrez Jennifer L. Howe* HyeYeong Kim* Ozer Micoogullari** Angelica S. Nolden* Leslie A. Oldham Alexandra S. Oyler Min Soo Park* Jordin M. Reitano* Heather L. Robichaud* Cathy J. Rock Violet K. Shimek John R. Sutter Lauren L. Yell Nutrition Lisa A. Boyles Staci R. Miller

Kayla M. Patarini Physical Education Quinn A. Barker Walter M. Bergsrud Emma J. Bohman Russell J. Fay Andrew K. Freed II Chase R. Kelley Raymond W. Macrall M’rcy A. Matsunami Kyra P. McKay Deven M. Pfister Tyler J. Yoder ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Dental Assisting Amber N. Bare Leah M. Behrens Kacey M. Ezell Kari J. Gilman Mina Kim Natalie A. Laughlin* Amanda M. Strandberg** Diagnostic Medical Sonography Celestia R. Bowlus* Linda Cofey Sara B. Luangaphay Virginia Mosley** Lauren R. Sanford Fire and Emergency Services Technology Amy M. Bohmbach Seth J. Bowen Thomas A. Briggs Steven M. Butts*** James B. Crisp Benjamin R. Hagensieker Marc A. Milkovich Marshal B. Simmons Jared D. Smiley Jeremy T. Smith* Hannah L. Spainhour Justin M. Taylor Wedge A. Warford Human Services Mariah A. A. Acuna* Jessica G. Ash Lee Breinig Ruby Y. George Mariah M. Haynes Janay C. Hitchman Richard A. Huyck Emily S. Jensen Rachel R. Leeper April D. Madison Lesle S. Moore Heather L. Nelson* Mikayla R. Nichols Chasity R. Noel Heather H. Skelton Lisa E. Smith Christy L. Walker** Joycelyn D. Weaver Medical Assisting Moriah V. Abair** Kristen M. Backman Jessica L. Boyer Annette L. Craig Shannon L. Fisk April K. F. Ganus Amanda Geiger* Tracy L. Gillen* Sharleen G. Green* Erik W. Gunderson Ajanae M. M. Hall Emily D. Humenik Amber L. Hurst* Amanda S. Jensen Haley D. Kelley Dominika Labocha Andrew Macedo Kathrina B. Manasan* Haley K. Mateo* Samantha J. Maxim Jessica G. Sloan*

Olivia M. Steiner* Glenna S. Tate Thomas Xiong Natasha L. Yates Medical Laboratory Technology Aiza M. Arceo Breea L. Fiumara Paralegal Studies Jennifer R. A. Ham* Madeline C. Rafferty Sondra L. Smith* Physical Therapist Assistant Sandra C. Cummings* Whitney L. Froehlich Veronika N. Golyan** Shelby R. Jimenez* Richard M. Jordan* Margaret V. McConnell Amanda M. Morgan* Kalen D. Pedersen Nemezy A. Rios Lauren M. Schritter** Margaret A. VanderHart** Maggie R. Wilke Radiologic Technology Stuart T. Mecham* CERTIFICATES Civic Engagement Kyung Yeun Choi Emily L. Herbig Caitlin K. Taylor Dental Assisting Ivy M. Beck Alyssa V. Cottrell Talisha B. Daly Maria D. Douglas Rebecca R. Hall Legal Nurse Consultant Paralegal Ruth E. Hanson Paralegal Studies Sarah E. Horton SCHOOL OF NURSING DOCTORATE DEGREES DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE Nursing Science Robin A. Bassett Jyll K. Green Leigh A. Keefer Jill M. Rife MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Sadie E. Anderson Carisa M. Battah Deborah J. Forcht Annabel K. Moreno Monica H. Perez-Verdia Adam L. Randall BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Megan E. Adams* Syarta Aliju* Sarah D. Armbrust Bianca S. Armstrong Ariel A. Austin Danielle L. Ayers Nicole E. Barker** Amanda M. Bedrosian Debra A. Blanchard Shannon L. Breske Deanna M. Brown Matthew E. Brown

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Alexandra R. Burril Patricia A. Bushey Pang A. Chang Cassandra P. Dahl Sage L. Davenport* Megan J. Davis Nicole A. DeLong Craig K. Dollerhide** Yana N. Golyan* Bryn C. Haebe* Caryn M. Hafer Melissa P. Hall Marieke Heatwole* Jeanne A. Hepper Samantha L. Holmquist Gerald P. Ingram III Nicole A. Jenson Christina A. Johnson* Sarah J. Johnson** Valarie S. Joseph Angelene L. Ketah Katherine A. Krueger* Shawna L. Larson* Rachel L. Leaman Stephanie M. Lopetrone* Mai C. Lor Stephen P. Lowe Carley E. Mattingley Kristina M. Mattle Stacey L. McCully Margaret K. Merz Mary E. Mills Shannon I. Molle Lindy J. Monagle* Danielle N. Moore Theresa R. Olanna Hillary A. Olsen* Jessica N. Pepper Kyla F. Phillips* Regina L. Pierce Irina P. Prince Glory G. Ramirez Samantha P. Robertson Danette Robinson Rachel L. Russell* Liliys H. Salinas* Katie E. Shaw Priscilla J. Sipple Lydia C. Steele Adrienne R. Szabo* Mai Z. Thao Kailyn M. Vaughan* Esther Y. Wee Kimberly Wells India G. Williams Michelle L. Wilson** Jenelle L. Woodruff Rhoda I. Woodworth* ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Nursing Ashley N. Achee Tarah Alden Laurie S. Anderson Kaye T. L. Berg** Bronson A. Brito Wanda I. Burdick Robert A. Castro Naomi L. Christner* Erika Z. Costello Haliegh Culver Caitlin M. Doyel Vernee M. Edwards Nicholette M. Eley Katie L. Ellanna Sydney R. Ewing Taylor B. Franklin* Lynsee L. Innes Susan M. Jenkins-Brito Debbra J. Johnson Donna R. Keith Amanda K. Kenny* Xylina R. Kinsey Nadia Kudryn Sheryl L. Lantz Sharon E. Latham Rebekah Laubenstein* Obianamma C. Lebechi Dakota L. Liska Catherine M. Livingston Courtney R. Martin

Lacey A. Martinez Rebecca J. Martins Joseph D. McDonald Allison R. McHan Martha R. Merrill Diane Moehring Paige L. Morrison Samantha A. Mulvaney LaTasha D. Myers Deanna L. Pavil Darcee A. Perkins Rayna K. Poole Susan K. Salsbury Lauren H. Stalder Joelle L. Swalling Kimberly A. Traxinger Paulina Valencia Carlene J. A. Van Tol Laura Wallis-John Todd M. Whitcomb Jessica R. White Shelley K. Williams SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK Christian Garrett BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK Mohamed A. Ade Rachawadee Koetnana Kimberly M. Orange Rene R. Proctor Lisa Y. Typpo COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE Dr. Denise Runge, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Career and Technical Education Amber C. Novak GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Career and Technical Education Michael A. Vieira BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Hospitality and Restaurant Management Laura J. Bedard* Michaela C. Carey* David Chuckran Anna R. Evenstad* Jay P. Griffith Cheyenne L. Morse Jordan A. Ness Alexis C. Rasley* Ineta Stephens Tanya L. Welsh BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Aviation Technology Owen J. Butcher Dennis M. Davis Jason P. Duffy Jazmin I. Gibson* Abraham K. Ingram* Zaidy M. Jacobo Joanna L. Knight Rosalie A. Miller Shawn G. Miller William E. Potter Jr. Eric P. Reimers* Cory J. Schaefers Christopher P. Scott** Tomo Spaic

Desiree L. St. Pierre** Christina M. Stamolis Shelby C. Standley Construction Management Nicolas C. Black Kyle J. Haken Trevor S. Harings Robert W. Helzer Jacob T. Henkel Kysha L. Mallo Jeff T. Moore* Alex J. Prestegard Zacharias F. Quam Raymond E. Redmond Rodolfo Vaquera Seng Xiong Nathan S. Yaskell* Technology Cassandra S. Barsalou Benjamin B. Bowden Joseph W. Chignola** Cyrinda M. Hoffman* Joshua Y. James Kevin F. Jensen Jeffery L. J. Liford Stewart F. Nagel** Paul E. Perry Michael Petrisko Jr. Shamai K. Thacker* William M. Topel Ian A. Turner Anneliese M. Wagner ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Air Traffic Control Kelly R. Brollier Renier M. Cava Keenan C. Hodges** Steven T. Jordan* Blake T. Lindberg* Chantal L. Paradis Rachel S. Rais* Architectural and Engineering Technology Samuel G. Anderson William J. Norris Cassandra S. Barsalou Nathan D. Rochon Automotive Technology Quinton O. Cluff* Cristhian J. SagastumeMatinez Aviation Administration Bryan A. Grant Kendall S. Grimes Steven T. Jordan* Nicholas J. Mikos Aviation Maintenance Technology Antonio Benavides Daniel R. Cain* Rigor Mark R. Gabriel Jack R. Steward Computer and Networking Technology Robert E. Aloysius Jr.** Arslan Babar Kalvin L. Bragg Clayton D. Copeland Bryce B. Gitzen Eric M. Hodge Cody L. Howard Stephan T. J. Jones Thomas M. O’Brien Landon D. Reed Tyler R. Sharr Yeng Thao Jamie L. Thorne* Jeffrey C. Wilkens John M. Zetterman

GRADUATES Computer Information and Office Systems Sandra R. Hayes Kimberly A. D. Muller Construction Management Ian D. Anderson* Culinary Arts Shaunna L. Adams Maria C. De La Torre Natasha A. Elgarico Corey J. Siebrass Kashmere M. Waalkes* Maiong Yang Heavy Duty Transportation and Equipment Julian A. Harder

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Jack R. Steward Occupational Safety and Health Joshua B. Binnig Amie M. Bowles Michael A. Cooley Israel DeLaCruz Charity H. Irmen James A. Larkey Javier E. Meraz Ryan Patterson Peyton M. Stewart Allison J. Turner* Welding and Nondestructive Testing Technology Douglas R. Lutton Michael C. Reich David J. Towne David M. Waite*

CERTIFICATES Automotive Technology Benjamin M. Akootchook Justin M. Mikula Cody A. Smith Aviation Maintenance Technology, Airframe Antonio Benavides Cody D. Bryant Andrew W. Casey Allison Donaghy Jeremy R. Duplessis David A. Durant Deven M. Everly Bethany Payne Michael Powell Kurt W. Rising Jesse J. Shen

Aviation Maintenance Technology, Powerplant Cody D. Bryant Danielle L. Carrithers David A. Durant Bethany Payne Michael Powell Heavy Duty Transportation and Equipment Eric N. Hale University Honors College Dr. John Mouracade, Interim Dean 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

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SCHOLARS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BACHELOR OF ARTS Psychology Maia R. M. Wen** COLLEGE OF EDUCATION BACHELOR OF ARTS Elementary Education Emma E. Digert** Haley C. Lorenson** COLLEGE OF HEALTH BACHELOR OF ARTS Justice Jennifer R. A. Ham*

A&E

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 18

UAA students create ornaments for Christmas tree in Washington DC The National Christmas Tree at the White House allows students to showcase their talents nationally

By Madison McEnaney arts2@thenorthernlight.org

Few students are offered the chance to showcase their talents nationally, but this semester some of UAA’s finest art majors were selected to decorate Christmas ornaments to be hung on the National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. One tree gets dedicated to each state in the country, and people of all talents get to participate. There is no specific theme that the ornaments must comply to, only that they use their skill to create something magical enough to bring cheer to Washington D.C. The trees and their ornaments are displayed in President’s Park in D.C. and will remain standing until the new year.

UAA’s fine arts department chair, Steve Godfrey, was able to choose certain students he believed were qualified and deserved the opportunity the most. Kendra Harvey, Samantha Momeyer, Shelsea Dodd, Jade Aldridge, Kelly McLaughlin, Levi Werner, Bryce Frederick and Alanna DeRocchi were all selected, and created beautiful ornaments to serve as representatives of our state, hung on the tree.

Since there was no specific theme, students were allowed to get creative with how they chose to decorate their ornaments.

Aldridge, a 23-year-old fine arts major with an emphasis in watercolor and ceramics, decorated three different ornaments for the National Tree. She decided to take a different approach to the concept behind her ornaments and wanted to address a more national issue, versus local.

“The ornaments I decided to paint are feminist icons

from American history. I wanted to choose a more nationwide approach in terms of my ornaments because I think it is very important to see ourselves as one nation, not always as separate states. It’s cool to see what ways we can come together,” Aldridge said.

Rosa Parks is one of the few female icons that are featured on Aldridge’s ornaments, with two other’s featuring feminist icons as well.

Another UAA student who was able to decorate an ornament was Warner. He is a fine arts major as well and was chosen by Godfrey to be a part of this project. Warner decorated one ornament, using twigs from outside, spray painting them white and creating a spherical piece that went inside a clear ornament.

“When Steve came to me with this opportunity, I kind of knew right away what I wanted to do. I liked the idea of incorporating something that actually came from Alaska, an actual tangible item from our state, into the ornament. From there, I just rolled with it and ended up with the idea to use twigs. When you have all the ingredients for a recipe, it’s surprising how quick you can get to the final product,” Warner said.

Twelve ornaments in total were decorated by the students and sent off to Washington D.C. for the month.

The opportunity to showcase one’s art to a nationwide audience is not something that comes around very often, and students were quick to take advantage of this event.

President’s Park is decorated with ornaments made by artists all over the country, including a few from our very own campus as well.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF O’HARA SHIPE

Ornament made and sculpted by Fine Arts major Levi Warner.

Ornament of Rosa Parks painted by Fine Arts major Jade Aldrige.

Throw your caps in the air to the perfect songs Let this playlist be your hype man before graduation

By Madison McEnaney arts2@thenorthernlight.org

As you make your last drive through campus, and begin to reminisce on all of the late nights spent at the library, the struggle to find parking and how you somehow managed to actually make it to graduation, here is the perfect playlist to play in the background. From songs that will make you nostalgic for the times when you were taking your first semester of classes, to those that get you hype for all that is still to come with college finally behind you, this playlist has it all.

Playlist link: https://open.spotify.com/user/22ilep5cgvwsfbtmtmiczvtgi/ playlist/1oXHsrzdEHOABOagr8niPK

A&E

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 19

‘Baskin’ breaks through finals week blues

By Jacob Holley-Kline Contributor

Finals week crushes even the strongest students. It’s a stressful, grating time where it’s not unheard of to break down every once and a while. With so much on our minds, it’s nice to escape in some mindless entertainment, and it doesn’t get more mindless than “Baskin.” This homage to Italian horror will shut viewers’ brains off more quickly than any drug.

Five police officers are out on routine night patrol. Arda (Gorkem Kasal) is a newcomer to the group. The weirdly incompetent veterans by his side, Remzi (Ergun Kuyucu, “Kizkaciran”), Yavuz (Muharrem Bayrak, “Cilek”), Apo (Fatih Dokgoz), and Sabo (Sabahattin Yakut) barely warrant naming. On their way to a call, they crash the van and decide to follow up anyway. They reach the scene, an old mansion in the middle of the forest, and discover, after gallons of blood are spilled, that a gate to Hell has opened in its basement.

Let’s get something out of the way: “Baskin” does very little right. From the plot to the editing, everything feels broken. But giallo horror, the genre which the movie pays homage to, is just like that. Even giallo master Dario Argento’s hugely influential film “Suspiria” is more bad than good. So what’s the litmus test for a movie like this?

Thankfully, “Baskin” is a lot of fun when it gets going. Gorehounds will fall in love almost immediately. There’s even something here for fans of suspense. If

anything, the movie builds very well.

When the chaos hits, while over-the-top, it feels earned. The mansion is a creepy locale, and direct Can Evrenol has the chops to give it character.

But, and this is a big but, the movie is just so long. At the beginning, lengthy sequences pass where little happens.

The cops chat, Arda dreams, and that’s it. The structure is so confusing that it feels important somehow like “Baskin” is reaching for something. But whatever it is, it doesn’t get it. It’s needless surreality masks what’s really going on: nothing. “Baskin” is another vapid entry in the trash heap of satanic horror.

Even the horror goes on for too long.

Once the cops are captured, Baba (Mehmet Cerrahoglu), a cult leader, takes to sermonizing about it. He’s another uninteresting one-note baddie completely unaided by Cerrahoglu’s stiff performance. To be fair, though, for all its downfalls, I still had fun watching it. The blood comes in gallons, and Evrenol sometimes makes art out of it. It’s a grimy descent throughand-through.

It’s the let-your-mind-rest kind of horror with plenty of creative kills viewers can soak up between essays. “Baskin” wears its influences on its sleeve, and that’s a shame. Much of giallo was, from the start, awful, so what could viewers expect? Evrenol uses his locale well, even better than his own characters, but the movie is just too long. Some deaths make those empty stretches worth it.

Watch “Baskin” before finals weekends because, during any other time of the year, it’s a waste of time.

TITLE “Baskin”

DIRECTOR Can Evrenol

RELEASE DATE Jan. 1, 2016

COUNTRY Germany

GENRE Horror

SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 20

UAA Skiing makes debut in less than a month After training for months, the UAA Ski Teams are back in action in January and are prepared for a successful season

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIFFER REVEALING

Casey Wright competing in the women’s collegiate competition in the individual freestyle at the Alaska Nordic Cup, Nov. 19, 2016. Wright tied for sixth with freshman Hannah Rudd at time of 18:56.7.

By Lauren Cuddihy

sports2@thenorthernlight.org

After a significant amount of attention and turmoil that the UAA Ski Team has received in the past months due to prospective budget cuts, the skiers are just on the brink of their season with competition starting in less than a month.

“Our team’s attitudes and motivation definitely got amped up from the scare of being cut... It also made our team come together as a family, I feel a lot closer to everyone cause we all wanted to support each other,” alpine senior Miranda Sheely said.

As part of the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association, the Seawolves will compete from the months of January until March, side by side with the additional nine schools in the RMISA as well as other Division II teams.

With a quick glimpse into their season potential, the Seawolves competed in the

Alaska Nordic Cup last month that resulted in a loss against University of Alaska, Fairbanks, but not without putting up a fight. The mixed relay teams, with two males and two females, competed in 4 by 4K relays, finishing only 4 minutes behind UAF in combined total times.

With the Nordic Cup looking at the prospective season for the Seawolves, a lot of potential has already been sparked.

With the unfortunate departure of now graduated 2016 All-American Sean Alexander and All-RMISA Mackenzie Kanady, UAA prepared for the 2017 season by adding three new freshmen on the men’s side and six new freshmen on the women’s side — a considerable amount to the team with a total 23 skiers. Incomers also boast an impressive worldly presence, traveling to UAA anywhere from Sweden to Italy, and even close to home from Canada.

The total of nine newcomers adds only two to the alpine side, while the remaining six participate on the Nordic side.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE SCHWABEROW / NCAA PHOTS

Seawolves showing off their flag.

Even though the Nordic and alpine teams are split, they are still able to communicate and witness some progress of one another just like alpine junior Martins Onskulis noticed.

“Nordic side has a lot of new faces this year, I can’t tell much how it’s going to affect them, but in a long run they have potential with such a young skiers,” Onskulis said.

In addition, even with the total rejuvenation of the younger side of the team, there is still a large number of seasoned skiers.

“We are actually split about half and half upper-class men and lower class men, so it’s nice cause the younger guys have a lot of us to look up to and learn the ropes from,” Sheely said.

In addition, a remaining 2016 AllRMISA competitor returns, alpine sophomore Maria Gudmundsdottir. Last season, Gudmundsdottir ended runner-up at the RMISA Championships in the slalom and even made a debut at the NCAA

championships as a freshman, helping the women’s team to a ninth place finish.

As for training and preparation, the UAA team already falls short with an inadvertent disadvantage.

“The only difference is that everything comes down to that if we have snow or not. Compared to other ski teams in the lower 48, they have already spent [many] more days on snow than we, so they already have [an] advantage of that,” Onskulis said.

With a sport so dependent on weather, a person would think that Alaska would be the ideal location for competitive skiers to train and prepare, but unfortunately the UAA Ski Team has suffered in the past couple years due to unnaturally warm winters.

Regardless of what happens in Alaska, the Seawolves have their first official meets on Jan. 7, 2017: the giant slalom in Big Sky, Montana for alpine skiing and 10 and 15K freestyle in Soldier Hallow, Utah for Nordic skiing.

SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 21

Don’t miss out on the extraordinary.

Do the unexpected.

Apply by January 1: peacecorps.gov/apply

B.A. Early Childhood Education Vice President, University General Assembly Senator, USUAA Student Government

UAA COnGrAtULAtES

SOPHIE LESHAN StUDEnt SPEAKEr FOr tHE

FALL 2016 COMMEnCEMEnt CErEMOny Sophie Leshan is graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education, with magna cum laude and leadership honors.

A recipient of the UAA Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, Seawolf Student Leader Award, College of Education Scholarship and the Mabil Duir Leadership Scholarship, Sophie embraced leadership positions within the Emerging Leaders Program, USUAA Student Government, UAA Concert Board and the University General Assembly.

UAA is an EEO/AA employer and educational institution.

Sophie felt drawn to the field of education, excelling in the classroom and working closely with children through Kids’ Corps Inc., Camp Fire Alaska and student-teaching experiences within the Anchorage School District.

As a Community-Engaged Student Assistant, Sophie helped College of Education professors Kathryn Ohle and Hattie Harvey investigate educator perceptions of a statewide kindergarten-entry assessment, which may help early childhood educators gather information about their students in more meaningful ways.

She was awarded an undergraduate research grant to embark on an extension of the project, investigating Alaska educators’ perceptions of what kindergarten readiness looks like and how their views align with the state’s kindergarten-entry assessment.

Sophie plans to teach in her own early childhood classroom and further her studies in the future.

22 | SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

UAA Volleyball team reigns as most successful in program history

Playing in the NCAA Championships, the Seawolves made it further than any previous team

By Lauren Cuddihy

sports2@thenorthernlight.org

The UAA volleyball team ended their season slightly discouraged from the end result, but with a triumphant finish in the eyes of their fans, the Seawolves made it farther than any other team in the UAA Volleyball program. In addition, they made it farther than every single team in NCAA Division II volleyball beside one: Concordia University, St. Paul.

With such an impressive season, the reigning Great Northwest Athletic Conference and West Regional Champions qualified for the final eight, while being ranked No. 9 in the nation in Division II. Rankings changed when the final eight were solidified, seeding the Seawolves towards the bottom at No. 6.

Despite already coming in with a slight disadvantage, UAA easily swept their first competitor Angelo State, 14-25, 25-22, 27-25, 25-16, for a 3-1 win on Thursday, Dec. 8.

Angelo State gave the Seawolves a quick beginning two sets but stepped their game up in set three before UAA quickly increased their dominance. Both outside hitters Chrisalyn Johnson and Leah Swiss paired up to rack in a combined for 39 kills and 32 digs for the game. On an injured knee, West Region Player of the Year Morgan Hooe accumulated 46 assists for the night.

Moving on to the NCAA Semifinals, the Seawolves prepared to take on Palm Beach Atlantic — the 2015 NCAA Championship runner-up and 2016 NCAA Elite Eight seed No. 2.

In another match to four sets, UAA proved to be defying standards and exceeding expectations, winning their semifinal match and ending Palm Beach’s nation-best 32-match win streak.

With another 3-1 win, 25-16, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, Palm Beach proved to be an easier competitor for UAA to reign over.

Freshman middle blocker Vanessa Hayes got into the action with her career-high of

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVE EGGEN

The Seawolves huddle up before their Elite Eight match against Angelo State.

eight kills, also adding four blocks.

Hooe and Johnson proved to be the standouts for the second game in a row; Hooe dishing up 51 total assists and Johnson snagging 17 of them for successful kills.

Breaking school and program records, UAA advanced on to the final championship game against No. 1 seed Concordia University St. Paul — the consecutive winner on seven straight NCAA Volleyball Championship titles from 2007-2013.

Saturday, Dec. 10 marked the day of the final game. The Seawolves came in prepared, but almost immediately it was

Chrisalyn Johnson leaps up for a tip against Angelo State on Thursday, Dec. 8.

evident that their game was off. With one of the quickest matches of the tournament, the teams battled it out for only just over an hour.

The Seawolves didn’t have the reactions and offense that normally sent the crowds cheering, set one allowed them some minor flexibility to reach 19-25, but the following two sets didn’t even get UAA to the halfway point, both finalized at 12-25.

As head coach Chris Green commented in a press conference, the team wasn’t able to serve-receive like they normally do, a significant strength that they strug-

gled with, resulting in excessive offensive errors.

In contrast to the previous games, Johnson accumulated three kills and Swiss had eight. While Concordia St. Paul registered 51 digs, the Seawolves had 27; Concordia also landed 50 kills in contrast to UAA’s meager 23.

The exceptional, record-breaking season from the women’s volleyball team will be known for seasons to come. Making it further than any team in program history, UAA volleyball represented their school and their state with pride.

Morgan Hooe battles for a hit against Angelo State’s Tulani Titley.

CONTACT

THENORTHERNLIGHT

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

| 23

ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS

The Northern Light is a proud member of the ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS. The Northern Light is a weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 2,500. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabled-veteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy or parenthood.

The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or the Northern Light.­­­

LETTERS AND CORRECTIONS POLICY Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight.org. The maximum length is 250 words.

Opinion pieces can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight.org. The maximum word length is 450 words.

Letters and opinion pieces are subject to editing for grammar, accuracy, length and clarity.

Requests for corrections can be sent to editor@thenorthernlight.org. Print publication is subject to accuracy and available space. All corrections are posted online with the original story at www.thenorthernlight. org.

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THE NORTHERN LIGHT CONTACTS 3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508

ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR Madison McEnaney arts2@thenorthernlight.org

LAYOUT EDITOR Levi Brown layout@thenorthernlight.org

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ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITORS Lauren Cuddihy sports2@thenorthernlight.org

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CONTRIBUTORS Jacob Holley-Kline

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