UAA student reacts to Trump-Mamdani meeting
The meeting showed cooperation between the two ideologically opposed politicians
By Murat Demir copy.editor@thenorthernlight.org
U.S. President Donald Trump met New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Nov. 21 in Washington, D.C.
The meeting between the ideologically divergent politicians was highly anticipated. The two held a press conference in the Oval Office following the meeting.
“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought,” said Trump. “I think he’s — I want him to do a great job, and we’ll help him do a great job,” he said in reference to Mamdani managing New York City.
Mamdani said, “I appreciated the meeting with the president and, as he said, it was a productive meeting focused on a place of shared admiration and love, which is New York City.”
UAA political science major Aaron Rayhbuck commented on the TrumpMamdani meeting.
“Once you set aside the rhetoric and look at the political incentives, the meeting makes more sense,” said Rayhbuck.
“Trump, at heart, is a New Yorker who admires success,” he said. “Mamdani has become a political star almost overnight, and Trump tends to gravitate toward people he sees as ‘winners,’ regardless of ideology.”
“For Mamdani, the calculus seems just as pragmatic,” said Rayhbuck. “New York City needs federal support for major priorities, and some of his signature ideas would require resources and executive cooperation that he cannot marshal alone.”
Rayhbuck said Mamdani understands the strategic value of maintaining a working relationship with Trump, and that Mamdani views it more as refusal to make an unnecessary enemy than an ideological compromise.
“I do not see this moment as two politicians testing the limits of their principles so much as a demonstration of transactional politics at work.” said Rayhbuck “For me, that is actually a hopeful sign.” Rayhbuck said the situation shows how political leaders can denounce each other’s agendas in public, yet still recognize the practical necessity of working together to govern a city or a country.
CONGRATUL ATIONS,
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRUTH SOCIAL.
U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani pose for a photo in the Oval Office.
The Last Frontier
By Anja Burnett layout@thenorthernlight.org
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Micah Perino
Cheryl Devenny
GRAPHIC BY ANJA BURNETT.
A commentary on the pollution that plagues the beautiful state of Alaska.
FEATURES
Photos:
UAA hosts 2nd annual Native Heritage Month Celebration
By Justin Cox multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org
UAA hosted the 2nd Annual Native Heritage Month Celebration in the Student Union on Nov. 20. Food was provided for the guests and at the event and many Alaska Native artists displayed and sold their creations.
There were demonstrations from the Alaskan Native Heritage Center and performances from local Alaska Native dance groups.
Photos: UAA hosts Threads of Resilience fashion show
By Justin Cox multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org
in the UAA Student Union on Nov.21. The show was in collaboration with the Student Social Work Coalition, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Anchorage, PFLAG Anchorage, the Pride Center and Streets of Rage, with local drag performer Athena Nuff,
as the master of ceremonies. The show featured 14 models in various outfits based on their own styles and was followed by two performances by Athena Nuff and a small dance party.
The Threads of Resilience fashion show was hosted
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
A member of the Anchorage Chevak Dance Group performs.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Alex Covey from the Alaska Native Heritage Center demonstrates the Alaskan High Kick.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
The Anchorage Chevak Dance Group performs.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Members of the Anchorage Chevak Dance Group perform.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Colby struts down the catwalk.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Sydney shows off her style.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Chris shows off some martial arts down the catwalk.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Athena Nuff returns for a second performance after an outfit change.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Sunny takes to the catwalk in an outfit inspired by his heritage.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Kaeromi shows off a punk inspired outfit.
Photos: Creekside Eatery hosts 2025 Comfort and Cheer Dinner
By Justin Cox multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Members of the UAA Dance and Cheer team wait to greet guests at the entrance to Creekside Eatery.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Students have dinner at the Creekside Eatery.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Signage for the event.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Holiday decorations give Creekside Eatery a festive feel.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Members of the Dance and Cheer Team wait to greet students.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
The Dance and Cheer Team greet visitors.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Members of the Dance and Cheer Team lead a stretch session during the event.
Who runs UAA?
Names and university leadership positions students should know during their academic careers
dent regent is Fernando Escobar from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The board holds public meet-
Board of Regents
Board of Regents leadership, known as BOR, consists of 11 members selected by the governor. Each regent is eligible to serve on the board for eight years. The BOR includes a student regent who is also appointed by the governor. The current stu-
ings to discuss and vote on proposals set forth by UA system administrators.
University of Alaska
UA oversees the three publicly funded universities in Alaska: University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast and University of Alaska An-
chorage.
According to previous reporting by The Northern Light, the annual budget for UA system universities is nearly $1 billion, and the State of Alaska pays for roughly a third of that amount. The rest is funded by student fees, grants and federal funding.
UA’s current president is Pat Pitney, who recently announced her retirement on Nov. 13. The board is now searching for a new president.
There are several departments under the president’s authority: general legal counsel, human resources, planning and budget, information technology, and students and research.
Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brian Smentkowski maintains a direct line of communication with the president regarding UA system affairs.
University of Alaska Anchorage
The highest leadership position at UAA is occupied by Interim Chancellor Cheryl Siemers. Siemers was appointed as interim chancellor after former Chancellor Sean Parnell resigned in May 2025.
Siemers previously held the role of assistant director of academic affairs at the Kenai Peninsula College, known as KPC. She started working in the UA system in 2002 as a professor at KPC.
Vice chancellors oversee student affairs, administrative services, university advancement, and research.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Dr. Denise Runge provides leadership for UAA’s academic mission.
Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Ryan Bucholdt supports the chancellor by making administrative decisions and consulting the chancellor on UAA issues.
There are 14 members in the
chancellor’s cabinet. Many are vice chancellors, directors, or other administrative positions. One member of the cabinet is USUAA President Arel Gutierrez.
The dean of students at UAA is Benjamin Morton. Each academic department has its own dean.
The dean of students’ role at UAA is to respond to student conduct concerns, crises involving students, complaints and to hold educational programs for students.
Common names students may see in emails include: Kathy Craft, who serves as the interim dean of the College of Health, Tonia Dousay as the dean of the School of Education, Jenny McNulty is the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Kenrick Mock is the dean of the College of Engineering.
A list of all UAA deans can be found on UAA’s administration website.
Hit the trails with a shelter dog
stayed at the shelter for roughly four months.
ings, staff members notice a change.
Tails on Trails is a program at Anchorage Animal Care and Control that lets volunteers take shelter dogs on adventures. While not a new concept for animal shelters, it’s the first program of its kind in Anchorage.
The outings give dogs both physical exercise and mental stimulation as volunteers pick them up from the shelter and head out for a hike, walk or camping trip.
Joel Jorgenson, community outreach manager for Anchorage Animal Care and Control, or AACC, said the program especially helps dogs that stay at the shelter for longer periods of time.
“The benefits far outweigh the miles for us,” he said.
He spoke about one dog who
“Normally, our average length of stay is maybe two weeks to a month,” he said.
“While he was here, he was probably getting more exercise than your average dog at home. It seemed like every day he was going out on hikes, staying at someone’s house or going camping.”
Jorgenson said those experiences make a big difference.
“I imagine he was having a good time,” said Jorgenson.
“It pretty much made his four months with us seem like nothing to him.”
He said the change in scenery also helps the dogs mentally by breaking the monotony of kennel life.
“We want to avoid the whole ‘doggy prison’ mindset,” said Jorgenson.
When dogs return from out-
“Even if it’s just for a couple of hours, they come back calmer and more relaxed,” he said. “They’re in a more natural state, more like how they’d be in a home.”
Before dogs can participate in the program, they’re evaluated to determine whether they’re a good fit, as well as their energy level and personality.
“We can help guide people to pick the right dog,” said Jorgenson. “The last thing we want is someone planning to hike Flattop who ends up with a lazy dog that just wants to hang out on the couch.”
During the evaluation process, shelter dogs often meet AACC’s ambassador dogs: Staff-owned pets that help test how new dogs interact with others.
Volunteers can take dogs for
up to 48 hours, whether that means going home to watch a movie, heading out for a run or driving to Seward for a weekend camping trip.
Among those who have participated is Meghan Barker. She took Bugsy, a 5-year-old dog, for a three-mile walk and run along the Campbell Airstrip Trail.
“Being able to participate in this program allowed me to support the shelter and its animals in a smaller way that easily fit my busy schedule,” said Barker.
For those interested in volunteering, the process is simple. AACC is located just over a mile from the University of Alaska Anchorage, off Elmore Road.
The program encourages people to stop by the shelter, fill out an application and complete a brief training session.
The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and volunteers can also contact the shelter at accs@
anchorageak.gov for more information.
People who already have dogs are also welcome to volunteer.
“We do dog-to-dog introductions to make sure they get along, then send you off on the trails,” said Jorgenson.
Since launching in the spring, the program has sent more than 400 dogs out on adventures. The shelter has seen adoptions increase as a result of improved behavior and temperament.
“I think animals would be staying a lot longer in the shelter without this program,” said Jorgenson. “The more people we can get involved, whether it’s UAA students, families with kids or visitors who miss their dogs back home, the better. It really does change lives.”
By Andrea Burtzel Student Submission
By Hannah Dillon and Kaitlyn Gaub
The Northern Light Staff
PHOTO BY ANDREA BURTZEL.
Bugsy, a shelter dog from Anchorage Animal Care and Control, out on a walk at Campbell Airstrip Trail with volunteer Meghan Barker on May 5, 2025.
PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCHMITZ.
The University of Alaska Board of Regents meeting on May 23, 2024, at UAA.
Photos: Seawolves secure four-way tie for GNAC title
By Justin Cox multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.
The Seawolves’ defeat of the Seattle Pacific University Falcons — which ended 3-1 on Nov. 22 — secured the team its fifth
GNAC title as part of a four-way tie. The title is shared with Simon Fraser University, Central Washington University and University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The Seawolves hit the first set hard, quickly amassing a 15-2 lead before the Falcons rallied
back to end the set 25-17. The Seawolves seemed to be running out of steam, when in the second set, they traded points against the Falcons, barely holding the lead to finish the set 25-23. The Falcons rallied back in the third set, quickly getting a 6-0 lead
over the Seawolves who rallied back, but lost the set 26-24. The loss of the third set rallied the Seawolves, who dominated the fourth set with a 25-15 victory.
The Seawolves ended the season 23-5 overall and 14-4 in the GNAC.
As part of their final regular season game, the Seawolves honored the three seniors on the team, Tia Allen, Madison Galloway and Avery Northcutt, who made their last regular season appearance as Seawolves.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Northcutt, Allen and Galloway pose for a photo.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Spirit takes a break to watch the game.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Martina Riba prepares to serve the ball.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Allen makes an attack.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Galloway dives under the ball.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Trinity Byrne makes an attack.
Photos: Skyhawks defeat Seawolves in overtime
By Justin Cox
The Seawolves lost to the Stonehill College Skyhawks on Dec. 6, 4-3. The Seawolves started off strong with Bryant Marks warding off numerous
shots from the Skyhawks and preventing them from scoring in the first two periods, while the Seawolves scored 1 point in
each period. Up 2-0, the Seawolves allowed the Skyhawks 3 points in the third period while scoring only 1 point, sending the
teams to overtime where the Hawks secured their victory.
This loss leaves the Seawolves 3-11 for NCAA
play. They return to the Avis Alaska Sports complex to take on Maryville University on Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Marks catches the puck, preventing the Skyhawks from scoring.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Judah Makway is checked into the glass.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
David Jesus looks to pass the puck.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Spirit skates around the ice to pump up fans before the game.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Marks enters the arena.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Acheson takes a shot.
Honors Legend
Cum Laude * Magna Cum Laude ** Summa Cum Laude ***
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Dr. Jenny McNulty, Dean
DOCTORATE DEGREES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Clinical-Community
Psychology
Jennifer Pierce
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF ARTS
Applied Anthropology
Nicholas Maness
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Biological Sciences
Tyler Fox
Zoey Fox
D’Lynn Gleason
John McCormack
Heidi McKee
Shannon Medlock
Eric Rangel Jr.
Jessica Stevens
Ana Velasquez
Clinical Psychology
Adam Abdallah
Samantha Foster
Anna Jajewski
Tanner Kettwig
Fernanda Ruiz
Cole Thorne
Megan Waddell
Samantha Wyanski
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Children’s Mental Health
Kimberly Ball
Heidi Heimerl
Ashley Kessler
Evalynn Mac
Mikael Porcello
Tucker Sawyer
Mary Wood
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Anthropology
Damian Bartlett***
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Beth King
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Haylei SheldonGraham***
Art
Gael Alfonso Roel
Josephine Baty***
Jessica Brevard*
Sarah Cornils**
Zoe Dube**
Courtney Fossum
Disclaimer: This graduation list was produced on Dec. 5. Students who applied to graduate after that date will not appear on this list.
Rachel Hallstrom**
Reagan Johnson***
Ayla Laughlin**
Kaitlyn Lee
Logan Rector
Wesley Roan**
Ilysandra Thorise Sy*
Biological Sciences
Tucker Coleman
Tyler Rad*
Jennifer Simpson
Tadashi Tanaka*
English
Carlie Goodsell*
Mercedes Jones***
Seth Muise*
Lilly Reeves
Heather Stefanec***
Kayla Tiernan*
Dylan Wynn
History
Michael Archer***
Zachariah Berard
Loren Breshears
Alan Higginbotham
Harry Ingram*
Miriah Meade
Rosa Miller
Nikolaus Nagel
Robert Reddoor*
Grace Marie Reyes**
Isaac Richardson***
Kayla Tiernan*
Interdisciplinary Studies
Stephanie Brown
Rita Campbell
Lucy Dufala
Megan Iverson*
Tristin Kruse
Patrick Romain
Joshua Smith
Xontippie Whittington
Journalism and Public
Communications
Charlotte Flynn*
Emilia Long*
Languages
Andrew Sherman*
Annika Wolner**
Music
Joseph Logan*
Philosophy
Heather Stefanec***
Zachery Tallman
Political Science
David Chaffin*
Jaisa Gamble**
Leighan Gonzales
Malik Jackson
Joshua McHoes
Chuol Mut
Zxyrelle Jetz Roalfrey
Tabanan
Psychology
Jason Alban***
Brian Babusch**
Kiana Isabel Ballao***
Lacey Byrd**
Courtney Cha
Devin Collins
Saro Condon
Jacenda Fletcher
Madison Galloway***
Yosselyn Gheen
Ashley Gillis
Talon Gray
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Isabelle Harris
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Minta Jarvis
Rebecca Lee
Shawna Manes
Larissa McHaney
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Priscila Rodriguez
Gallo**
Jessica Smith
Kelsy Tallant
Keith Taylor***
Anna Torkelson*
Morgan Varner**
Benjamin Veh
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Biological Sciences
Hannah Boron***
Victoria Shawback
Bradley Smith*
Geological Sciences
Leo Asturias
Dallas Brooks*
Jack Foisy
Louis Jovanovich**
Interdisciplinary Studies
Cody Blume
Rainbow Chandler*
Lupine Davidson
Denelle Mae Enriquez
Patience McQueen*
Samantha Reardon*
Brenda Robinson*
Walter Seeganna
Alexander Wetmiller*
Mathematics
Ermelina Gonzalez
Clifton Terwilliger
Natural Sciences
Taylor Bailey-Parsons
Duane Chavis
Travis Christman-
Strawn**
Jedediah Dean
Timber Haselow*
Carol Louthan**
Tenay Malachi
Thomas Schubauer
Lucas Siegmann*
Psychology
Nicholas Barber
Milica Bogdanovic**
Naomi Calle***
Payson Clark***
Mae Ditty**
Nasim Falconer
Damian Haughey
Matthew Lowery
Husinah Mujahid**
Logan Murdock*
Tiffany Swierk
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
Alaska Native Studies
Dustin Newman
General Program
Julie Ann Alegre
Khali Alexander**
Andrea Alquiza**
Brittany Anderson
Kalene Baldwin
Nancy Barnes**
Kayla Beckham
Akeem Bey
Sierra Biederman
Madison Jade Bratcher**
Isabel Brown***
Tanja Bundalo
Christine Burke
Lavender Burns
Vasily Burton**
Samuel Carrell*
Cheryl Church**
Zachary Crowe
Alexandra Devon
Rivers Ducharme
Hannah Duguid**
Louisee Duron-Smith
John Egbejimba
Joshua Fine
Blake Fitzgerald
Alexandria Gahm
Brandon Gall
Isabel Godoy
Elizabeth Grant
Luanna Greybear
Kaitlyn Gwinn
Emmett Hall***
Alexander Hazelton IV
Ainsley Healy**
Emma Hill
Bennett Hoback
Dylan Hunt
Star Hunt
Megan Hursh*
Jina Hwang*
H Isaacs
Jazara Ivanoff*
Aidan Jackson***
Nevaeh James**
Kelsie Kingston**
Winnie Lee*
Rian Lepley*
August Macknicki**
Chloe McKay
Connor McKelvey
Freddie Meggs III
Roosevelt Miles*
Ashlyn Miley
Shannon Moore
Bailey Munoz**
Lily Naef***
Sophia Nedom
Audrey Nemeno
Elizabeth Nooe**
Mya Olds***
Casey Painter***
Michael Pannone
Micah Perino
John Perrin***
Helena Rodrigues
Matthew Rodriguez*
Drew Rozema**
Fatou Samb
Noémie Sánchez*
Faith Saxton
Dannika Schneider
Sophia Selhay
Eva Sherman-Dawe
Isaiah Smardo*
Myah Smith
Annelies Stephens
Cal Swinford***
Gina Thao
Sarah Thao
Riley Thompson
Michelle Velasco
Ethan Wright*
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
General Sciences
Kayla Beckham
Cody Blossom***
Dimitrie Brand*
Patrick Brooks
Isabel Brown***
Christine Burke
Luis Castillo*
Alexandra Devon
Alyssa Duckworth**
Isaiah Faso-Formoso
Kiya Frey
Maya Geltzer
Kaitlyn Gwinn
Artemis Hayden
Brooke Hoover**
Natalie Hopkins**
Trevor Howard***
Jina Hwang*
Mina Hwang*
Brielle Klappenbach
Laurelle Lorimer
Ryan Martin***
Christina McAdams
Fatumo Mohamed**
Kaylee Mueller
Walter Nagel
An Nguyen***
Micah Perino
Alexis Pierren
Mary Reed**
Nathaniel Reyes*
Damien Smith
Rhiley Spott
Ciara Taylor-Baird
Nicolas Vanags***
Caitlin Vance*
OCCUPATIONAL ENDORSEMENT
CERTIFICATES
Applied Behavior
Analysis
Sophia Thompson
Graphic Design
Rachel Hallstrom
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Marc Sherman
Ilysandra Thorise Sy
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Professional Writing
Andrea Alquiza
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Aidan Jackson
Ellie Loidolt
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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Dr. Tonia Dousay, Dean
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF EDUCATION
Special Education
Tracy DiPaola
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Kimberly Ball
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GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Indigenizing Education
Paula Jones
Tara Kreuze
Qian Li
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Language and Literacy
Education
Tiffiney Poirier
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Valerie Thao
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Special Education
Bianca Clark
Michael Gullett
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Early Childhood
Development
Helayna Godfrey*
Crisantema Reyes
Angela Tulloch***
OCCUPATIONAL ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATES
Infant and Toddler
Development
Elizabeth Adam
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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND
PUBLIC POLICY
Dr. Terry Nelson, Interim Dean
MASTER’S DEGREES
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General Management
James Butler
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GRADUATES 10
MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Alexander Bassett
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GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
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Alexander Duerre
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BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Accounting
Amber Alexander**
Leslie Baker
Yan Suk Kan
Namununa Lee
April Lofstedt***
Cristopher Mendoza
Elizabeth Novakovich
Shanna Spurgeon**
Kongpheng Xiong
Economics
Abdou Rahman Jawara
Joshua Kim
Finance
Matthew Johnson***
Dakota Martin
Jan Ronner**
Kongtap Trakalsaeng
Global Logistics and Supply Chain
Management
Randel Malijan
Connor Odem
Management
Micah Barber
Gunnar Borst
Riley Burnett
Drew Huckabay
Yan Suk Kan
Angela Martinez**
Andy Palomares**
Emma Thornton*
Marketing
Biodun Ajakaye
Amanda Dale
Darren Doctolero
Brett Justine Hernandez
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Cassandra O’Malley
Owen Perrin
Daniela Rosa
Emma Thornton*
Jacob Vanderkin
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Accounting
Nancy Hooper
Melissa Johnson
General Business
Adan Gutierrez Macias
Reymer Jarin
Randee Kissinger
OCCUPATIONAL ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATES
Alaska Native Business
Management
Justin Ferris
Doreen Hayward
Kayla Rearden
Bookkeeping
Lina Bgatov
Laura Boone
Desiree Bunts
Luis Castillo
Alicia Chavez
Automme Circosta
Hailey DeMello
Hannah Goldman
Gracelyn Greenwood
Jilliana Huezo
Caitlyn Hutchings
Elena Jacobs
Christine John
Joshua Merrill
Kylie Norris
Austin Pangelinan
Logan Reid
Jason Ritter
Antonette Sabangan
Tiffany Santos
Allie Schock
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Business Leadership
Andrew Belanger
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Genevieve DeRoos
Zachary Green
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Dr. Kenrick Mock, Dean
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Civil Engineering
David Benter
Joshua Borders
Matthew Hegland
Jacob Lovaas
George Payne
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Mechanical Engineering
Galen Baumgartner
Jacob Bodolosky
William Cashmore
Project Management
Batsuren Ganbat
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Austin Laber
Carlos San Miguel
Timothy Sorensen
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Project Management
Cody Steeves
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Computer Science
KivaGale Ketcham
Nicasio Westlund**
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Computer Science
Gwendolyn Beecher
Brenden Boehme*
Martin Cox III
Ben Crandall
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Hunter Fleischhacker*
Sou Her
Constantine Hinds
Jared Keeler
Robert Michael II
Bladmher Mondina
Peyton Ratzer***
Malachi Retherford
Mama Sallah
Computer Systems
Engineering
Tobias Bromirski*
Samuel Lilly
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Clifton Terwilliger
Electrical Engineering
Micah Cassezza***
Camille David
Ethan Hoyer*
Darnell Jones
Nicholas Pyfer
Christopher Sorrow
James Stewman
Tyler Sutcliffe
Geomatics
Trevor Gaby*
Bradley Sarojak
Mechanical Engineering
Vanessa Dehart
Carter Penaz**
Austin Potter
Aaron Reno
Alexander Tuttle*
Benjamin Wiese
OCCUPATIONAL ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATES
Geographic Information
Systems
Dawn Fischer
Lonnie Horne
COLLEGE OF HEALTH
Kathryn Craft, Interim
Dean
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Public Health Practice
Imran Chaudhry
Hunter Dely
Juliana Herrera
Jenny Murray
Genevieve Schmidt
Jennifer Scott
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Dietetics and Nutrition
Imogen Knight
POSTBACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES
Pre-Medical Studies
Alex Fancher
TéA Kazitova
Michael Stevenson
Molly Dischner
Florine Loeits
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Justice
Brytannie Argueta Gaitan
Hanna Graves**
Elena Konev*
Danielle VanHorn**
Legal Studies
Mateo Jaime**
Claudia Labbe*
Kaitlynn Towner*
BACHELOR OF HUMAN SERVICES
Cailyn McSwain*
Melissa Sanborn**
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dental Hygiene
Michelle Duot-Kelley**
Wistyria Johnson*
Ruth Myrvold*
Mhyrdan Nicholson*
Dietetics
Sharity Sommer*
Health Sciences
Madison Chacon
Maisha Chowdhury
Alexis Jhune Clemente
Lilia Demko*
Alex Jacobson
Ariana Lewis*
Virginia Orth**
Alyssa Prevatt**
Madeline Richardson**
Cassandra Sargento
Brooke Singson*
Carmelita Sonza
Kristy Vang
Andrew Vermeire***
Mya Vue*
Vicky Vue
Kinesiology
Cassidy Bryk*
Timothy Hunter Jr
Joallyn Johnson
Shannon Klein**
Aleric Kompkoff-
Anderson
Keegan Partridge**
Janelle Romo
Caitlin Wachmann*
Sharon Welsh*
Medical Laboratory
Science
Natalie Ayala*
Kristin Bowder
Leslie Joy Cajimat
Hunter Jones
Doua Lee
Kameron Matthews**
Ashleigh Mulherron**
Audrey Scruggs*
Olivia Spiegel*
Breanna Vang
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Dental Assisting
Trinity Redwine
Human Services
Medical Assisting
Caitlin Alexie
Rachelle Bault
KT Gustafson
Luciana Hernandez
Ramirez*
Pamela Sebwenna**
Danae Stevens
Kong Vang
Medical Laboratory
Technology
Jeric Dela Cruz
Taylor Michael
Physical Therapist
Assistant
Kelci Boe**
Braden Brunnhoelzl***
Loren Gurkowski***
Justin Hall
Yvonne Jeschke***
Anna Liercke***
Rey Frank Marcelo***
Cynthia Millar***
Christy O’Brien***
Patrick Peralta*
Abygail Suguitan
Yekaterina
Vitryachenko***
Riley Wilson***
Speech-Language
Pathology Assistant
Kathryn Burzinski
Victoria Shawcroft***
Surgical Technology
Muna Abdulle
Contessa Brown**
Brenda Jackson*
Cassandra Johnson*
Christian Johnson**
Jennifer Lugo
Sarah Malone**
Mikayla Jade Melgar*
Katharine Ortega**
Amelia Ortiz*
Annelise Marie Schauff
CERTIFICATES
Dental Assisting
Seth Mortensen
OCCUPATIONAL
ENDORSEMENT
CERTIFICATES
Children’s Behavioral
Health
Melissa Sanborn
Conflict Resolution
Ashley Carl
Melissa Sanborn
Dakota Walker
Diversity and Social
Justice
Melissa Sanborn
Gerontology
Virginia Orth
Interprofessional Child
Welfare
Jadyn Bright
Mualonna Rembert
Medical Assisting
Kongmeng Vang
Medical Office Coding
Juiz Anderson
Karen Losey
Andrew Lutz
Lisa Reed
Sharon Keobouala
Nima Lama
Jerusha Silas
Phlebotomist
Braeden John
SCHOOL OF NURSING
DOCTORATE DEGREES
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Nursing Science
Stacy Brunquist
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Nursing Science
Wendy De Graffenried
Sara Hannon
Billie Jeff Matthews
Courtney Taber
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Nursing Meghan Bailey***
Hayden Beckerleg***
Samantha Berger**
Madison Billsborough Nona Bird***
Nakaiah Carattini*
Amelia Carlson***
Anya Chadwick***
Jeri Colin Cruz
Jonathan Dieter**
Jarra Drammeh
Eunice Ann Fangonilo
Rubin Girling
Alexia Jennings
Chelonia Jones
Taylor Kight
Michelle Kubo
Breanna Larimer**
Penelope Litzen*
Stormy McKee
Asia McKnight
Kayleigh Meneses*
Alexandria Montoya*
Amya Mundy
Taylor Nelson*
Kieara Peters*
Chailyn Roberts*
Kimberly Robson
Martha Sommer
Catherine Uschmann
Nathaniel Webb
Alexis Wholly
Kazoua Xiong
Aryana Yadon
Desmarie Yamo*
Madalyn Yaskus*
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Nursing
Kyla Camba
Venassa Yazzie
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
MASTER’S DEGREES
Ileana Rasavong**
Civil Engineering
Chelsea Knight*
Jacob Snyder
Robert Weber
Speech Language
Pathology
Shauna Bushnell
Eliana Deas
Shamsadin Abdi
Christopher Schnell
Pamela Sebwenna
Pharmacy Technology
Jacob Hoover
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
Keyshon China
GRADUATES 11
Sarah Fitzgerald (Awarded Posthumously)
COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Dr. Ray Weber, Dean
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Communication
Selma Bojorquez
Casagranda***
Skylar Gutierrez
Shanice Haley
Chee Lavey
Abigail Owen***
Liz Rangel
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Applied Technologies
Leadership
Benjamin Chaput
Karl Coulombe*
Nathan Goodwin**
David Ireland*
Maxwell Jacobs
Carson Vance***
Patrick Verango*
Aviation Technology
Aidan Adams***
Christopher Bare
Christopher Boehnlein***
Logan Dewolf***
Jon Gray***
Josue Guzman*
Timothy Connor Hoeler**
Jihun Kim*
Minjung Kim*
Timothy Lester***
Kai Penn*
Jennifer Peterson**
Matthew Remick*
Construction Management
Olin Kelliher*
Christina Lien
William Marstall
Occupational Safety and Health
Zackery Leety
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Air Traffic Control
Aldo Coyotl
Benjamin McCormack
Architectural and Engineering Technology
Benjamin Davis
Aviation Maintenance
Technology
Jack Anderson*
Owen Berger
Evan Breager
Aaron Campbell
Matthew Crawford*
Matthew Klima
Miguel Andrew Labio
Alicia Leon Navas
Allie Livermont
Noah Newstrom
Amanda Pratt
Thomas Wright
Computer Systems and Networking Technology
Jacque Bormuel
Gage Delozier
Austin Huntley***
Marc Pietralczyk***
Ryan Pruitt
Justin Sutherland
Construction Management
Kansas Bertollini**
Samantha Calderon
Kyle Seibel***
Ashley Soares
Culinary Arts
Paislee Harbour
Tia Patrick**
Greggory Pralle**
Diesel Power Technology
Alexsander Lintelman**
Brandon Schauff**
Demorris Smith
Occupational Safety and Health
Erik Bohlen-Murphy
Clarence Summers IV
Sam Tomlinson
CERTIFICATES
Automotive Technology
Kious Gray
Aviation Maintenance Technology, Airframe
Jack Anderson
Evan Breager
Timofey Burlachenko
Elijah Corwin
Walter Faapoi
Justin Garrison
Bashkim Hetemi
Shawn Howard
Rashaun Johnson
Trace Kingsford
Miguel Andrew Labio
James Lee
Alicia Leon Navas
Spencer Maes
Adam Morris
Noah Newstrom
Amanda Pratt
Brandon Sy
Marcus Tomlin
Thomas Wright
Aviation Maintenance Technology, Powerplant
Johnathon Akers
Kaleb Babcock
Owen Berger
Aaron Campbell
Matthew Crawford
Keilan Greathouse
Mikayla Harrison
Nicholas Heise
Devlin Kelley
Trace Kingsford
Matthew Klima
Alicia Leon Navas
Allie Livermont
Ellie Lizarazu
Daniel Morriss
Noah Newstrom
Andrey Selivanov
Thomas Wright
Diesel Power Technology
Evan Bechtol
Owen Pitzman
OCCUPATIONAL ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATES
Automotive Engine Performance
Chase Bowden
Ethan Harrington
Baking and Pastry Arts
Evangelina Chandler
Culinary Arts
Tabitha Martin
Tia Patrick
Hospitality
Rebecca Bisson-Reyna
IT Support Desk
Technician
Karen Chikigak
Carlos Cruz Escamilla
Mason Straughn
Safety Specialist
Glenn Bushnell
Clarence Summers IV
Welding
Cooper Zadra
Graduate School
Dr. Colin McGill, Interim Dean
MASTER OF ARTS
Interdisciplinary Studies
Rachel Nill
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Interdisciplinary Studies
Daniel Jones
Gildardo Mendoza Achee
William Hoyt Thomas
OPINION
Why engagement matters at UAA
Arel Gutierrez is a political science major and the president of USUAA
By Arel Gutierrez Student Submission
I joined UAA as a freshman in fall 2024. Later that semester, I became involved with USUAA, UAA’s student government. I was thrilled by the opportunity because I had, and still have, big ambitions for how to support my peers at the university.
Throughout my time here, I’ve repeatedly heard a familiar argument: Universities should focus solely on education, not community engagement.
While I understand this perspective, I believe engagement is vital for both student well-being and university retention.
I used to be that student who focused only on academics. I’ll admit, it placed me in a bubble. It was a repetitive cycle that was draining.
Although, when I began participating in ex-
tracurriculars, I started to learn beyond the computer screen and textbook. I gained real, hands-on leadership experience.
More importantly, I found a group of people I could connect with — a community where I felt I belonged.
Getting involved on campus also opened my eyes to career paths related to my major. I learned how to gain practical experience while having fun doing it.
It’s no secret that the Anchorage campus often feels like a ghost town.
We’re a commuter campus, and that presents challenges; but it’s not because students don’t want to be engaged, or that UAA lacks opportunities.
The real issue is transparency and communication. The challenge is finding the best way to connect with students.
I encourage my peers to let the university know
their preferred methods of outreach.
That feedback can help UAA build a better sys-
Geese ‘Getting Killed’ album review
Josh Pacillo, from UAA’s radio station KRUA, reviews Geese’s 2025 album
By Josh Pacillo KRUA Contributor
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, rock band Geese has carved out its own niche over the years.
Geese released “Getting Killed” in late September to critical acclaim.
The opening track “Trinidad” grabs the listeners attention, violently shaking them back and forth with harsh tones and a heavy bassline.
Vocalist Cameron Winter belting out the lyrics “There’s a bomb in my car!” certainly prepares the listener for the next 40 minutes.
The first of many high points in the album shows in the title track “Getting Killed.”
The opening begins with chant-like singing and a heavy bassline follows. Beautifully layered drums provide relief as they fill the chaos when the beat nearly becomes repetitive.
This is reminiscent of older styles of rock that haven’t been in fashion for some time but are reinvigorated through their use in modern playstyles.
Again, Winters’ vocals provide texture and create a sense of intrigue through his unorthodox singing.
My personal favor-
ite off the LP, “Islands of Men,” is a slow burn of emotion.
Winters’ vocals are the main focus, building into the other instruments. The drums create a sense of anxiety as they ramp up in noise and complexity.
Winters’ singing style creates tension until the vocals and instrumental tracks explode around the last third of the song.
The most personal and emotional track, “Au Pays du Cocaine,” starts with a dreamy and simple guitar tone symbolizing the playful and simplicity of childhood.
Winters’ lyrics on this track are haunting. They reek of desperation, but not in a pitiful way; a way that makes your heart ache with him too.
This is especially true in the lyrics “you can stay with me ... You can stay with me and just pretend I’m not there,” along with “baby, you can change and still choose me.”
The song closes out with a massive emotional swell, emphatically making the listener feel the song’s intended, yet difficult emotions.
All in all, Geese are paving a path for rock to come back into the spotlight in a very big way.
I’m excited to see how they continue to evolve as
a band both sonically and lyrically.
This is easily one of my top albums for the year and pairs excellently with Winters’ 2024 solo LP “Heavy Metal.”
tem, one that reflects student interests and fosters a stronger, more connected campus community.
At the same time, it’s our responsibility as students to explore and try new things, even if they’re
outside our comfort zones. Remember Seawolves, engagement is the student’s voice.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ‘GEESE.’
PHOTO BY RAYE M. WHITE.
Orientation leader Martina Weddel leads students through the Spine from the Student Union on their tour of campus.