GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA
NEWS
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JULY ##, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11,2018 2018
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‘It’s kind of surreal now’: University community reacts to the earthquake
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIMOTHY LEE
The second floor of the Student Union after the earthquake on Friday. Timothy Lee described the union’s state after the earthquake as “disastrous.”
By Marie Ries
news@thenorthernlight.org
The earthquake on Nov. 30 took Alaskans by surprise. Some were still asleep, some were already at work and others were on the campus when the first earthquake happened at 8:29 a.m. Benjamin Miller, UAA student, was working the morning shift in the Union Station Café. “There usually isn’t much business on Fridays, just because there’s so few classes,” Miller said. “I had made a few
coffees and... was just sitting and waiting for some more people to come by.” When the shaking began, Miller did not realize it was an earthquake. “I’m used to really strong winds shaking buildings, so when the quake started, that’s what I thought it was,” Miller said. But then somebody yelled to get down. Miller dropped and got under the counter of the coffee shop. “I thought it would never end,” Miller said. “It was definitely one of the scarier mo-
ments of my life because I’ve never been in any sort of major earthquake before. Stuff kept falling off the counter and I was thinking to myself ‘Oh, this is going to be such a mess.’” Only after the earthquake did Miller realizes the actual extent of the damage. “I was sort of dazed and talking to my manager when the second [earthquake] hit, and we all went under some of the tables in the café,” Miller said. Now he describes his experience as “surreal.” “I wasn’t even supposed to work that day. I had traded a
shift with someone earlier this week... expecting a really slow day and got exactly the opposite,” Miller said. The Union Station Café remained closed on Wednesday due to damage from the earthquake. For engineering major Eric Jones, the greatest shock moment didn’t come until after the initial quake. Jones went to his off-campus work around 7 a.m.; after the earthquake, he was heading home to clean up his house. While he was on Minnesota Drive, Jones was surprised by an aftershock. “I was on the off-ramp. The aftershock made the off-ramp crack and my car was sideways for a few seconds,” Jones said. “My front left tire blew due to the stress and the vehicle behind me got caught in the big sinkhole that was there. It was like the whole road was falling down behind me as I was driving.” Liam Lindsay, physical education major, was working with clients in the Human Performance Lab in Eugene Short Hall at the time of the earthquake. Like Miller, he did not realize what was going on at first. “The Eugene Short Hall shakes when people walk around on the second floor, so it’s normal for us to hear that noise from time to time,” Lindsay said.”After about five seconds it got super violent, and we realized what was happening.” Lindsay quickly moved towards cover, remembering his earthquake training, he explained. “We decided the Cuddy Quad would be a safe place to be with
little chance of something falling down on us. We made our way outside as others came out as well,” Lindsay said. Later, they went back to the lab to assess the damage. While a few ceiling tiles had come down, they found the exercise testing equipment unharmed. Still, the Human Performance Lab decided to cancel all tests for the rest of the day. After calibrating and testing the equipment throughout the week, the lab is now up and running. UAA Maintenance employee, Timothy Lee, was still at home when the earthquake happened. He immediately headed to the university afterwards to assess the damage on campus. “[The Student Union] was a disaster,” Lee said. “They asked us Saturday morning if we will be able to open on Monday and we all just collectively laughed.” UAA Maintenance worked on getting the campus ready for classes from Friday, Nov. 30 to Tuesday, Dec. 4. There was pressure to finish on time as campus was scheduled to reopen on Wednesday. Their crew of 20 workers was working long hours during these days, Lee said. He emphasized that the effort was collective. “Honestly, we were just doing our jobs,” Lee said. “We all wanted to get the job done. We all wanted to get the students back and to get everything running again.” Students needing assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake can contact the UAA Dean of Students by phone or via email at aydos@alaska.edu.
University to adopt new IDEA survey platform in summer 2019 By Marie Ries
news@thenorthernlight.org
The university will change the platform for their course evaluation survey after the end of the spring semester. The version of the IDEA Survey that UAA is contracting now will not be available by June 30, 2019; instead, the IDEA Center is introducing an updated survey platform. A Faculty Senate committee decided in favor of the new IDEA version instead of adopting a new survey instrument. The decision was made due to a “short time frame,” Marian Bruce, director of faculty services, explained. “We had a choice,” Bruce said. “The problem was that we basically have to get something in play by May because of our summer semester. It really takes longer than that period of time to evaluate any new survey instrument.“ Costs, administration responsibilities and other factors have to be considered, she also said. The new contract has not been signed yet; the university is still in
negotiations about the specifics. Bruce highlights that the solution might only be temporary. “What we’re probably looking at is either a two- or a three-year-contract [with IDEA],” Bruce said. “The adoption of the new platform is really just meant to buy us some time because we need to have some kind of course evaluation system.” The vendor wants the university to sign a three-year-contract. The pricing for this contract amounts to $46,000 per year plus a one-time implementation fee of $6,900. Currently, the university is paying about $40,000 on average per year. The costs vary from semester to semester depending on class numbers and response rates. Last year, UAA paid about $42,800, the highest amount since 2011. The Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences John Petraitis served on the faculty committee that decided to adopt the IDEA survey in 2007. The committee compared different online survey instruments and concluded that the IDEA system was the best option for the university. Still, the system proved to
be problematic, according to Petraitis. “It might have been the best one out there [at the time], but it turned out that it was not very good,” Petraitis said. The interim dean thinks that the low student response rate is the main problem with the current IDEA system. “With low response rates, only 20 percent of the students filling it out, it begs question how reliable and how valid the results are,” Petraitis said. Bruce also said that the current IDEA platform has some “real problems.” “It has been very labor-intensive for my office,” Bruce said. “We’re hoping that the new platform will be much more user-friendly for students and faculty... and that will hopefully help our response rates.” Petraitis said he is “cautiously optimistic” that the new system will be an improvement to the current one. The new platform will make the surveys available via smartphone and enable professors to set up mid-semester surveys to get feedback from students while they are teaching a class. Petraitis emphasizes the importance of student feedback for
the success of the university. “Students see how a class runs — they see everything about it,” Petraitis said. “We really, really need students views of things on things. Without some system we have really no way of judging faculty instruction.” Some faculty and departments have been administering their own course surveys on platforms like Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey. Petraitis credits them with “being proactive and finding something that might work better than IDEA.” Still, he believes that a uniformed survey instrument will be beneficial for the university and encourages students to utilize it. “I think students have not embraced enough the importance of doing [the surveys],” Petraitis said. “If you want the university to know how well faculty are doing in their classes — ratemyprofessor. com is not the way. IDEA is the official system; it’s the only one we can look at.” The IDEA course evaluation surveys for this semester close on Dec. 19.
NEWS
03
UAA searches for new director of Student Life and Leadership By Marie Ries
news@thenorthernlight.org
Sarah Garner recently announced her resignation as Director of Student Life and Leadership. Kim Morton, the associate director for the department, will serve as interim director until a new candidate has been determined. Garner was named director last year and assumed office on Aug. 28, 2017. The reasons for her resignation were personal, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Bruce Schultz explained. “We understand that life circumstances do get in the way, and I support Ms. Garner for her decision. I think she was an outstanding director, and we’re going to miss her,” Schultz said. He lists her “tremendous care and concern for students” and her “high expectations” for the staff of the department as some of her greatest strengths. The search for a new candidate is already underway. Assessments and Strategic Projects Director Whitney Brown serves as chair on the search committee for the position. “We are inviting two candidates to participate in on-campus interviews next week and hope to have this search completed by mid-December,” Brown said in
PHOTO BY JAY GUZMAN
an email. The committee identified Sean Griffin and Morton as finalists for the position. Griffin is new to the UA system; Morton joined UAA in summer 2017. She previously served as associate director of the Student Involvement Center at Saint Louis University in Kentucky. Her resume includes 17 years of work experience in student affairs. In addition to the interviews with the search committee, the two candidates will meet with different groups of staff and students.
“All of that information will be put together and forwarded to the search committee. They’ll review that information... and then ultimately, it’s my decision,” Schultz said. Responsibilities of the director include the programming of student events, the management of student fees as well as the support of the student government and club council. “The Office of Student Life and Leadership helps connect students to campus outside of the classroom,” Tim Flynn, Student Union operations coordinator,
said. “We hope that students that come through our office have a better overall UAA experience.” Schultz highlights the importance of experiences outside of the classroom for students. “We know that students who are engaged on campus and have a sense of belonging are more successful academically,” Schultz said. “I’m looking for a director who understands how important that is and has experience in making those things happen at our university.” Open forums, including brief presentations and time for questions and answers with the candidates, will take place this week. In addition, a group of students identified by USUAA President Geser Bat-Erdene will interview the two finalists. Schultz encourages students to attend the open forums and use their opportunity to give input. “Students’ input and what they think is best for the position is really important to me,” Schultz said. “The more students [come], the better.” The open forum for Griffin is scheduled for at Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. Kim Morton will present at 11 a.m. on Dec. 6. Both forums will be in the Student Union; resumes of the candidates will be available.
NEWS
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USUAA votes on proposed student fee modifications By Joey Carreon
news2@thenorthernlight.org
Mandatory student fees are reviewed every four years in order to evaluate whether adjustments need to be made in order to accommodate for various factors that lead to a fluctuating budget. On Dec. 7, USUAA held their weekly assembly meeting where, after hours of discussion, they voted to endorse or not endorse the proposed modifications in their official resolutions. UAA’s Academic Innovations and eLearning, Student Activities and Parking Services departments all proposed modifications to their fees to USUAA in hopes of gaining their endorsement. These mandatory fees are a means of allocating university revenue to departments’ budgets, which ultimately operate to serve the student body at large. These fees are paid, along with tuition, on a semesterly basis by each student enrolled at UAA — with some fees’ amounts being dependent on how many credits a student is enrolled in. Along with each department proposing their fee modification requests to USUAA over the course of prior weeks, representatives from each department also participated in an open forum that gave students the opportunity to view each departments presentation, which highlighted the reasoning behind their requests for modifications to their department’s fee.
PHOTO BY JOEY CARREON
The USUAA assembly spent several hours discussing the nuances associated with endorsing each proposed fee modification at their meeting on Dec. 7.
This forum was moderated by USUAA and it took place in the Student Union on Oct. 29. Parking Services requested an increase in the Transportation fee to $19 per semester for students enrolled in three or more credits — a $6 increase. This increase is projected to bring an additional $114,000 in revenue to Parking Services. A staggering majority of the USUAA assembly voted to not endorse an increase in this fee, as per reasons highlighted in their official resolution. “The Union of Students of the University of Alaska Anchorage does not support transferring departmental costs onto students without their consultation, and recommends the ad-
ministration ensure students are a part of the decision making process in the future,” Resolution #19-02 stated. They then continued in their resolution by urging Parking Services to go about increasing their budget through other means, such as increasing the cost of parking citations. Academic Innovations and eLearning proposed modifications to the Technology, eLearning and ePortfolio fees. It was proposed that the three fees be combined, rather than increased individually, for the sake of maintaining a consistent budget amidst fluctuation in enrollment. The possible methods of combining were: a flat $75 fee
per semester, capped at a maximum of $225 per academic year, or $11 per credit hour, with a cap at 12 credit hours and a maximum of $396 per year. However, USUAA’s Resolution #19-03 did not endorse either of these methods but proposed instead to consolidate the eLearning fee and Technology fee into a flat fee of $67 with the ePortfolio fee being its own, separate $8 flat fee. Members of the assembly expressed support for consolidation, as the resolution to support the modifications to the Technology, eLearning and ePortfolio fees passed unanimously with no objections. Student Activities proposed a new fee of $6 per credit hour for
students enrolled in six or more credit hours — a $1.50 increase from the current fee. After discussing whether or not to endorse a $1-per-credit increase versus a $1.50-percredit increase, a majority of the USUAA voted in favor of passing Resolution #19-04, which endorses the originally proposed $1.50 increase by Student Activities. Several USUAA members prefaced their support by expressing the importance of the fee increase enabling more paid university employees and the funding of campus-wide activities for the sake the student body at large. While the decision is ultimately made by university, USUAA’s endorsement is an extremely important part of the modification process. “USUAA’s endorsement is one of the crucial keys to make [fee modifications] happen,” USUAA President Geser BatErdene said. Following USUAA’s decision to endorse these modifications, “resolutions will be sent to all departments and then each area would send a memo requesting the modification to their vice chancellor,” USUAA adviser Kim Morton said. Following this, the executive decision of what fee modifications pass is ultimately left up to Chancellor Cathy Sandeen. For more information regarding each department’s original proposals, refer to The Northern Light’s recap of the student fees open forum.
UAA professor invited to work with NASA to send spacecraft to Jupiter’s smallest moon By Joey Carreon
news2@thenorthernlight.org
Simon Kattenhorn, who has a doctorate in geological and environmental sciences and a master’s degree in geology, is a professor at UAA and the director of the Department of Geological Sciences. NASA reached out to Kattenhorn to partake in a workshop in Pasadena, California, hosted by the Europa Clipper mission team. Here he would provide his expertise on Jupiter’s smallest moon, Europa. The objective of NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is to “to investigate whether Jupiter’s moon Europa could harbor primitive life under its icy shell,” according to the mission’s website. The Europa Clipper is slated to make its three year journey to Jupiter in 2023, where it will orbit the planet 72 times in order to collect data from Europa.
Along with Kattenhorn’s qualifications as a geologist, Kattenhorn has also been studying the geology of Europa for years, including content published in a textbook as well as several papers — most notably for Nature Geoscience in 2014. “I have worked on the geology of Europa for 20 years, so I am excited to be asked to be part of this process,” Kattenhorn wrote in an email. The objective of the workshop Kattenhorn attended in November was to evaluate any ramifications regarding contamination that would follow the unlikely event that the Europa Clipper were to collide with Europa. This is a genuine concern for the team, as foreign contaminants from the spacecraft could contaminate bodies of water on the subsurface of Europa should they exist. Furthermore, contaminants could severely skew data gathered from Europa and effectively waste years of work.
With that being said, the Europa Clipper mission team is exercising utmost caution on the matter, simulating a myriad of different scenarios. Along with Kattenhorn, “the [Europa Clipper] team reached out to a few planetary geoscientists to request our input,” said Kattenhorn. “The workshop also involved microbiologists and some folks from NASA headquarters.” Despite several experiments relating to instances in which the Europa Clipper mission could produce any unwanted results for the moon and spacecraft, Kattenhorn still feels optimistic about the project’s success if the plan continues as scheduled. “My expectation is that everything will go flawlessly, and we will gain tremendous new insights into the surface of Europa and its interior geological processes once the spacecraft achieves Jupiter orbit,” he wrote. It is expected that this one
PHOTO COURTESY OF TED KINCAID
workshop will not be Kattenhorn’s last collaboration with NASA, as the need for expertise will be a consistent need for the team. Kattenhorn will still be an active researcher when the Europa Clipper’s data returns from its voyage in the future. Despite this being about a decade removed from today, Kattenhorn still is expected to work with NASA in the near future. “I have been asked to be a
part of the subsurface modeling support team for the ongoing planetary protection protocol study in 2019 and expect to travel to NASA headquarters next summer,” Kattenhorn said. “I am honored to be involved in this process and look forward to ongoing collaborations with NASA on this mission,” he added.
FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018
05
‘One day at a time’: Katie Irwin’s journey to commencement By Malia Barto
arts@thenorthernlight.org
On Dec. 16, hundreds of UAA students will gather in the Alaska Airlines Center and receive their hard-earned diplomas. Before walking the stage though, fall Class of 2018’s commencement speaker, Katie Irwin, will deliver a message to the almost-alumni. Irwin will receive her bachelor’s degree in journalism and public communications with a minor in art. Three words that she said best described her time are wonderful, a worthwhile journey and enriching. Wonderful “The great thing about UAA is their wonderful faculty, great students and improving accommodations,” Irwin wrote in an email. “I wouldn’t have made it through without any of these. I have gained good friends, great mem-
ories and a better understanding of a lot of things I learned from my courses.” She’s a mother to her 14-year-old son, a parttime employee and a goodgrade striver. Balancing the three was a challenge through the years, but Irwin is excited to finish her degree. After graduating, she’s considering a graduate degree and hoping to continue to help with her workplace, UAA’s Disability Support Services, but nothing is for sure at the moment. She’s taken on the motto “one day at a time” and has a positive outlook on her future ahead, wherever she ends up. A Worthwhile Journey Irwin is profoundly Deaf. “Deaf” with a capital “d” indicates the person with hearing loss is part of the Deaf community and uses sign language, which is how Irwin identifies herself. There are a few schools in the U.S. that are primar-
ily for benefitting Deaf students but none in Alaska. Irwin had high praise for UAA and all it has offered her. “UAA is the next best thing for any Deaf people who want to complete their higher education, and [within a] reasonable tuition fee,” Irwin wrote. She said that another challenge through college was getting faculty to provide accommodations for her as well as others but noted that the accommodations are improving, and she hopes to continue helping with improving student accommodations after graduation. “[UAA] is a wonderful place for a non-traditional student and myself. I am just finally completing my [lifelong] dream of getting a bachelor’s degree, and it does still feel surreal,” she said. Enriching In a university with primarily hearing professors and students, a few tweaks
may have been needed in the classrooms for Irwin. But she has not made that a barrier in her education, saying that being Deaf has never been an issue in college. “Being the only Deaf student in all of my [classes] has been interesting and I know I have taught [many], if not all, students and professors something about Deaf people in general,” she said. No closed captioning on videos shown in class was something that often came up but Irwin said it was “quickly fixed” and that the professor or student presenting the video learned something new about adding closed captioning or learning how to enable them. After being both her middle school and high school graduation speaker, it’s only fitting Irwin finishes up her last moments at UAA as the commencement speaker as well. She was encouraged to apply by journalism and com-
PHOTO BY CHASE BURNETT
munications professor, Shawnalee Whitney. Irwin applied, was chosen and now sees the role as an opportunity of encouragement. “The more I thought about it, I am honored to be the speaker because I am one of the few Deaf students on the UAA campus, a member of Delta Alpha Pi and work with DSS office. [It] would be
a good role to show to everyone that a person like myself can do anything as any other person can do,” she said. UAA Fall Commencement 2018 is Sunday, Dec. 16 from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Alaska Airlines Center. Tickets are not required for Fall Commencement.
Word of Mouth: Yak and Yeti brings flavors as diverse and delightful as West Anchorage itself
PHOTOS BY JOEY CARREON
A steaming hot bowl of chicken vindaloo and daal over rice, courtesy of the chef.
By Joey Carreon
news2@thenorthernlight.org
Replacing Marty’s Bagel Deli in 2012, the addition of Yak and Yeti brought flavor and diversity to the REI strip mall, a perfect reflection of the various demographics that reside in the West Anchorage neighborhood. With this location doubling as a cafe (as opposed to their Spenard location, which is a dinner-service only restaurant), Yak and Yeti has become a staple hangout spot along with the likes of Middle Way Cafe and Kaladi Brothers Coffee. Yak and Yeti is unique in that it showcases the vivid flavors of India, Nepal and Tibet. Tibetan owner, Lobsang Dorjee, who was raised in India, opened up shop with wife Suzanne Hull with the intent to
“provide customers with an authentic, Himalayan experience,” Dorjee writes on the Yak and Yeti website. He also wrote, “we feel that Alaska deserves to be treated to authentic cuisine from other parts of the world.” Yak and Yeti definitely does not disappoint as they are able to dish out authentic curry recipes in a fast-casual setting, the only place in Anchorage where this is possible. Along with standard cafe offerings such as espresso, baked goods and sandwiches, Yak and Yeti’s main attraction is their rice bowls. There are nine different menu items that customers can order over rice with the option to have one, two or three items on one bowl. This menu includes Indian favorites such as palak paneer (a cheesy, vegetarian spinach dish), tikka masala and daal (spiced lentils).
PHOTOS BY JOEY CARREON
Yak and Yeti’s front counter, where they have pastries galore.
At only $9.99 no matter whether you choose one or three toppings, you can’t get a more affordable Indian/Himalayan experience anywhere in Anchorage. My favorites on the menu are the daal, tikka masala and vindaloo. Daal is a popular dish eaten all over the Indian subcontinent, featuring a warm stew of lentils spiced to perfection with some of the usual suspects in Indian cuisine: coriander, turmeric and more. On the meatier side of things, Yak and Yeti offers a chicken tikka masala and pork vindaloo. A worldwide favorite, Yak and Yeti’s tikka masala is a creamy, mild curry laden with the savory flavor of tomato. Yak and Yeti’s vindaloo is a spicy, vinegar- and tomato-based curry whose strong flavors work perfectly in tandem with lean chunks of pork. Yak and Yeti offers several other vegetarian options as well, such as a yam
tikka masala and the aforementioned dal and palek paneer. Yak and Yeti is truly a one of a kind restaurant. Being able to pop in for a quick curry lunch and be out in 20 minutes without sacrificing any flavor or authenticity is a truly underrated experience. Yak and Yeti’s offerings may be unfamiliar to most, but the flavors are anything but niche. The care taken into the authenticity and flavor of each recipe is evident, as there is a dish for everyone at Yak and Yeti — newcomers and lovers of Indian/Himalayan cuisine alike. With a welcoming, casual atmosphere and delicious eats featuring diverse flavors at an affordable price, Yak and Yeti is as “westside” as they come.
A&E
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018
A month’s worth of holiday cheer “Santa 2.5K Run” What: Dress up as Santa and run one lap around Goose Lake with the AE Club at UAA. When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Where: UAA Campus Cost: $25, register at www. usatf.org under the Products/ Services tab
GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA
By Caleigh Jensen arts2@thenorthernlight.org
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and a wonderful chance to participate in local events. Luckily, Anchorage has got you covered for all your holiday fun and shopping needs. Here are some great opportunities to get into the festive spirit. “11th Annual Christmas Village” What: Christmas Village, hosted by Anchorage Markets, is one of the biggest holiday shopping events in town. With over 125 vendors, the event is a great way to support small businesses while finding great gifts for everybody on your list. When: Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center (600 W 8th Ave.) Cost: Free admission “Winter Makers Market” What: Shop locally this holiday season with Little Fish Workshop’s second annual event full of homemade gifts by Alaskan artists. Food trucks and free Black Cup Coffee will be available at the market as well. When: Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: Church of Love (3502 Spenard Road) Cost: Free admission and free parking next door at Cook Inlet Housing Authority
“Solstice Tree Tour” What: Tour the decorated trees along the Mize Loop at Kincaid Park by ski, snowshoes or foot. Hot chocolate, coffee and s’mores will be provided, as well as beer and wine for purchase in a beer garden. When: Sunday, Dec. 16, 4 - 7 p.m. Where: Kincaid Park Cost: Free admission “Winterfest” What: Enjoy a variety of events at the Hillberg Ski Area, including a reindeer farm, snow machine rides, ice fishing, dog sledding, ornament decorating, face painting, gingerbread house building, photos with Santa and more. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 12 - 8 p.m. Where: Hillberg Ski Area (23400 41st St.) Cost: Free admission while supplies last “Winter Solstice Festival” What: Ice skating, fat tire bike and sleigh rides, food trucks, a light parade, and burn barrels to bring light to the darkest day of the year. Festive gear, such as wearing light up clothing, is encouraged. When: Friday, Dec. 21, 5 - 8 p.m. Where: Cuddy Family Midtown Park (201 E 40th Ave.) Cost: Free admission
“Holiday Sip & Shop” What: Tequila 61 is hosting their Annual Holiday Sip & Shop for your any last minute holiday gifts you may need. Local vendors will have booths set up selling their goods. When: Saturday, Dec. 22, 5 9 p.m. Where: Tequila 61 (445 W 4th Ave.) Cost: Free admission with food and drinks available for purchase “Winter Wonderland Ball” What: The Dancing Bears’ annual ball welcomes all dancers with live music and a no-host bar and snacks. This is a formal event, and clean dance shoes are required. When: Saturday, Dec. 29, 8 11:30 p.m. Where: 49th State Brewing Co. Theater (717 W 3rd Ave.) Cost: $20-$25, tickets available at the door
06
Fall Commencement remains unshaken By Malia Barto
arts@thenorthernlight.org
After two days of a closed campus, on Wednesday, Dec. 7, campus reopened and resumed classes. Ryan Buchholdt, interim director for UAA’s Environment Health & Safety and Risk Management Services, said all buildings on campus were operational with a few closures in buildings. The Alaska Airlines Center was damaged from the quake, leaving the gym floor flooded and the building with ceiling damage among other impairments. The flooding was from a “pretty hard leak” from the fire suppression center, according to Buchholdt. It’s not quite back to normal, but it’s getting there and it has been determined to still be the venue for Fall Commencement on Dec. 16. The Chugiak-Eagle River campus is one part of UAA that is not operational; however, it is not owned by UAA. Students taking classes on that campus were either moved to the main Anchorage campus or to onlineonly classes for the remainder of the semester. A few places in the UAA/ APU Consortium Library are still closed off due to needing to restock and reorganize books. Other areas around campus are
also roped off, but facility workers are continually working on fixing the issues. “When you see facility staff working, please get out of their way; we want them to do their jobs as quickly as possible,” Chancellor Cathy Sandeen said in one of UAA’s social media updates regarding the recovery efforts. “It wouldn’t hurt to give them a little high-five or a ‘thank you’ because they have been working so, so hard for us.” Buchholdt said all residential campus life is operational and doing well, and issues within Residential Life were fairly quick to fix. Security footage of the Student Union was released, showing ceiling tiles collapsing. As of Dec. 6, some tiles were still missing, but the more concerning damage was taken care of. “Even though all the campus buildings are operating... we ask for people’s patience for things to be restored and to get campus back to where it was before 8:30 Friday morning,” Buchholdt said. Buchholdt also encouraged students to self-evaluate and make sure their own being is well. If students need aid, they can reach out to Student Health and Counseling Center at (907) 786-4040 or at uaa_studenthealth@alaska.edu.
“New Year’s Eve Celebration” What: Local music, food trucks, face painting and kidfriendly games, a beer and wine garden and fireworks to welcome 2019. When: Monday, Dec. 31, 5 8 p.m. Where: Anchorage Town Square (560 W 5th Ave.) Cost: Free admission “Northern Lights Resolution Run” What: Ring in the new year with Skinny Raven Sports in the last Anchorage race of the 2018. A unique 5K course winding through woods trials and the APU Campus will feature five “music and light experiences” along the way. A beginning and end party for race participants will also take place in the Atwood Center. When: Monday, Dec. 31, 6 9 p.m. Where: Atwood Center (4455 University Drive) Cost: $35-$50. Registration available at SkinnyRaven.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF TIMOTHY LEE
Water damage on court of the Alaska Airlines Center.
A&E
07
PB&J Drive helps students fight hunger
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETTY BANG
Members of Student Social Work Coalition helped sort the canned food from the PB&J Drive, which were donated to the university’s Emergency Food Cache and the Food Bank.
By Caleigh Jensen arts2@thenorthernlight.org
For the last 10 years, Parking Services has hosted Food for Fines, better known as the PB&J Drive. The on-campus food drive, which took place from Nov. 5 - 16, gave students a chance to pay off up to two parking citations in the form of food donations. This year’s drive brought in nearly 500 food items and settled approximately 135 parking citations, adding to the estimated 8,000 pounds of food donated to the drive since it began. Many of the donations were put into UAA’s Emergency Food Cache. Food items that required appliances to use, such as can openers, were donated to the Food Bank. The cache, run by the Student Health and Counseling Center,
accepts monetary donations in order to create supply bags for food-insecure students on campus. The bags hold around a three-day supply of easy-to-prepare food. The items brought in during the PB&J Drive allowed the Student Health and Counseling Center to create 48 bags, saving them nearly $700 in supplies. Additional products such as granola bars, Ramen noodles, oatmeal and macaroni and cheese were also purchased to fill the bags. “Food drives help us furnish more bags and services per year to support students with food insufficiency,” Betty Bang, leader of the Health Promotion Team for the Student Health and Counseling Center, said. “Students are able to eat a healthier variety of food, which can give them energy to achieve their academic pursuits.” Although students may have
initially donated to the drive just to relieve a parking citation, Maria Radillo Luna, senior social work major and social media representative for UAA’s Student Social Work Coalition, said that they were helping more than they may have realized. “Even if [the donors] didn’t think their donations was going to help and they just wanted to get rid of a parking ticket, it still made a big difference for those who will be on the receiving end,” Radillo Luna said. Every year, Parking Services partners with an on-campus club to help host the drive. UAA’s Student Social Work Coalition participated this year, assisting in counting and sorting cans and bringing food to the SHCC and the Food Bank. The coalition also aided in encouraging students and campus departments to participate in the drive. In its beginning, the PB&J Drive only accepted peanut but-
ter and jelly products, hence the name, due to their long-lasting shelf life and versatility. In recent years, however, the drive began accepting a variety of canned food items, such as soup and meat. This year, specific items were requested in order to fit the needs of the Emergency Food Cache. “We really wanted proteinbased foods and foods that will last longer for students so they could get the nutrients they need from it,” Jennifer Spencer, social work senior and vice president of the Student Social Work Coalition, said. “There was a lot of beans and canned chicken, tuna and salmon donated.” Along with helping fight hunger and relieving parking citations, Food for Fines also helped students create a positive relationship with Parking Services. “Over time, the participants [of the drive] changed… but the end goal was the same. Collect
the food for the community, reduce overall outstanding parking tickets, and talk to people and share our available services through customer education and face-to-face contact,” Glenna Muncy, director of Parking Services, said. The efforts of the drive over the last 10 years led Muncy to present the program at an international conference for its fifth anniversary. Since then, other campuses across the country have developed similar programs, such as book drives and other various Food for Fines programs. The PB&J Drive program was also featured on the local news on Black Friday. “It’s not a new concept, but I’m proud to be a part of the awareness campaign about food insecurity and hunger on campus,” Muncy said. Spencer felt similarly about her experience helping with this year’s drive. “[The experience] really made me more aware that food insecurity is happening on our campus and how canned food can have such a big impact on students and their education,” Spencer said. “It was a lifechanging experience for me. It was amazing to see how many people donated and much it’s going to help students.” To help donate to UAA’s Emergency Food Cache, visit the Student Health and Counseling Center’s page on the UAA website for a link and instructions.
CONGR ATS TO THE GR ADUATING
CLASS OF 2018 HONORS LEGEND Cum Laude*
Magna Cum Laude**
Summa Cum Laude*** List of students as of 3 p.m. on Dec. 7, 2018
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Dr. John Petraitis, Interim Dean
Melissa A. Kapelari Mariah A. Lind Amy Y. Martin* Ashley M. Whidbee*
DOCTORATE DEGREES
Biological Sciences Valeria Delgado Lopez Nolan G. Schubert Judy L. T. Vu
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Clinical-Community Psychology Lucia L. Grauman Neander MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF ARTS Anthropology Caitlin L. Kennedy Joanna Wells English Andrew J. Mullins Amilyn Reece MASTER OF FINE ARTS Creative Writing and Literary Arts Ben E. Armentrout Charles M. Boyle Tiffany R. Creed John F. Lamb Victoria J. Miller Matthew T. Morse Bradford C. Philen Evan Tysinger Andrea R. Van Dinther Barbara S. Williams Margaret D. Williams MASTER OF SCIENCE Biological Sciences Jessica L. Faust Laura C. Schneller Clinical Psychology Brittany M. Bertrand Andrew R. Harlos Jessica D. Petalio Alexandria M. Schmidt Kimi Yatsushiro Interdisciplinary Studies Amy L. Urbanus GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Children’s Mental Health Andrea M. Blanchette BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Anthropology John C. Bergner IV David C. Hancock Kari E. Jenkins Stephen Jolley Deborah S. L. Kasgnoc Samantha R. Schaeffer Nicholas J. M. Taylor Art Meghan B. Bartlett* Grant I. Deussing* Stormy K. Harbour
English Erika B. Castro Nicolas K. Caudel Adriane N. Clark Helena N. Logan Caroline R. Streff** John C. Warren* History Brittney M. Anderson Edwin J. R. Anderson* Courtney N. Elmer Scott M. Green Zachary C. John* Katelyn T. Lanier Moylan** Elizabeth J. Schuerch* Kenneth W. Sparks Stephanie N. Steele Kalyn T. Urbano Emma C. Vorholt William C. Walker*** Rachel K. Whitesell Dianna M. Whitney Interdisciplinary Studies Reth K. Duir International Studies Aiden G. Bromaghin Mabel K. Concepcion Erin E. Hursh Renata A. Knapman Molly M. Monahan Mackenzie J. Northrop** Chelsea A. Springer** Caroline R. Streff** David J. Vesper* Journalism and Public Communications Morgan T. Brown** Brenda Craig Samantha B. Davenport Mariah A. DeJesus Remaklus Logan R. Harrison Maleke Haynes Katherine I. Irwin Mizelle A. Mayo Thomas L. Moore Victoria G. Petersen Stephanie Prokop** Jacob A. Raygor Maria Faye D. Roelfs John A. Sallee Ammon H. Swenson Languages Aiden G. Bromaghin Alexa K. Heald* Yn-Chun T. Hu Jane R. Lee Perla J. Richerson* Allen M. Santa Maria Shiri E. Segal
Eugenia M. Smith* Lara M. Weber Christopher J. Welbourne Mathematics Halley Tran Philosophy Skylar D. King-Strang Political Science Andres R. Antuna*** Samantha B. Davenport Nathan B. Graham Naarah M. Jenkins Michael R. Lowe* Genevieve G. Mina* Moira M. Pyhala Lauren E. Rasmussen Psychology Nichole M. Asplin Morgane L. Avery Donovan S. Bailey Marianthi C. Basdaras Hannah M. Carr Cody R. Christ Kayla D. Conrad Arthur L. David IV Joseph D. Day Hannah A. Ferguson* Madeline L. Fox Brianna M. Goins Carmen N. Graves Corey B. Hammell Vanessa N. Head Andrew E. Laposki Charon N. McCray Kailey N. Pritchard Shannon C. Ryan Sally J. Shipman Kailey D. Tobin Claudine I. C. Tungul Alexander J. Woolf* Sociology Denice E. Ammons Walter A. Barillas Schwartz Robert J. LaBrec III Jamie M. Logan Nicole L. Meyers Maxwell S. Micks Theatre Jacob B. Beauvais Zoe L. Ellis* Taylor M. Hicks BACHELOR OF LIBERAL STUDIES Carol A. Gardner BACHELOR OF MUSIC Music Education Emphasis Francisco Badillo Music Performance Francisco Badillo BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Anthropology Aimee E. Goodwin Hillary R. Hogue** Biological Sciences
Jasmine A. Brown Lindsey K. Fuglestad Amanda R. Gabrielson Dana M. Hogan Kayla J. Hudson Jesse S. Johnsen Hunter B. Jones Rachael D. Kramp* Claire E. Lubke* Shannon M. Medlock* Sagar D. Patel** Jessica S. Pinard Kaden C. Spurgeon Meleane A. Vailea Ashley C. Widmer* Alyssa L. Zapata Chemistry Kaden C. Spurgeon Environment and Society Benjamin S. Mock Anna K. Petersen Courtney A. Schuman Geological Sciences Deirdre S. Bonfield Joseph C. Crissup Austin M. Cunningham Aimee E. Goodwin Andrea Hackley Adam R. Jackson* Sydney C. Souza Zachary J. Thon Frederick W. Transburg Marvin M. Turner Jake A. Vanagel* Walter K. Zimmerman* Mathematics Aaron T. Brown Kaylin C. Jones** Vanda Molnar Joshua W. Nugent** Charles A. Wyatt* Natural Sciences Seth G. Bakic Dannielly B. Boese Jasmine A. Brown Kyle W. Huntsman Ally R. Keene Tarah B. Lehman Kyle D. Logue* Shayne A. Miller Daniel A. Munoz Kcie D. Owens Sagar D. Patel** Heather M. Rahm Eric A. Roberts** Shannon D. Royal* Sara B. Rutz** Ashleigh M. Sitz Bonnie D. Snyder** Christian A. Tapia Ashley M. Vanderwall Kiana B. Verplancke** Jason T. Wareham Psychology Benjamin L. Richardson Elizabeth J. Schuerch* Sociology Alexandra R. Gust**
ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF ARTS General Program Lorena A. Abdelhameed Chloe S. Allen Sean W. Andersen Sarah N. Anderson** Tracie R. Anderson** Victoria L. Anderson Amanda L. Ates Kyle C. Beasley Holly A. Blackstone* Barrie K. Brent Jordan D. Bruhn Daquon Brunson Ariel M. Buehler Dawn L. Bundschuh* Jayci A. Caldwell Wendi Y. Castellon Kristin V. Cates Rainbow D. Chandler Yujin Choi Douglas E. Clark* Daniel A. Corscadden Michael J. Coulson Gilbert L. Cunningham Kemecka K. Davis Nyangath K. Diew Jason P. Duffy Sarah E. Dushkin Kyle D. Fetters Aja Fitz-Ritson Samuel M. Giacalone Willow N. Groskreutz** Abrianna M. Haring-Brito* Cassandra J. Hartley Maya N. Hayward Mae S. Hetherington Phillip G. Hill Dalton R. T. Howard Chang H. Ji Mariah J. Johnson Meghan L. Kang Briana N. King Jenna R. Kropf* Kathleen J. Lawton Rachel V. Logan Katie C. Marrera Paige N. McGraw Mechaella N. Medina Michelle C. Melgar Brianna P. Miller Desiree L. Mobeck Chad M. Mobley Stephanie M. Neal Jennifer E. Nigh Mary K. Olah Lindsay K. O’Shea* Mark Joseph A. Partido Micaela S. Petersen Anthony A. Picasso Evan A. Post Virginia M. Riedel* Channa M. Rist Stella B. Salazar Abigail R. Sanchez Jennifer D. Schmid Andrea D. Scott Stephen T. Simmons Anna K. Stewman* Leah D. Stillens Vin Zant Brittany R. Sutter Shellbie M. Tanner Jennifer M. M. Taylor
Meghan E. Thompson Tonia P. Tippins Michelle A. Travis Natasha M. VillanuevaCantohos Kara M. Viotto Viktoria K. Watsjold Steven P. Wickenkamp Kaelyn M. Williams Rebekah M. Winkler Heather Woolverton Gaojer Yang Kang Z. Yang Felicia M. Yeaton SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING Education Nanne M. Boogaerdt Heather N. Coffman Ian A. Dickson Andrew M. Dougherty Lillian F. Goodman-Allwright Chantele T. Jones Jiren Li Sean M. Niekamp Elizabeth P. Qualls Elliot F. Stutzer Dustin L. Wilson MASTER OF EDUCATION Early Childhood Special Education Christina E. James Dena M. Luchsinger Educational Leadership Dawn M. Cogan Vicky A. Spencer Robanne R. Stading Special Education Gloria G. Cluff Bobbie J. Duerksen Samantha S. Emerson Erica J. Jones Emily M. Park Kayla N. Schreck Dawn Y. Vallely Teaching and Learning Siray H. Abbey Sarah M. Colliander Tracy R. DiPaola Kimberlie A. Fister Carla L. Goldberg Karen Hancock Shery E. Hart-Elterman Megan Henry Heidi C. Hilmes Rachel M. Huckfeldt Chrystal L. McMillan Katie L. Melrose Jessica E. Minguez Maria A. Morrison Yunju Myrick Lisa M. Nordstrom Tiffany S. Oberle
GRADUATES GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Principal Juliana M. Hardy Special Education Matthew C. Bennice Samantha A. Seizys BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Early Childhood Education Maria D. Gallo Tia R. Shira** Kelly M. Wondzell Elementary Education Cherie Y. Biddle Juli S. Bond* Danielle A. Deguzman Mikayla D. Dunn Sophie I. Evans-Voigt Tammy F. Hershman Lacey A. Kaiser Sue C. Lee** Crystal D. Lizer Kaitlyn N. Maker* Maranda J. Merkes Andrea N. Pierce Stephanie P. Sampson Mary R. Schwartz* Kristina Wilson ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Early Childhood Development Ulita T. Reutov* COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY Dr. Karen Markel, Dean
09 Mihaela P. Logan* Marrie Ann Lurtsema* Joseph M. McGlaughlin Carlo T. Medina Marcia D. Miller Dane Jared Q. Panadero Kelsi A. Pulczinski* Hans A. Ramsahye Alexandria J. Ramsey Muharem Selimi Adilya Sharapova** Lisa D. Shorey Yelena L. Sinyawski** Seen Y. So Danny C. Son Zachary E. Sparkman Joye J. X. Sumner* Economics Jacob I. Armstrong Anthony J. Bernardini Jenna K. Luhrs* Simeon S. Meister Jonella R. M. Sebastiani* Finance Cameron M. Amantea Alec M. Butcher Ryan Cain Rachel N. Curran** Kyla G. Dinkel Melody D. Kohler Aaron P. Lakey Kyle P. Lavey Cameron M. McCormick Ryan P. Petersen Chanda R. Simon Nathanial S. Watanabe Jay M. Yang Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management Brandon B. Adams Sainjargal Ganchuluun Claudia P. Lara Matthew S. Newkirk** Leah M. Swiss*
MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION General Management Michael B. W. Andrews Zack E. Archuletta Eugenio Ferrari Elyce Hackley Carson R. Honeycutt Anntionette A. Johnson Mitch R. Loewen Carlos A. Machuca Troy W. Swanson Daniel L. Valette Matthew D. Williams Christina K. Wilson MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Katherine L. Dougherty BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Economics Christian F. Bullard Robert O. Gunderson Ava R. Metzger** Vanda Molnar Alliana Marie A. Salanguit Gaea G. Villaroya Nathanial S. Watanabe Alexandra T. Webb*** Rachel K. Whitesell Shawn D. Williams BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting Cassandra N. Ayerdis Amy N. Cahalane* Rebecca N. Constant Porter* Paul M. Curran*** Olivia N. Dekreon Viktoria Gorene M. Dumaop Martin D. Gundersen Michael S. Holland Min Uk Kim* Hyun Jung Lee* Shiao-Ju Lin
Management Rinnah S. Andrew John D. Asher Olivia R. Burke Tonia J. Burrough** Steve K. Carlisle Jin S. Chong** Michael B. Cingel* Rachel N. Curran** Katherine B. Davenport Daniela C. De La Torre Dianne Loureene B. Dela Rosa Artyom Fonov* Justin C. Hanneman Niles C. Hanson Maria A. Hawk Jeremy E. Hegge Ryan A. Horn Hannah L. Ingrim Vjollca Ismaili Isis L. Jordan Helen S. Kennedy Neelima Kumar Macy Lee Troy McGlashan* Spencer J. O’Hara* Stephanie A. Ortega Daisuke Ota Janeive A. Palesano Drew A. Peterson Jr. Emily X. Pollock Colton J. Powers Kallie B. Randolph Kelly H. Reed Ashley M. Roylance* Hannah E. Schruf Yelena L. Sinyawski** Danny C. Son Travis A. Turner Stanley Vang Zoe A. Waldron Aimee M. Wallum** Erin N. White Management Information Systems Viktoria Gorene M. Dumaop Vang Her Dominic J. Hooper Joseph M. McGlaughlin
Nathan R. Meneses Agueda S. Rivera Seen Y. So Marketing John D. Asher Anthony J. Bernardini Mark B. Bethka Olivia R. Burke Jin S. Chong** Kaitlin N. Cox* Katherine B. Davenport Daniela C. De La Torre Dianne Loureene B. Dela Rosa Joseph K. Fugere Ryan A. Horn Hannah L. Ingrim Neelima Kumar Estefanie S. Ong Emily X. Pollock Colton J. Powers Kallie B. Randolph Ashley M. Roylance* Curtis J. Ryan Marina A. Soria Amanda M. Torgeson Irwin Torralba Zoe A. Waldron Jaime F. Wegener Erin N. White ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Accounting Parker A. Appelo Ashley M. Doane Hannah M. Hand Nou Her Shanna R. Isbell* Jennifer L. Kelly Frank S. W. Woo Pang N. Xiong Joshua Yang Business Computer Information Systems Antonio Alirez III Gizelle P. Wells Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Ruthanna M. Carr Yeng Xiong Small Business Administration Logan T. Barber Alan C. Leon Ivanka P. Puga Duenas James K. Roettger Finau T. J. Tai Jonathan S. Thomassen** CERTIFICATES Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Cody M. Herron Webb Evgeny A. Ivanov Galen J. Nelson COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Dr. Kenrick Mock, Interim Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Civil Engineering Alma O. Abaza Matthew V. Ahlrichs Jennifer K. Baker Tanay Datta Chowdhury Nathaniel I. Cox Sean C. Driskill Leif E. Hammes Matthew Iskra Euan Angus MacLeod Engineering Management Byron S. Chan Patrick F. Horst Frederick M. Swalling Luisa F. Vallejo
Mechanical Engineering Michelle M. Wilber Project Management Badam Baatarbileg Douglas P. Baye Robert S. Champion Timothy M. Kane Seth T. Loosli Andrew R. Ming Brenton B. Savikko Michael V. Swann Science Management Daisy F. Alfaro BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Computer Science Hanna J. Pedersen BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Civil Engineering Khulan Bazarvaani** Tvetene J. Carlson** Daniel M. Chamberlain Connor K. Duff Kaylin C. Jones** Alexander T. Mannion Victoria J. Pershall William S. Powell* Jeffrey D. Rezin Andrew J. Romero Kylee R. Sam* Mitchell S. Shafer Johnathan F. Tes Computer Science David R. Bear Briana R. Collins** Derek J. Crain Dustin D. Fast* Timothy C. Harrelson* David C. Lee Allister S. Lindamood Zachary Martin Pamela A. Myers Joshua W. Nugent** Oscar A. Ocampo Cory A. Sheaffer Eric S. W. Somerville Electrical Engineering Devan C. Massin Ryan M. Massingham Adrian P. Oehrlein Roman R. Romanovski* Engineering Erin E. Braun Grey O. Chalder Henri M. G. Thomas* Ke’Koa C. Wells
Cameron D. Hollingsworth COLLEGE OF HEALTH Jeff Jessee, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH Public Health Practice Nicholas E. Atkinson Sara Conyers Jessie F. Doherty Morgan R. Erisman Dean T. Gustafson Laurie A. Hood Jimael H. Johnson Bowon Kim Niki J. Knowlton Brian Lefferts Lori A. Price Tara L. Stiller BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Justice Justus B. Albertson Cole R. Criswell Lakedria L. Davis Kevin A. Hagensieker Phillip G. Hill Stephanie T. McGillivray* Stephanie A. Montgomery Azabel Ordaz Matthew F. A. Patzke Brian M. Pavadore John Schwartz Sydney E. Scott Luke C. Simonson Lily H. Tuzroyluke Autummn A. Williams Legal Studies Ana C. Azpilcueta Ramadhani Greer Joseph Mitzel Nicole A. Prada-Trivino BACHELOR OF HUMAN SERVICES Kelley A. Clouser Sierra L. Cozby Jasmine M. Cuaresma Donna L. Galvan Ashley Gonzalez Autumn Hedgepeth Melanie A. Santos Christa L. Scott Krista M. Squire Cheryl L. Tuttle BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Dental Hygiene Amelia L. Bryant* Deborah S. Goodie** Ellen P. Holt Ruth Malak*
Terry A. Carpenter** JuanPablo Cuautli Aimee Vanessa V. Felin Jacob N. Griffin Patricia A. Hernandez Roman Logan C. Hutchings Lesly Ann P. Mislang* Mohamad O. Obeidi Amanda N. Olson Rachel L. Sanders** Dong Won Yu** Nutrition Therese C. Thomas Physical Education Jamie L. Brakora Adam J. Commandeur Robert N. Forto Natalie R. Hearn** Liam A. Lindsay* Paul Kenneth Manabat Bryan K. Murphy** Robert P. Rodamer* Miranda R. Sheely* Cassidy M. Soistman* Stuart I. Towarak* Vilai Xiong ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Dental Assisting Megan K. Byers* Amber D. Cragun Jessica L. Fry Kahlila K. Mitchell Mydung T. Moreth* Brenda L. Van Allen Dental Hygiene Natasha Y. Giesey** Rose E. Hagerup Meredith Parks* Molly J. Silta Taylor K. Teeling Diagnostic Medical Sonography Jennifer B. Craig Lynsey J. Hindmarch Un O. Lee Kati M. Miles Haley L. Shea Macaela A. Wolfe* Fire and Emergency Services Technology Reed D. Brandt David R. Donaldson Buck W. Loporto Dominah A. Rude
Dietetics Audrey R. Anderson Allison M. Hillen Anthony B. Sabio
Human Services Nudar F. Abdurashid* Reginald G. Brewer Amanda J. Collins Kayla B. Cox Madison L. Ferguson* Jaime B. Galvan* Jahne’ D. Perine Anthony J. Wenzell*
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Health Sciences Tyler K. Adams Kendra R. Daniels Terri-Jo M. Ewing Dana Gergilevich* Kaitlan M. Head Tina T. Johnson* Christopher W. Klein** Eva M. M. Kowalski** Michelle M. Mason Madison A. Miller Scott Nah Michael J. Pearce Christiana I. Pendleton Carrie M. Rowland** Ivan K. Salgatar Mykaela D. Stuart* Ronald D. Wagoner Allison I. Wine
Medical Assisting Jelena Anderson** Andrea J. Barnes Jacob J. Buskirk* Terry A. Cunningham* Leilani M. Deldonno* Krishna L. Dhakal* Chelsea J. Finch** Dyan Marie d. V. Garcia Megan D. Hooper Brittany R. Hrgovic* Skyler M. Hunt Kaitlyn M. Johnston Melujane Y. Kinsch Kathleen J. Lawton Lane M. Lee Cristy L. Newton Chloe N. Vignola Emery S. Yang
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Geomatics Jeremy R. Anderson
Medical Laboratory Science Robert M. W. Beacham Jennifer V. Boylan
Medical Laboratory Technology Brittany N. Jemison
Geomatics Aubrianna R. Bright Chase H. T. Brinker Kevin A. Murphy Mechanical Engineering Ezra J. Adams Brant A. Bennett Nathan W. Clark Robert W. Clark Jade L. Cook Kiefer M. Davis Christopher J. Deren Erskine J. Frank Michael A. Gerard Jarek M. Halat* Joshua L. Hunsaker Keir G. Johnson** Tanner C. Johnson Kohl H. Keil Tylor K. Knutson Dalan K. Merriner Mallory R. Obeso Beth M. Steele Garrison M. Theroux Douglas E. Wiest
GRADUATES
10 Paralegal Studies Kyla M. Jones Katherine S. Pili Physical Therapist Assistant Emily A. Carr** Ciera N. Doyal Kaila R. East Marylanz V. Erwin*** Kristine S. Estrada** Theresa L. H. Hodgson* Bradley D. Ischinger Kelley L. Luenebrink** Rodney A. Patson Jr.** Larry F. Pokladnik Shawna L. Tipton Anna V. Znamenskaya* Surgical Technology Lovely S. Agustin Kelly S. Benedict Joanna M. Carpluk Jyl A. Foster Matthew R. Harvath* Kirby R. Hutchings Sarah A. Jones Jerica Christine G. Masangcay Jennifer A. McGrath* Vivian C. Sweet Melody A. Valentine Samantha G. Wallace CERTIFICATES Civic Engagement Moira M. Pyhala Dental Assisting Destiny J. Berndt Jessie L. Caudill Gabrienne S. M. Cilot Savannah M. Graham Kelsey S. Hass Julie Ann S. Josue Amber Martinez Brandy L. Snowden SCHOOL OF NURSING DOCTORATE DEGREES DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE Nursing Science Margaret Barnett Sharon R. Liska Mary A. Rowen MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Sabra Anckner Joel Manalo Donna Marsteller Rachelle K. White GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Nursing Education Denise Plano BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Dallas I. Alberthal Kristin S. Amstrup Alison R. Arima* Crystal D. Ball* Taylor R. Barnes* Leona M. Baumeister
Rommel T. Benzon* Janelle M. Brandon* Jessika B. Brocker Cheryl C. Brown Kathleen N. Brown* Kassandra G. Burke* Roxanne-Danielle C. Caletena Erin Elyse M. Campbell* Kendra L. Cissell Michael S. Darlington Divina Amor P. Dumaguing Lauren E. Fleming Sarah M. Freistone** Ashley N. French Jeremy S. Garcia* Greer Gehler* Liezel Lynn S. Giron** Carrie F. Hafele Hollis K. Hamilton Crystal L. Hartman* Chambray L. Hight Yuhwa Hu Chantil E. Johnson Paul Johnson Jie Joo* Tabitha M. Jordan Allison T. Kane Amanda N. Kelsey* Sean N. Kramer Elena Lamas Toribio Tressa L. Langford Emily M. Lanni Amanda J. Lea Mei H. Lim Dakota L. Liska Joseph Y. LoSciuto Molly L. Lunsford* Amber N. Martz* Paul E. McCauley Paige M. McHoes* Katharine L. McQuillin Alexandria N. Millen Cari S. Miller* Kailey A. Mills* Sarah R. Monaghan* Jihye Moon Tyler J. Morris Anne E. Nelson Nattanan O’Connor McKenzie M. Pendexter DaRae A. Pheysey Anna L. Proefrock Heather M. Rahm Timothy A. Robbins* Andrea Rood Phaidra A. Sala Jonathan M. Sapp Mattisen R. Sept Olga Sergyeyeva* Roberta A. Spiers** Sarah A. Srebernak Ria P. Stevens Katherine A. Stochosky Kaden S. Titus** Sarah R. Triglia Daryll O. Vispo* Tamitha A. Wagner Heather N. Wegner Naomi A. Williams Brian D. Woyce** Julie A. Yates
Tiffany Charles Taylor Chong Brilyn C. Clare Nicolette D. Corbett Wesley D. Dalton Rachel J. Daly Shamera B. Desinger Laurel C. Eliason Laura B. Ellsworth Steevie L. Erickson Emily Gamble Sherrice M. Gavillan Kameisa J. Green Trevor N. Ham Zhi T. Hastie* Melody M. Hoffman Richelle A. Horner Brittany N. Jemison Amy P. Kofoid Yamah N. Kone Constance M. Lelle Jennifer R. MacIntyre Candice C. McKinnon Nickolas D. McNeese Tayna N. Miller* Mikayla R. Morgan Jessica A. Murray Paul H. Norwood* Hannah A. Palof Susan M. Poggi Ashley L. Prakash Mary I. Ruud Sarah E. Sauerbrey Phoebe T. Sayasane Pamela S. Shaw Lindsey B. Sorenson Jasper E. Springman Shayna L. Thomas Colette A. Topkok Angeli B. Venua Ashley Y. Wee Christina Wendler Angela M. Wilbanks Rebekah M. Winkler Jerry Wright Cy Xiong Grace E. Yoon
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Nursing Tara Anthony-Sharrard Erica S. Ash Charmae C. Barrett Calvin G. Baxter Cortney L. Bender James M. Burgess Krysta L. Byford
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK Kameron I. Daniels Morgan R. Erisman Niki J. Knowlton Nancy P. Radtke BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK Joshua R. Adams* Matthew R. Newcombe Melissa J. Schmitz COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE Dr. Denise Runge, Dean
BACHELOR OF ARTS Hospitality and Restaurant Management Paul W. Choi* HyeSeog Jang Cindy J. Kim Shannon E. McLaughlin* BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Applied Technologies Leadership Donald R. Champion*** Garrett F. H. Cox Matthew N. Deldonno* Laurel H. Dunn Joseph E. Galindez Neil D. Gunden Dustin M. Jenne** Francis L. Lopez Jake D. Moore Jared A. Moser David Varney* Aviation Technology Daniel G. Alicie Caleb Andersen Sasha M. Baird Robert D. Barnett Nicholas P. Bouker Trevor A. Chapman Conor T. Deal** Hunter A. Dill Jason P. Duffy Junyor A. Erikson Priscilla J. L. Frankson Joshua B. Heinig Lucas A. Hickle* Neal D. Hull Trevor J. Jones Griffin M. Kellar* Brandon W. Kelley Davin C. Mitchell Ryan K. Montgomery Chad A. Peterson Jeffrey R. Platz Vanessa R. Pride John M. Shannon* Matthew J. Stepp* Daniel A. Werth* Jiin Woo Construction Management Kipp Baldwin* Willman A. Barahona Artem V. Finko Brandon S. Henderson Daniel L. Houser Christopher G. Johnson Dennis A. Moore Curtis G. Richardson Michael C. Swalling Stephen B. Tobin Chase P. Van Allen
Automotive Technology Johnathon Y. Dail*** Nevaeh M. Ingham Anthony M. T. WarnckePellizzeri*
Computer and Networking Technology Wade T. Block Julius Casquejo* Tachapong S. Distapundhu Daerique A. B. Enriquez* Jake B. Hernandez Tyler B. Moore Nicholas W. Priddy Wynton M. Sparks Zachary C. Taplin
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.
Construction Management Kyle J. DeWinter*
UNIVERSITY HONORS SCHOLARS
Culinary Arts Paige L. Krichbaum Piyares Thongkerd* Pamela J. Vincent*
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Aviation Maintenance Technology Deven M. Everly Byeonghun Im James K. Sturgill
Diesel Power Technology Brandon Benney Belinda T. Bowlin Shane R. Nez* Heavy Duty Transportation and Equipment Cullen W. Nelson Occupational Safety and Health David C. Holloway Harry B. Leffler Michelle D. McCoy David W. Shafer Professional Piloting Muriel B. Adams Trevor J. Jones Brittany M. Kingrey Patrick M. Stenberg Matthew J. Stepp*
Occupational Safety and Health Bradley G. Duwe Kelsey L. Kolberg** Marleena J. Merchant**
Welding and Nondestructive Testing Technology Zachary S. Young Dillon J. Zerda
Technology Jeremy R. Jonas Brenda Keating David J. Robbins
CERTIFICATES
ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Air Traffic Control Kyle Johnson William P. Lyman Bryce K. Ward* Architectural and Engineering Technology Brian A. Armagost Christopher M. Bare Jayslyn B. Bynum Aaron N. Finkler Christopher N. Hayes William J. Norris Roberto C. Vina
University Honors College Dr. John Mouracade, Dean
Aviation Maintenance Technology, Airframe Kaasan F. Braendel Minwoo Choe Desmond Z. Corpuz Junior G. Daniel Robert D. Gibbs Steven Machida Robert G. Pieper Roland J. Rodriguez Jay S. Taylor Edward Tompkins Aviation Maintenance Technology, Powerplant Robert G. Pieper Neal R. Strate Heavy Duty Transportation and Equipment Anthony P. Green
BACHELOR OF ARTS History William C. Walker*** Political Science Andres R. Antuna*** BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Biological Sciences Claire E. Lubke* Ashley C. Widmer* Natural Sciences Sagar D. Patel** Sociology Alexandra R. Gust** COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY BACHELOR OF ARTS Economics Ava R. Metzger** Alexandra T. Webb*** BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Economics Jenna K. Luhrs* Jonella R. M. Sebastiani* COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Electrical Engineering Roman R. Romanovski* UNIVERSITY HONORS GRADUATES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY BACHELOR OF ARTS Economics Alliana Marie A. Salanguit
GRADUATES
Samantha Davenport Executive Editor
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SPORTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018
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Athletic department pushes forward after shaky turn of events By Emily Medina
sports2@thenorthernlight.org
Despite the recent turn of events that left Anchorage shaking, the Alaska Airlines Center and Wells Fargo Sports Complex are still standing. However, there were a few issues that still need to be fixed in order for the facilities to run at their full potential. With that being said, most teams were able to work around the issues with a few exceptions. Head coach of the hockey team, Matthew Curley, moved practice to the Sullivan Arena after damage occurred to the rink from a broken water pipe near the ice sheet at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. The team’s schedule was not changed as they traveled to Minnesota recently. “We moved our ice sessions to the Sullivan Arena for Monday and Tuesday in preparation for our games these upcoming weekends, all of which are on the road,” said Curley. One of the team captains, Nils Rygaard, recalls how the team came together during that time. “First of all, we texted in our
PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGORY MYFORD
Director of Athletics, Gregory Myford, and several others cleaning the area floor of the Alaska Airlines Center. “The main arena floor [was] under water at approximately 10 a.m. Friday morning,” said Myford. “Hopefully there will be no permanent damage from the water.”
group chat to make sure everybody was okay after the earthquake and that nobody got hurt,” said Rygaard. “Then Coach Curley called everybody in the team to make sure that our houses and apartments were all good.” Senior Malcolm Hayes is optimistic that the hockey team has done its best in continuing to prepare for upcoming games. “I think the earthquake helped us grow,” said Hayes.
“Because even with all the distractions, we’ve still been having great practices, which shows we’re still focused on our main goal of trying to win games... I think we’ve moved on and shouldn’t have any effects for upcoming games.” The hockey team will continue to travel for the next few weeks and won’t host another game until January. No damage was done to the
pool at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex as it remains fully operational. The Alaska Airlines Center had its share of broken glass, flooding, sheetrock and ceiling damage during the earthquake. Due to the damage in the Auxiliary Gym of the Alaska Airlines Center, the annual Green & Gold meet hosted by the gymnastics team was cancelled.
As excited as she was to showcase her talent, gymnast Tere Alonso knows that it was the right choice. “It was definitely the best decision to cancel the meet,” said Alonso. “The safety of the team, the public, staff and everyone involved is what is most important here, even if it means waiting to compete for a bit longer.” The Gymnastics Studio is also damaged as practice has been relocated to Anchorage Gymnastics Association. As of Dec. 7, the team will not have any other scheduled meets until the season begins in January. Similarly, flooding within the floor of the Alaska Airlines Center has moved the men and women’s basketball teams to Grace Christian School. No rescheduling or cancellations have had to been made because both teams do not have any home games scheduled for the time being. Keeping that in mind, the effects of water damage cannot be fully be assessed until the arena floor has had ample time to dry. Little to no damage has been recorded in the Dome, which has allowed for the track and field teams to continue their normally scheduled practice.
UAA hockey strives to improve despite numerous losses and changes to roster, staff By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org
This year, the hockey team revamped their coaching staff, their roster and their game plans, yet, almost halfway through the season they have not seen a single conference win. Overall, they have one win and ten losses. As part of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, the Seawolves are currently ranked No. 10 out of 10 teams. In contrast, in-state rivals UAF are sitting at No. 5. Despite the sequence of losses, head coach Matt Curley is confident in the team and believes that things are improving for the Seawolves. For their first out of state game, the Seawolves traveled to Michigan on Oct. 26 and 27 to compete against Ferris state and suffered two losses, 4-0 and 3-2, respectively. “We had a couple slip ups, and unfortunately it cost us [the game against Ferris State]. We talked about it [afterwards] and kind of got back to where we need to get to, which paid off afterwards,” Curley said. Curley explained that he has really been emphasizing working together in groups as defense, offense, goaltending,
PHOTO COURTESY OF SKIP HICKEY
Nicolas Erb-Ekholm against North Dakota.
etc. He does believe individual achievements will help, but he wants to focus on a group effort. He thinks that, despite the loss, that effort really showed itself during their game against Ferris State. They continued on play Bemidji State on Nov. 2 and 3 at the Sullivan Arena. They lost 2-0 and 3-1. “It was a little disappointing during the start of the game. I was hoping for a little bit better energy. Unfortunately, we didn’t have that,” Curley said. “However, looking at it from the
glass half-full, we did bring that energy to the second and third periods.” He sees the goaltenders doing a phenomenal job. Whether it’s Kris Carlson or Brody Claeys or Kristian Stead, they are the strength of this team. “It’s my responsibility to stay with these boys and hold them accountable. They want to do well; they’re trying. We are doing things the right way, but it just takes time,” Curley said. Carlson emphasized that the goaltenders have been focused on their jobs in practice and in
competition. “I just take it five minutes at a time and not worry about what’s happening offensively,” Carlson said. “My job is to stop the puck and give my team the best chance to win.” The following week, the Seawolves suffered another loss against Bowling Green, again at the Sullivan Arena. The Nov. 10 loss of 3-0 was preceded by the only 0-0 tie of the season on Nov. 9. David Trinkberger, a junior defenseman, was disappointed with the losses but, like Curley,
is confident that they are trying. “We had a system, and we have [still] been sticking with it, even though we haven’t come up with any wins yet, but the goal has been to just keep it simple and get the pucks through and keep going from there,” Trinkberger said. He explained that it was tough coming into the season with new coaching staff and that it took a while to adjust and find a new chemistry. Bowling Green was one of the best teams in the nation at that point, Curley said, and it was a solid lesson for the team. It taught them what they needed to follow up and do in their next games. “The guys played much better [at that point in the season], although it was still a little bit disappointing, and I think it showed that we still have a long ways to go in terms of finding out consistency,” Curley said. The team has been making progress in the early part of the season, but the Seawolves suffered losses without making any goals of their own. They aim to stay focused and use what they have learned as they continue on the play Bemidji State for the second time on Dec. 14 and 15. For a full schedule, visit www.goseawolves.com.
SPORTS
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UAA alumnus Marko Cheseto breaks records By Emily Medina
sports2@thenorthernlight.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARKO CHESETO
Marko Cheseto came in 613 out of almost 53,000 runners at the New York City Marathon.
You may remember the name Marko Cheseto as being one of the best runners UAA has ever had. Well, the continuation of his running career has landed him a spot amongst the fastest time for a marathon to be completed by someone with two prosthetic feet. Cheseto is the second double amputee to beat a 3-hour marathon, the first being Richard Whitehead of Great Britain in 2010. To top it off, three days after his win, Cheseto became an official citizen of the United States. Cheseto transferred to UAA from Kenya in order to pursue cross country and was a stand-out runner from the beginning. He was the top run-
ner in six cross country meets, finished in first place twice, finished second place three times and competed at the national meet. His record breaking did not stop then, and Cheseto was the first male runner to have three individual GNAC titles and the first runner to have two West Region titles. In fact, one of his favorite memories is from the GNAC championships. “It was the year I lost my shoe during GNAC championships,” said Cheseto. “I stopped to tie it and still won the race. The interesting part was seeing my coach’s face when he saw me way behind the leading group, and I was still smiling. He didn’t know what had just happened, but I knew I would catch up with them.” Cheseto’s career took a
pause during his last season at UAA when he had to get both of his feet amputated after a severe case of frostbite. His shoes, which were frozen to his feet, were removed and replaced with prosthetics. “I did run after amputation. It was recreational,” said Cheseto. “I didn’t have any eligibility left. Running to me is therapeutic, makes me feel good. It’s also a healthy lifestyle for maintaining recommended body weight. I love running, so I don’t need a lot of motivation to do it. It’s embedded in me.” Since his amputation, Cheseto has gotten his undergraduate degree in nutrition and a graduate degree in science management. Over the summer, he moved from Anchorage to Orlando where he works at Prosthetic and
Orthotics Associates. “I was going to Orlando to have my feet fitted while living in Anchorage,” said Cheseto. “I chose Orlando because I have the support I need to succeed. Prosthetic and Orthotics Associates is my big support group. They took me as one of their own, which I am now.” Cheseto plans to continue to break records. “Before I retire from competitive running, I want to run a marathon with able bodied athletes,” said Cheseto. “The difference between me and the winner at New York is only 46 minutes. My coach and I are putting together a training plan towards cutting those 46 minutes. Might not be tomorrow or next year but it’s on the plan.”
Seawolves still confident after 1-point loss against state rivals By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org
The UAA men’s basketball team traveled north on Sat. Dec. 8th to compete against in-state rivals, UAF. In the annual game, taking place in at the end of first semester each year, the Seawolves were beat out at the last minute. At 67-68, the Seawolves were far from their 26-point win the previous year. This added another loss to UAA’s conference recording but them 0-2, with an overall record of 5 wins and 5 losses. Head Coach Rusty Osborne explained that they have been preparing for this and work hard show up as tough competition. “We had a good week of practice and worked on a lot of things we were deficient at and made some adjustments with some of the things we were doing,” Osborne said.
Despite the effort, the Seawolves came up just short. They averaged 47.4 percent on their field goals for the duration of the game, just below UAF’s 48.0 percent. “We ran a fluid offense where everyone was involved, and depending on who is [doing well] or who is [not doing well].” Osborne said. “We preach that if you buy into the system, it won’t change who the leading scorer is over the course of the year it just may change from game to game. It just takes patience.” Sophomore guard Brennan Rymer proved to be the most successful for the Seawolves, making a total of 7 FG on his 11 attempts. Following him was junior forward Sjur Berg with 6 total on 9 attempts, and then junior guard Tyler Brimhall with 4 total on 11 attempts. “It has been difficult to getting back into it [after a year off],” Berg said. “The last few weeks have allowed me to get
PHOTO COURTESY OF SKIP HICKEY
more and more confident on the court and that it what it is all about for me.” While the averaged a decent field goal percentage, the Seawolves lacked on many other things that ultimately cost them the game. UAF had a 50 percent 3-pointer average, while UAA had averaged 28 percent. UAF averaged 68.4 percent of their free throws, while UAA only managed 46.7 percent. “There were a few things that
broke down, and that’s going to happen, we just need more repetition,” Osborne said. Despite the loss, the Seawolves are were only down one point that was by the Nanooks during the last second of the game. Osborne and the team use every game to learn and improve, they were ultimately not disappointed with the outcome of the game. “They are a fun group to coach, we are getting better each
day and no where near our ceiling,” Osborne said. “Certainly we have some limitations but we have a lot of strengths as well.” The Seawolves will be back in action on Wed. Dec. 19 for the Seawolf Alumni Game, following that they will be having the remainder of December off for the holiday and resume the season in January. For a full schedule and results, visit www.goseawolves. com.
OPINION America needs free college
By Robert Hockema opinion@thenorthernlight.org
Here’s a fact that’s difficult to wrap your head around: 44 million Americans hold over 1.5 trillion dollars in student loan debt. That’s an average of $37,172 per student. To put that in perspective, student loan debt surpasses credit card and auto loan debt — $620 billion more, to be specific. Student loan debt is weighing on Americans in ways are that beginning to impact the broader economy, too. Consumers who take a few hundred dollars out of their paychecks — on top of rent, food, and necessities — are limiting the amount of dollars circulating the economy. They’re also less likely to save their money, meaning less investment and home ownership. To top it off, graduates saddled with debt are facing a myriad of rising costs in the economy: health care, child care and housing have skyrocketed. There are two ways the government can respond to this crisis. The first is to forgive student loan debt altogether. My colleague Ben Edwards wrote a piece in the TNL about why that would be a bad idea. But the second and more salient option is to stop the cycle of debt that future generations are certain to face. The U.S. government must act now to eliminate the American cost of education altogether by making it free. Think about it: we already fund, without question, primary education from kindergarten through high school. We recognize the importance of ensuring every child a quality education so that they’re equipped for the world they’re about to enter. At the time, it was enough so that upon graduating, you could
work summers to pay off college during the year and live a decent quality of life. But the world our parents lived in is far different than the one we live in now. Factory jobs have been automated and shipped overseas. Malls across America are closing. Wages have remained stagnant as costs surrounding us have risen, meaning it’s nearly impossible to work to pay for school without leaving in debt. Now, a bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma. In an increasingly productive economy, workers need skills to compete for employment — skills primarily derived from a college education. Shifts in the labor market toward tech jobs and high-skilled occupations like nursing mean you’re lucky to get a job that meets your basic needs without a degree. The typical response you hear is that there’s always jobs available that don’t require a degree: trade jobs like plumbing, commercial industry jobs like fishing, so on and so forth. But many of those positions still require some degree of training, up-front investments in permits, or a skill acquired through a technical program. Those programs should be funded much like a college degree, too, but students should not have to make the choice between working in a field they’re better suited for and a trade job. Moreover, the jobs of the future are the ones we need to be filled. Machines are quickly replacing jobs that humans once occupied — working machines, entering data, driving trucks and even arguing cases are on their way to becoming human-less. In fact, the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that up to 800 million workers will lose their jobs to automation by 2030. The jobs of the future are the coders and engineers managing automation, not fast-food cooks, store clerks and retail workers. It’s not enough to graduate from high school anymore; we need college degrees to keep up. It’s time we extend the existing presumption that we fund education to higher education to account for the world we live in today, not the one our parents are from.
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018
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A letter from your USUAA president
By Geser Bat-Erdene UAA Student Body President
Dear Seawolves, The Fall 2018 semester is coming to an end and it was for sure not without its challenges. After a major earthquake hit us on Nov. 30, 2018, USUAA was astonished by how the UAA Facilities and Incident Management Team worked tirelessly around the clock over the weekend to make our campus safe for students. Thus, by expressing our utmost appreciation to them and to the Chancellor’s cabinet for their effective leadership and communication, on Dec. 7, 2018, the Resolution #19-05: Earthquake Response Appreciation was unanimously passed by the General Assembly. Throughout the semester, USUAA members were able to
successfully execute their duties and fulfill their commitments before students. During the important midterm election that took place this fall, we were able to bring together a number of incredible individuals and organizations to host the first Gubernatorial Debate on campus. We believe that advocacy is as powerful as we play our role in the future of our community by providing access to its decision makers. Recognizing the fiscal challenges that our state is going through, we will be pursuing an efficient communication with the new governor and the state Legislature to ensure a stable future for our University. This year, UAA is going through a Student Fees Review Cycle that takes place once every four years. Five out of eight mandatory student fee-collecting departments expressed their
interest in implementing modifications to their respective fees. During this process, USUAA was able to facilitate an open forum for students and instructed all the Directors to deliver presentations before the General Assembly. After weeks of discussions and debates, on Dec. 7, 2018, USUAA was able to vote and pass Resolutions #1902: Transportation Fee; #19-03: Technology, eLearning, ePortfolio Fees; #19-04: Student Activities Fee that include our concluding decisions. During the USUAA Fall 2018 Elections, the student body has elected the candidates for their next UA student regent and student commissioner positions, who will later be considered for gubernatorial appointments. Additionally, a total of nine amendments, a review committee proposed to the USUAA Constitution after careful examination of our governing documents were also approved by the body. Going forward, we are fully committed to playing our role in advancing the Culture of Respect to make sure every member of our community is safe. We will continue our efforts in learning more and tackling issues of hunger and homelessness at UAA. Lastly, USUAA would like to congratulate all the graduating students and wish the best of luck in their future endeavors. Happy Holidays!
OPINION
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Invest in artificial intelligence to predict earthquakes
GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA
By Ben Edwards
opinion2@thenorthernlight.org
Seismology is an incredibly complex field of science. Earthquakes and aftershocks are still unpredictable in their timing, location and intensity. Despite strenuous research, seismologists have yet to identify a reliable precursor to earthquakes. Such a thing would be any kind of geological phenomenon that consistently precedes every tremor. Science has revealed much about our world, but understanding the tectonic plates seems to be just outside of our reach. Nonetheless, public pressure to find the answer is growing. Earthquakes can be destructive and terrifying. The Nov. 30 earthquake here in Alaska caused extensive damage to UAA, resulting in a
four-day closure. Sometimes survivors are eager to point fingers. In Italy, six scientists were sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter after they failed to predict a 2009 earthquake that killed more than 300 people. We know the process of earthquakes. They are sudden releases of stress from the Earth’s crust, built up as tectonic plates move against each other. However, the geological variability of different locations that earthquakes occur makes it difficult to build simulations of them. Any laboratory simulation will only apply to the geographic inputs that seismologists type into the computer. For example, the earthquake that struck Alaska this year involved different geographic features than anywhere else on Earth. Seismologists cannot practically create new simulations for every possible variable in any given earthquake. Fortunately, there is one type of seismologist that has the ability to do this, but it isn’t human. Artificial intelligence is gradually being accepted by the scientific community for its potential role in earthquake prediction. Only AI possesses the mass-computational prowess to arrange and sort hundreds of thousands of geographic variables. Only AI can generate enough virtual simulations to accurately represent earthquakes as they occur in different places, depths and intensities. From these simulations, only AI can identify patterns and possibly a precursor to every earthquake. Research has already begun to yield
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where Alaska can employ an earthquake AI permanently. Eventually, this fully operational AI will probably move to the Alaska Earthquake Center at UAF. The good thing about a robot seismologist is that it doesn’t matter where it is located. As long as it is maintained and fed a continuous supply of raw data, it can work around the clock to observe seismic activity in Alaska. This AI will require a multitude of measurements and sensors. There are currently 280 sensors in place in Alaska. The State of Alaska and the USGS should expand efforts to increase that number, because no amount of raw data is too much for an AI. The AI can process a virtual mapping of Alaska’s unique geophysical variables. Human operators will input data on previous earthquakes in the state. Then the AI will work to identify Alaska-specific seismic patterns and, hopefully, a precursor. Predicting earthquakes would be the most ideal employment for this AI. But we should always be temperate when it comes to estimating future technology. At the very least, an Alaskan seismic AI can work to predict aftershocks. This would be easier since the AI will already have the initial earthquake’s data to work off of. Either way, Alaskans need to reconcile with the fact that a tremor rivaling the intensity and duration of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake is inevitable. It would be good to make use of cuttingedge technology to prepare for that day.
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results on this. Paul Johnson, a geophysicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, submitted a detailed report in 2017 that recorded his team’s progress on machine learning for earthquakes. Johnson’s team fed the computer raw data from earthquake measurements. This differs from how scientists have tried to predict earthquakes in the past, primarily by using the United States Geological Survey’s Earthquake Catalog. The USGS catalog is limited because it only includes magnitudes, locations and times. Johnson’s machine was able to process raw data, which includes all measurements taken, even if they don’t seem relevant, and produce a pattern out of it. Patterns can be thought of as the foundation for discovering an earthquake precursor. Since Alaska is the most earthquake prone state in the U.S., it is only fitting that we get a stake in this AI research. UAA hosted its own AI system for the purpose of Arctic research. This university has also demonstrated its ability to secure federal support, as evidenced by the Arctic Domain Awareness Center with the Department of Homeland Security. Given this history, UAA is wellpositioned to pursue access to seismic research AIs in the Lower 48. UAA’s Department of Geological Sciences and Computer Science and Engineering should cooperate to locate, petition, acquire and utilize these AIs. The end-goal here isn’t about academics, though. UAA only serves to provide the intellectual foundation for a future
Opinion Writer Ben Edwards opinion2@thenorthernlight.org Staff Photographer Christian Cielo ccielo@thenorthernlight.org Multimedia Editor Mizelle Mayo multimedia@thenorthernlight.org Graphic Designer Jian Bautista jbautista@thenorthernlight.org
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