NEWS
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 02
Do UAA alumni donate to the university? DONATIONS TO UAA $320.7M
$200K+
UA Foundation, millions in management total
raised by UAA/UAF call center in Fall 2017 semester
$7.7M
$23.1M
from UA Foundation to UAA for FY17
increase in UA Foundation endowment investments for FY17 GRAPHIC BY LEVI BROWN
By Cheyenne Mathews cmathews@thenorthernlight.org
On Dec. 17, more than 1,100 UAA students will join the ranks of UAA alumni at this year’s fall commencement. What is still unclear, is whether they will also join the ranks of UAA alumni who donate to the university later in life. The University of Alaska has a relatively short history with philanthropy. Philanthropy professionals like Harry Need, senior director of philanthropic services at the UA Foundation, and Megan Olson, vice chancellor for University Advancement, both recognize that Alaska has a stronger history of corporate giving. “There’s no question that the history here at UA — this isn’t just UAA — is a tradition of corporate and foundation giving,” Olson said. “Nationally, there’s generally a split of about 80/20; 80 percent of gifts come from individuals, primarily alumni, and 20 percent from corporations and foundations. In Alaska, the tradition has been quite the reverse. In fact, 90 percent of our gifts have traditionally been from corporations and foundations.” There are many buildings at UAA that exemplify this statement: the Alaska Airlines Center, the Wells Fargo Sports Complex, the ConocoPhillips
Integrated Science Building and theWeidner Center for Real Estate Management. “There is still a developing sense or culture of philanthropy in the state,” Olson said. “The culture of philanthropy in this state is not as mature as in other places, but again, I think that’s changing and we have an opportunity as a large institution in the state to help move that needle.” Jim Johnsen, president of the University of Alaska, has spoken about increasing philanthropy to the university to offset declining contributions from the State of Alaska. In the fall of 2013, UA had a general fund allocation of over $376.7 million. This fall, the fund allocation was roughly $317 million. “We don’t get a lot of money from high networked individuals, it’s usually corporations at this point in Alaska, people with means …[for] doctors and lawyers and people like that, getting a building named after them is really expensive and it’s beyond their reach,” Johnsen said at the UAA tuition increase forum in October. “But endowing a scholarship is not. If you think about it, if you put in a $100,000, [or] $120,000 — which for folks like that is not big, big money — you can actually fully endow a scholarship for a student forever.” There is already an organization whose sole mission is to raise funds for the University of
PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Megan Moore of the Alumni Association Board of Directors chats with guests during the Alumni Homecoming Breakfast at Lucy Cuddy Hall.
Alaska, it’s called the UA Foundation. History of the UA Foundation “We are hard at work now, building a philanthropic campaign,” Johnsen said. “You may have heard of the University of Alaska Foundation. It’s a private, not-for-profit corporation, whose sole reason to live is to raise money for the University of Alaska.” The UA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and accumulates both corporate and private donations. The foundation was established in 1974 by former Regent Brian Brundin. By 1979, the foundation had accumulated over $250,000 in gifts and donations, and it wasn’t until 1983 that the foundation had $1 million in invested gifts to manage. Another landmark for the foundation was in 1997 when it took responsibility of the university’s land-grant trust. Today, the foundation manages $320.7 million in the consolidated endowment fund, which includes the $141.1 million UA land-grant endowment. For fiscal year 2017, which ended on June 30 of this calendar year, the foundation received $9.2 million from UAA donations, $14.4 million from UAF, $1.3 million from UAS, and $200,000 from statewide donors, according to the founda-
tion’s annual financial report. The report also shows that the foundation distributed a collective $18 million back to the University of Alaska, with $7.7 million going to UAA. The foundation is growing; they earned $23.1 million in investments this year. Harry Need, senior director of philanthropic services at the UA Foundation, said the fund is not here to cover the budget deficit. “The foundation is never going to cover the budget gap,” Need said. “If the state decides to cut us $50 million, the foundation doesn’t turn around and create $50 million through gifts the next day.” What the foundation can do is reach out to growing numbers of alumni populations. “We’re now getting to the point where we have alumni to the University of Alaska who are seniors, and who are starting to think about what their legacy is and what their purpose is,” Need said. What is Ruffalo Noel Levitz? Ruffalo Noel Levitz is an enrollment and fundraising consultant that the university has hired to help increase UA enrollments and donations. RNL is also currently operating the UAA and UAF call center. “We have historically raised $150,000 annually from our phonathon program that’s been
run internally by our staff and Ruffalo Noel Levitz has set a goal of $190,000 for UAA this year,” Olson said. “This is the first year we’ve entered into this, so I’m excited about that ambitious goal.” Since they started calling in September, the center has raised over $200,000 this semester for both UAA and UAF, and UAA alone received over $130,000 in donations from over 1,000 donors. Kailyn Hill works for RNL and runs the call center out of the Administrative and Humanities Building at UAA. “We have 12 people every night… that are here for four hours each, so we have 48 calling hours a night,” Hill said. “In any given night, we can raise between a couple hundred dollars to several thousand.” Julian McCarthy, natural sciences major, is a student caller. Part of his job is to convince alumni to donate to the university by starting a conversation with the alum. Last month, McCarthy was on a call with an alum that donated $25 last year and $1,000 this year. “I asked for $500,” McCarthy said. “But the conversation was so great that he wanted to support the cause that I was doing.” The phone center has a total staff of 31 people.
NEWS
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 03
UAA signs into partnership agreement with National University of Mongolia
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN DUFFY
National University of Mongolia president Tumurbaatar Yadmaa with other NUM professors, lecturers and German university interns after the signing.
By Mariah DeJesus-Remaklus mremaklus@thenorthernlight.org
As of Nov. 30, UAA has signed into a partnership agreement with the National University of Mongolia. This agreement will open up doorways to collaborative research and faculty and student exchanges. John Duffy, adjunct professor for UAA’s College of Business and Public Policy, began visiting Mongolia in March to work on civil service reform, among other projects. He decided to look into the National University of Mongolia to talk about local government. “All of a sudden, I’m lecturing in all these classes and recently, I was teaching doctoral level courses over there and helping faculty develop the program,”
Duffy said. Alaska and Mongolia share similar qualities, such as impacts of climate change and having natural resourcebased economies. This led Duffy to consider establishing an official connection between UAA and NUM. After consulting with his colleagues in Mongolia, they wrote the basic agreement that would lay the foundation for joint research and other educational opportunities for the universities. Duffy wants to connect UAA’s Mongolian Students Society with NUM’s student parliament in hopes that the students can collaborate and work on projects or capstones together. Geser Bat-Erdene is the president of the Mongolian Student Society and says that he is happy to see a relationship forming between UAA and NUM. “[When I was] a USUAA senator, for
a long time I’d been advocating for establishing relationships not only between cities and countries but between universities,” Bat-Erdene said. One of the first projects Duffy looks forward to doing is helping improve Mongolia’s civil service. An issue that he witnessed was instability within the public administration, especially if there was a change in political party. “When a new party comes into power, they remove anyone who is not in that party… even like the director of hospitals leaves if you’re not with the political party in power,” Duffy said. “When that happens, you lose your institutional knowledge and experience.” Duffy believes that encouraging participation from the public and offering collaborations from UAA’s end of the agreement could help reform Mongolia’s civil service.
For Bat-Erdene, promoting UAA in his home country has been a long-time goal while attending school in Alaska. “I think in any country, especially Mongolia, they have a perception that if you go to the U.S., if it’s not Harvard or Yale, other institutions are not very good,” Bat-Erdene said. “My goal is to promote University of Alaska and make people understand that different colleges have different strengths.” MSS actively uses social media, like Facebook, to share experiences and cultural content between Mongolia and Alaska. Recently, they’ve engaged in a movement called, “We Are Global Citizens,” which invites all students to help promote diversity across the University of Alaska system. Bat-Erdene and other Mongolian students have been making an effort to maintain relationships with those at NUM. They are also looking forward to the president of NUM, Tumurbaatar Yadmaa, visiting UAA in February of 2018. Though the agreement is still new and ideas are in the air, Duffy believes that the partnership will foster educational tasks and opportunities for both universities. “I think just being exposed to different challenges will help the students. For the faculty, it’s almost the same thing but it’s more research-bound… and comparing and contrasting Alaska and Mongolia,” Duffy said. The news of this new partnership should inspire other students, Bat-Erdene says. He hopes that it will set an example for others who are eager to make these kinds of connections. “The main goal is to raise awareness and incentivize other students to be active as well,” Bat-Erdene said.
Recent changes to public transit creates challenges for students By Caleigh Jensen
cjensen@thenorthernlight.org
Since Oct. 23, People Mover has been operating with a new schedule. The recent changes include extended hours, direct routes and increased frequency of the buses. The change was designed to improve ridership and convenience for its users. The decline in ridership of the buses, along with budget cuts, prompted these major changes to the system and its route designs, with good intentions of efficiency and relevancy in mind. The four major roads the People Mover travels on have reduced wait times to 15 minutes. However, for some students at UAA, the changes that have affected how they get around Anchorage. Harry Kim, senior aviation technology major and frequent user of People Mover buses, feels the changes that were meant to be improvements have negatively affected his commute. Living on the south side of Anchorage, his neighborhood was one the many side streets that was cut from the routes. Public buses are the main source of transportation to and from school for some students, and the new system, along with the winter weather conditions, have led riders to seek out alternative forms of transportation. “The bus system was my only commute source. The reason why I chose my current residency was because I knew I could take the transit to get to work and school,” Kim said. “I was planning to save my money and utilize the transit system.”
PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM
Budget cuts and a decline in bus ridership prompted new routes for People Mover, which makes getting to and from campus difficult for some students.
Kim’s alternative forms of transportation have been Lyft, Uber and receiving rides from friends. However, they have proved more expensive than the bus, which he paid for with the use of his Wolfcard. The university is located near the center of the transit system, and with the use of Wolfcards and the U-Pass Program, students are able to use the public buses to go to many locations around town. This is made possible through the payment of the student transportation fee of $13. “He was paying as much to get a ride to work and back as he was making in one
shift working here,” Tim Flynn, Kim’s boss and Student Union operations coordinator, said. “That didn’t seem right or fair, I don’t want him to have to pay to work here.” One of the biggest changes in the public transit system was the addition of more direct bus routes. This included fewer neighborhood stops in order to streamline travel and create faster rides for passengers. Although feedback from outreach done by the Public Transit Advisory Board showed that many people were more willing to walk further than wait longer, other riders disagree.
“People who had a bus stop conveniently located within a couple blocks of their house before, now have to walk 20, 30 minutes in the snow and ice to get there,” Flynn said. “Students still pay [the transportation fee], and by taking away some of the routes, they are unable to get to the university easily.” Another hassle that frequent bus riders are facing is having to take multiple connecting routes to get to their final destination. A map of the new Anchorage bus system is posted on www.PeopleMover.org.
04 | NEWS
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
Alaska Occupational Safety and Health begins second inspection this year said. There is a larger list of buildings that are suspected to have asbestos containing materials including the Student Union, several of the student housing units and the Social Sciences Building.
By Cheyenne Mathews cmathews@thenorthernlight.org
The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health office began another inspection into workplace safety at UAA on Nov. 29. The November AKOSH inspection follows an inspection from June and July of this year, that looked into UAA’s procedures for asbestos contamination and remediation. The summer inspection concluded by giving UAA two citations, labeled serious and otherthan-serious. These classifications by AKOSH can come with monetary penalties up to $7,000 for each violation. UAA has posted the citations in the affected buildings of Eugene Short Hall and the Automotive Diesel Technology building, but they have redacted the AKOSH penalties. “They don’t have to be made public, by regulation, and it was decided that this information wasn’t needed in the public notice,” Doug Markussen, director of the Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management Support at UAA, wrote in an email. From 1973 to 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency implemented a series of regulations that banned asbestos containing materials for anything from insulation to fireproofing. Asbestos has been recognized as hazardous in “friable” or airborne, form because asbestos can lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma. What happened On June 5, in the Automotive Diesel Technology Building, a contracted painter noticed that materials that were being removed from the building were asbestos containing materials. According to a memo sent to the UAA community by Interim Provost, Duane Hrncir, and Interim Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services, Pat Shier, the incident lasted four hours and the area was sealed and cleaned up in seven days. The AKOSH
The aftermath
PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM
The Eugene Short Hall, one of the oldest buildings on UAA’s campus, is known to contain asbestos in its building materials.
citation states that an employee removed an asbestos containing joint compound from the second floor ceiling of the building and, “transferred contaminate equipment to the storage shed.” On June 12, a similar incident occurred in the Eugene Short Hall. According to the memo, Parking Services employees, “returned to a space in which renovation work had been performed by a contractor, but not completed over the weekend.” Markussen said the employees thought they were exposed to asbestos containing materials, and reported the incident to the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA referred the issue to AKOSH, who began their inspection into the incidents. Markussen said that before he was called to the work site, an employee had grabbed a face mask and started taping up the area suspected to have asbestos containing materials. AKOSH citations The incidents above detail several AKOSH violations for improper training of employees, improper remediation of asbestos and for having an improper party remove the asbestos. In the Eugene Short Hall incident, UAA was cited as violating standards regarding hazard
communication to employees, respiratory protection citation for improper use of a facepiece, and falling object protection. For the Automotive Diesel Technology Building incident, AKOSH cited UAA for violations of access and egress to and from walking surfaces, ladder standards, scaffold standards, insufficient training, exposure to asbestos and failure to have competent persons to perform asbestos work. UAA is contesting Citation 1, which Chief of AKOSH, Krystyna Markiewicz, says they can do. “Employers have a right to contest. They have 50 days to contest,” Markiewicz said. AKOSH will re-evaluate the citations and either change their decision or disagree with the employer contest. “If we don’t agree with the employer, we go to a review board,” Markiewicz said. “[The Occupational Health and Safety Administration] has a review board which basically makes a decision and the OSHA office followed the rules and documented that the employer violated some law or something like that. If there are no citations, no violations of OSHA standards, then we just do a closing conference and we leave the site.” Markiewicz said she could
not comment on the specifics of the UAA case at the time of publication, as it is still officially listed as an open investigation. Asbestos at UAA Since asbestos containing materials were used in building construction up until the 1970s, several UAA buildings are known to contain asbestos materials, and several others are suspected to contain asbestos. “Even though there is asbestos in a lot of our buildings, it is not asbestos in a friable form that any employee or student is going to come in contact with, unless they are doing it quite intentionally,” Markussen said. Eugene Short Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus. Eugene Short Hall is accompanied by the Automotive Diesel Technology building, Sally Monserud Hall, Gordon Hartlieb Hall, Lucy Cuddy Hall, Natural Sciences Building, UAA/APU Consortium Library, among others, that are known to contain asbestos materials in a non-hazardous form. “Any building that is ‘85 or older we consider suspect, we’ve done inspections on them, we’ve got a lot of reports from environmental agencies showing us exactly where it is and what concentration it is,” Markussen
“We are re-examining and refreshing our emphasis of the appropriate level of awareness training,” Interim Vice Chancellor Shier said, after the most recent inspection. Shier said new employees are currently required to take a workplace hazard training and that asbestos awareness is now a larger component of that training. Markussen said that ideally, employees would be able to identify a hazard and then call his department to manage the hazard. In the Eugene Short Hall incident, employees contacted an external governmental agency (the EPA) instead of going to the Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management Support office. The training will teach employees how to identify hazards and how to call the appropriate office to remediate the hazard. “We had not had up to date training for a number of them, we have re-instituted that, we have gotten them training since then,” Markussen said. According to the memo, UAA has also hired an environmental health and safety consulting firm, Landmark Environmental, to, “assist us in ensuring full compliance and adoption of best practices.” Markussen said he also leads something called the Building Blitz every Friday of the academic year. The Blitz is a walk through of a different building on campus each week by facilities professionals, that works to spot and fix maintenance or hazard problems. For its most current inspection, Markiewicz said AKOSH has 180 days to issue any citations.
NEWS
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 05
Survey shows 9 in 10 UAA students enjoy living on campus
GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA
By Marie Ries
news2@thenorthernlight.org
The Quality of Life Survey of students living in the UAA residence halls and apartments for the fall semester was conducted and showed positive perceptions of most on-campus offerings. A total of 177 students living on campus participated in the survey. Overall, students seem to be satisfied with their residential community. More than half of the participants are in their first year at UAA and 75 percent are between 18 and 20 years old. The UAA housing community con-
sists of three residence halls as well as the Main Apartment Complex (MAC) and the Templewood Apartments. North, East and West Hall house approximately 200 students each; about 220 students are living in the MACs and the Templewood apartments have capacity for 80 people. About 55 percent of the survey’s participants are living in one of the three residence halls; 29 percent are residents of the MACs and 6 percent reside in the Templewood apartments. Jorge Sanchez, a psychology major in his first year at UAA, likes the MAC apartment he is living in. “It’s a very spacious place with a great kitchen and a nice bathroom. [It] doesn’t feel like I’m in a dorm, but an actual apartment,” Sanchez said. Sanchez has mixed feelings about oncampus living in general. “It has its ups and downs. It’s great knowing that I’m able to walk to school. On the other side, you have roommates that can make your experience good or bad,” Sanchez said. Despite satisfactory responses, approximately 28 percent of the participants indicated hearing derogatory remarks either directed to them or someone else while living in UAA’s residential community. The remarks were mainly targeted at a person’s sexual orientation, their religious beliefs or their ethnicity. Still, nine in ten residents reported feeling welcome in the on-campus community and enjoying university housing. Ryan Hill, associate director of Department of Residence Life and MAC residence coordinator, said that the results of the survey have been relatively consistent over the past years. “There’s always things that we want to do better. When we ask people if they are comfortable living here, if they would
recommend living on campus to a friend — we want to see a 100 percent,” Hill said. “Generally, in those areas, we’re in the 80 to 90 percent range and that makes us very happy. We’ve continued being in this range for the past few years.” For the first time, the survey also asked the residents to rate their satisfaction with the facility upgrades the university has been investing in. “It was exciting to see that the upgrades were appreciated and noticed,” Hill said. When asked about issues University Housing could improve on, most students named the costs of semester rooms, as well as the prices of meal plans and of Bear Necessities, the small convenience store in the Gorsuch Commons. “We can’t compete price wise with someone who can live at home for free in Anchorage,” Hill said. Nonetheless, Hill is convinced that living on campus can be a good option for many students. “We believe that you get a lot for what you’re paying for when living on campus,” Hill said. “I would not say it’s cheap, but what you’re getting out of that is a high quality experience and one that is going to enhance your academic performance.” The housing rates start at $3,150 per semester for a shared bedroom suite in the residence halls. All students living in either North, West or East Hall, which do not have insuite kitchens, are required to purchase a meal plan. The options available were updated at the beginning of this semester and range from $2,250 to $2,500 in price. The survey shows that three in four students are satisfied with the variety of food offered in the Creekside Eatery. For students with special food needs, the
findings are different; only 56 percent feel that their special food needs have been met by dining. On campus residents interested in creating change for their residential community have the chance to get involved with the Residence Hall Association. RHA is the student governing body for the UAA residential communities. Its members help create policies, plan a variety of events open to all students and advocate for residents’ concerns. The association has a direct voice in university governance activities via a voting seat at USUAA. Alexis Harvey, health sciences major and president of RHA, believes in the beneficial effects of on-campus living. “The numbers speak for themselves. Multiple studies show that living on campus at least during the first year of college can significantly improve connections made, increasing your success and likelihood to stay enrolled,” Harvey said. As UAA is a commuter campus, this could be particularly important for some students who are looking for the typical college experiences. “UAA’s campus does not have the typical university feel,” Harvey said. “I believe living on campus allows students to get to know each other outside of the classroom through programming on residential campus, rooming together and even becoming a part of an organization, such as RHA, where they are able to actively give back to the community in which they are a part of.” At the beginning of the spring semester, RHA will resume regular meetings every Sunday at 8 p.m. in either the Gorsuch Commons Room 107 or on the first floor lobby of each residence hall.
FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 06
Finding her niche: Alexandria McLearen, UAA’s fall commencement speaker
PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM
Alexandria McLearen will speak on Dec. 17 on behalf of the fall class of 2017.
“I have really enjoyed my time here at UAA. It doesn’t feel like I am graduating, it’s kind of jdiaz@thenorthernlight.org crazy,” McLearen said. Majoring in natural sciencWith the end of college comes a new beginning and opportuni- es with a minor in Alaska Naties to learn. This is what com- tive studies and psychology, mencement speaker Alexandria McLearen has come a long way McLearen’s speech is all about: from where she started. “I didn’t really get involved failure and how to learn from until around my sophomore year your mistakes. McLearen’s journey at UAA of college, and honestly I wish I started four and a half years ago. got involved earlier,” McLearen By Joseph Diaz
said. “The only reason I got involved was because I always checked my email and I got an email from 2015-2016 [USUAA] President Jonathon Taylor. It is hard if you are not looking, those opportunities don’t just fall in your lap, well, unless you check your email.” Throughout her time at UAA, McLearen said her most challenging moment was when she was chair of the Green Fee Board. “I learned that my input was not only valid, but it was necessary. The reason I was a representative was not by chance, but because I worked for it, so I should give my input. That was my biggest challenge, knowing when to put my voice in and when to step back,” McLearen said. It is through her leadership roles and her involvement on campus that McLearen was chosen to be the commencement speaker. “It is always hard to choose a speaker, we usually get really good applications,” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Bruce Schultz, said. “However, Alex [McLearen] was chosen not only because of her roles in the UAA community, but also because the way she presented her speech was really interesting. When I look for a speech, I look for one that is going to resonate with a broad audience.” Only three to seven students apply for the commencement speaker every semester. “It is a challenge every year. I think a lot of students just want to focus on their school work
and graduating,” Schultz said. Past speeches have been on a variety of topics including Dr. Seuss, the importance of social justice, and the hardships of graduating college when coming from an immigrant family. “Their stories are different, but what tends to be common throughout all the stories is that it’s a personal experience and it’s a personal perspective. Folks tend to speak very positively about their time at UAA,” Schultz said. Maria Williams, Alaska Native studies professor, taught McLearen in her Alaska Native Perspectives class and Alaska Native Music class. “She was always very active in the Alaska Native Studies program,” Williams said. “She always brought a sort of energy that just lit up the room. She is very kind, engaged, she’s a team player and she cares about the greater community. She has a real dedication to make the world a better place.” Lyndea Kelleher, a friend of McLearen’s, shared a lot of time with her in USUAA government, starting back in the fall semester of 2015. “We have worked on things like student fee resolutions, Green Fee Board initiatives such as the hydration stations. Recently, she did an initiative for insulating solar panels and we did research to testify for the Board of Regents,” Kelleher said. Kelleher described McLearen as being a strong leader in USUAA. “She has really great drive
and motivation and she is one of those people that always has a vision. She likes to make things better, and I think those help her make her a successful person,” Kelleher said. McLearen’s commencement speech is about failure, and how to make the most of those experiences. “We all experience it, so you just have to know how to get back up and keep going,” McLearen said. McLearen wants to leave an impact on her fellow students and wants this speech to really resonate with everyone. She wanted to reach out to those that aren’t really considered at commencements. “I really hope to reach out not only to my classmates, but also those little girls and boys in the audience. Those were the sorts of people I was keeping in mind with my speech,” McLearen said. The biggest piece of advice McLearen has for students new to UAA is for them to branch out of their comfort zones and find what they enjoy. “Find your niche. Something to know is that UAA is full of amazing people. It may seem scary at first to try and get involved with stuff, but if you just get out there you will see how much fun it can be and how big of a difference you can make,” McLearen said. McLearen will speak at the fall 2017 commencement ceremony on Dec. 17 at the Alaska Airlines Center
FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 07
College Cookbook: Easy mug cake gifts Snickerdoodle Dry Ingredients • 1/4 cup, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Wet Ingredients • 1/4 cup milk, at room temperature • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract By Victoria Petersen copy@thenorthernlight.org
An easy Christmas gift, these pre-made mug cakes will make a fun and tasty gift for anyone on your list. Start by finding the perfect mug. Fill the mug with a plastic baggie wrapped with the dry ingredients of the mug cake recipe. Include a recipe card with the wet ingredients and baking instructions for the recipient to make at home. Make sure the mug you are using is microwave safe and large enough to allow for the cake to rise.
Directions 1. In your mug, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon until combined. Add the milk, butter and vanilla to the mug and mix until you create a smooth batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired. 2. Microwave for 1 to 1 and a half minutes, or until the cake is done to your taste. Let the cake cool before serving.
Blueberry muffin Dry Ingredients • 1/4 cup, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder Wet Ingredients • 1/4 cup milk, at room temperature • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries Directions 1. Mix dry ingredients in the mug. Add the wet ingredients, except the blueberries and mix until a smooth batter is formed. Stir in the blueberries last. 2. Microwave for 1 and a half minutes. Allow the cake to cool before eating.
Gluten-free chocolate Dry Ingredients • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips • 1/2 tablespoon dutch processed cocoa powder Wet Ingredients • 1 large egg • 1 tablespoon heavy cream Directions 1. In a large mug, add chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat for about 40 seconds at a time in the microwave, whisking together each time you take it out. Do this until the chocolate is completely melted. 2. Add the rest of the ingredients to the chocolate, whisking together vigorously as to not break down the egg. Whisk until the batter is smooth. 3. Microwave for about 1 minute. The cake will rise while in the microwave but will compress when the baking has stopped. Let cake rest for about 20 minutes. If desired, top with powdered sugar and fresh fruit before serving.
08 | FEATURES
Meet the artist behind Alaska’s license plate 21-year-old UAA student and Palmer local used her graphic skills and love for Alaska to design the new state license plate
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
Eccentric electives
UAA’s 2018 spring semester will offer a wide arrange of select topic courses in all different subjects
GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA
By Malia Barto
arts2@thenorthernlight.org
In need of some electives, but don’t want to stress over intense coursework? In the past, UAA has offered unique selected topic courses in multiple subjects, such as a J.K. Rowling English course, Disney and history of animation history course and a cheese and wine pairing culinary course, all of which can count towards electives. For the upcoming spring sePHOTO COURTESY OF SANDRA LAULAINEN mester, there are more unusual, yet fun, selected topic courses Anita Laulainen, graphic design major, submitted her license plate design in April of last year. Her design was chosen from 140 offered to start 2018 on a good submittions. foot. English major, Antionette Street, has completed several By Lauren Cuddihy selected topic courses in the sports2@thenorthernlight.org past. Street has completed a few English selected topics courses, Anita Laulainen, the dewhere she studied Shakespeare signer behind Alaska’s newest and pop culture, J.R.R. Tolkien license plate, is currently comand language and gender. Street pleting her senior year at UAA, has also completed a cheese receiving her degree in art with and wine pairing class, offered a focus in graphic design. From through the culinary departa class she was taking for her dement, and an honors class titled, gree program, Laulainen decid“Saving the World with Ishmaed to enter the Alaska Artistic el.” Licence Plate competition, creStreet encourages students to ated by the Alaska State Council ists behind each submission was design flowed well.” try classes they normally would on the Arts. In her free time, Laulainen not think of enrolling in. “I knew about the license hidden from both the jury and the public. spends a lot of time in the Alas“Do it. You have the first two plate design contest from a class Once nearly 17,000 Alaskans kan elements. weeks to decide if you’re going assignment, actually. We were “I’ve always been interested to stay in the class... If you’re in given the license plate design voted on the final design, it was competition criteria as a class announced in early December in art for as long as I can remem- college for the long haul, have assignment in my illustration that Laulainen was the final ber, but my interest in graphic fun. You need to have something design started in high school. I to break up the monotony of takclass, and after we completed winner. “I actually didn’t believe it at realized then that I really enjoy ing labor-intensive classes,” the assignment we then had the first. I was really surprised. Now making illustrations and design- Street said. opportunity to submit it,” LauCheese and wine pairing lainen said, “I thought, might as that I’ve had time to process it, ing graphics, so it only made I can’t wait to see the design on sense to study it in college,” will be offered again this sewell, what’s there to lose?” people’s cars,” Laulainen said. Laulainen said. mester, looking into the history Quite the opposite of her iniHer design was originally put The outdoors brings her a and culture of different cheeses tial thought, Laulainen actually quiet serenity that often helps and wines. Students must be 21 gained a lot from the competi- together last spring. “I think I finished it someinspire her artwork, but her or older by the start of class to tion. In addition to becoming a publicly recognized artist, hav- time in March for the class as- classes and academic experi- enroll. Another tasty selected ing her design be driven around signment, and after adjusting a ence is what really led her down topic course offered in the cutown on countless cars, Laulai- couple small details, I submitted this path. Her specific interest in linary arts department is one nen also recieved $1,000 as a it sometime in April before the high school promoted her focus which will dive into the world of deadline,” Laulainen said. in graphic design. preparing Indian cuisine. Both prize. Although the class was the “My advice for incoming courses are listed as separate The competition originally main determining factor for the graphic design students would sections of CA 490. started with more than 140 subIn the English department, missions that were narrowed design submission, it was her be to take a variety of design love for Alaska that prompted classes, as many as are ofENGL 429, major authors down by a four-person “celebthe actual design. fered. That way, you can create course, will study the works of rity jury” last year. “I was motivated to create a diverse portfolio. Also, cre- Jennifer Egan and Jonathan LeIncluded in the jury was Sitka Democratic Representative Jon- this particular design because ate your own projects outside of them, both contemporary writathan Kreiss-Tomkins, first lady I wanted to depict the beau- class, just experimenting with ers who have published several Donna Walker, Iditarod musher ty of Alaska, even in winter. different styles and techniques; books individually. David Stevenson, who has Aliy Zirkle and artist Ray Troll. The harsh, yet beautiful snowy if you don’t know how to do mountains, and the glowing something, find a tutorial,” Lautaught another major authors The four of them worked togethcourse on Don Delillo previer to narrow down the submis- luminescence of the northern lainen said. The license plate will be ously, will teach next semester’s sions until the final five could lights,” Laulainen said “Once I had the design elements in place, available for drivers to choose Egan and Lethem course. be voted on by the public. To remost of the work was just adjustfrom in early 2018. “We’re all trying to choose duce bias, the names of the arting the colors to make sure the
work that we think is important and that students are going to like. Both of these writers both really change it up in their works ― they try to do something different in their books,” Stevenson said. “What I hope for is engage[ment] in the act of reading and [to] show them writers they might not have known before.” Stevenson’s class will be a reading and discussion course through exploring Egan and Lethem’s work. His class still has room for more students, with 17 spots open as of publication. The Honors College will offer the selected topic course, “Why People Believe Weird Things” under HNRS 292. The class will discuss some popular superstitions and what make humans still believe in them. An anthropology class, ANTH 490, “Drugs and Culture” will discuss widespread and culturebound drugs and its cultural contexts. Both classes still have spots open. For movie and history buffs, the “Great American Western” history course will be offered, HIST 244, taught by Ronald Crawford on the Eagle River campus. Crawford’s class is what he calls a “survey of films.” He shows multiple films throughout the semester that relate the subject of the course and discusses the history behind it. For next semester’s course, his class will look at western films from “The Lone Ranger” to “The Revenant.” Crawford has covered a wide range of history topic courses in the past that study films, including genres from Disney, Alfred Hitchcock and comedy. Crawford is currently wrapping up this semester’s science-fiction course. He said he has not taught the Great American Western class in around 10 years. “We’re going to go back to when Hollywood started and why westerns were popular back then, how they developed, who the major stars and directors were, plots and stories, and even television westerns. We’re also going to look at how they create a myth about the American west. Is it really history? Probably not, but it’s what people around the world are seeing,” Crawford said. There are still plenty of spots open in Crawford’s class, as of publication. Selected topic courses are a great way to learn more about a certain topic that may not be discussed in detail in other standard classes, nor would be considered conventional to students. “I’m graduating soon and with all the classes I’ve taken, I’ve had a really beneficial education. [These classes] may seem non-standard or not traditional, but they build skills in you,” Street said. Registration is on-going until the add-drop deadline in late January.
FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 09
UAA junior designs official 2018 state medallion By Caleigh Jensen
cjensen@thenorthernlight.org
For nearly 30 years, Alaska has been one of the few states in the U.S. that produces state coins. Run by a local family, the Alaska Mint has produced a unique coin each year since it opened in the early ‘90s. Each designed by a different local artist, the coins serve to represent Alaska in a more unique way than the typical t-shirt or postcard. “The coins commemorate Alaska,” Mike Robuck, owner and operator of Alaska Mint, said. “They are a great gift from the state and an interesting and fun addition to any collection, the next step up from a souvenir.” Of the nearly 20 applicants that submitted potential ideas for the 2018 coin, Megan Warren, junior political science major at UAA, came out on top. Her hand-drawn design, featuring a Cessna 206 bush plane flying over a moose in Denali National Park, captured the essence of Alaska and attracted a variety of buyers by combining multiple interest groups. Warren’s coin is unique from years prior, focusing on more than just an animal, the most popular design in the past. Born and raised in-state, she is one of the first Alaska Native artists to have a design featured on the state medallion. Some of her inspiration was drawn from her Tlingit background. “I have roots here, so I have stake in the design. It helped
growing up here because I know what Alaskans are into and what they want to see,” Warren said. “My mom is super involved in the Tlingit community, working for the National Parks Service doing tribal relations with villages. I’ve always been really involved in the culture growing up.” Warren also found inspiration in her personal love for the state, as well as past coin designs. “I was thinking of some of my favorite parts of Alaska, and Denali is definitely one of them. My grandpa has the same float plane [as the coin],” Warren said. “I thought [Alaska Mint’s] aviation designs, which are separate from the state medallion, looked really nice on the coin… and a lot of them featured moose, so that inspired me.” Warren’s artistic interest grew during her high school years, although she has never taken an art course while in college. She attended Sitka Fine Arts Camp, a month long summer camp that offers classes in different art subjects, including drawing and painting, from her freshman to junior year of high school. “I attended a combination of classes I didn’t think I’d be good at and some I already knew I was,” Warren said. “It’s cool to be around people with similar interests, develop new skills and touch up on ones you already have.” Applications for the 2018 coin were submitted this summer. The criteria was being a resident of Alaska and creating a design
PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM
Megan Warren credits her Tlinglit heritage for inspiring her design for the Official State of Alaska Medallion for 2018.
that represented the state. Semifinalists were chosen by Alaska Mint, but the Alaska State Arts Council made the final decision. “I’m there to help let [the State Arts Council] know what would make a good coin design once we have narrowed down the best of the designs… We look at what the image is and the best layout of design,” Robuck said. “Important aspects are good art, designs that have good content that relates to [Alaska] and not too busy that you cannot see the detail in the coin. It is also important that it is relevant to Alaska.” In addition to the coin, Warren was awarded with $500 and recognition at December’s First Friday. Despite the other benefits, she felt the coin itself was the most rewarding. “I love the way the coin turned out,” Warren said. “It’s
PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM
Of nearly 20 applicants, Megan Warren’s design was selected for the Official State of Alaska Medallion for 2018. It features a Cessna 206 bush plane flying over a moose in Denali National Park.
so cool that [Alaska Mint] does everything in store, I love that part about it. It’s all hand-made and authentic, keeping it homebased.” The coin making process takes place exclusively at the Alaska Mint shop. The artist’s drawing is carved into clay, creating an original sculpture, according to Robuck. The sculpture is then transferred and cut into steel, and pressed onto the metal by 18 tons of pressure to create the medallion. “We’re like a microbrewery,” Robuck said. “You can see the workers at the mint from behind the glass, and they’re working most days. We mint on site, creating a cool atmosphere.” The medallions are produced in six sizes, the most common being the one-ounce coin. The coins are also pressed onto three different metal types.
The silver coin with gold highlights is the most popular among collectors, according to Robuck, as it provides more contrast and definition than the pure gold or silver options. A bronze coin was also added recently to the collection, providing a cheaper option. The state medallions are minted in limited quantities throughout the calendar year they are designed for, raising their value as the years pass. In addition to collector coins, the medallions are also made into a number of other products, including necklaces, watches, belt buckles, wine stoppers, bolo ties and more. The coins are sold at the Alaska Mint shop on West Fourth Avenue, as well as other local stores, including the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport gift shop.
Graduates look beyond college, discuss career aspirations By Marie Ries
news2@thenorthernlight.org
As final classes wrap up, many soonto-be graduates are deciding how they want to move forward after college. Some seniors feel anxious about starting a life after college; others anticipate it with excitement. One possibility for graduates is continue their education and earn a higher degree at a graduate school. UAA is currently offering six doctoral and 23 master’s programs. After spending so many years in the education system, other graduates prefer to start their professional career directly after college. Tyler Lockley will be earning bachelor’s degrees in political science and economics. For Lockley, graduate school or traveling after graduation was not an option. He wants to start his professional career as soon as he can. “I feel my degrees have prepared me extremely well for the workforce and I know my skills can place me in a position to work anywhere for almost any company,” Lockley said. He has applied for a job with Levvel, an IT consulting and advising services business in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lockley decided to apply for the job about two months before graduation. The company’s values and the emphasis on responding to change in technology is what drew Lockley’s interest to the company.
“We live in an ever-changing world... Your business must adapt and become more efficient in utilizing new technologies,” Lockley said. In case his plan does not work out, he intends to work in a field that will provide him with flexibility. “I would like to work in the finance or cryptocurrency industry, most likely something in the tech or start-up area,” Lockley said. ‘Those type of jobs allow for more freedoms and room for growth than a typical corporate structured nineto-five [job].” Early childhood education major and special education minor Alexia Blalock already secured a position in her professional field. “I really like the group of people that I’m graduating with, because we all have been working together my last semester,” Blalock said. “For early childhood education, you have to do an internship, so you get to talk to people who are also doing it.” For Blalock, this internship has already proven to be beneficial for her future career. Over the last semester, she has been observing a kindergarten class at Rogers Park Elementary. The school has a program specially designed for highlygifted children in each grade. It currently serves about 200 children in kindergarten through sixth grade, but the program is growing. “[The school officials] are going to split the [kindergarten and first grade
class], because they’re just getting so many kids,” Blalock said. “They asked if I would take the kindergarten position next semester, so that’s what I’m going to be doing.” The position was offered to her in the middle of November. She had already started to make post-graduation plans, but when the principal offered her that position, she gladly took it. “Traveling is the dream and I always thought that’s what I was going to do, just to take a break from school. I was also interested in the special education program for my master’s,” Blalock said. “Maybe in the future, I can do that, but right now, I’m just focusing on getting ready to teach.” For students who are unsure of what direction to take after graduation, the UAA Career Exploration Services can provide assistance. They offer a variety of programs and events designed to help students with the challenging transition between university and a professional career. As Molly Orheim, director of CES emphasizes, it is important to start early. “I don’t want to see a senior in the CES offices for the first time — two weeks before graduation,” Orheim said. “That doesn’t mean that I’m not going to help them if they come to the offices, but the earlier you start preparing for your career, the better.” CES offers services for all students from freshman to senior year. Other services such as mock interviews, resume
GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA
reviews and job shadowing programs are important parts of CES’ work. In addition, they assist students in establishing contact with possible future employers. In July, UAA launched Handshake, a career networking and recruiting website similar to LinkedIn, replacing the old College Career Network. Since then, over 1,300 employers have joined the UAA Handshake community and many UAA students have been successfully recruited by them. Students looking to jump start their career exploration prior to graduation can schedule career development appointments with CES through their free UAA Handshake account under uaa.joinhandshake.com.
10 | FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
A look back at past commencement speakers
PHOTO YOUNG KIM
Jonathon Taylor spoke at the spring 2016 graduation ceremony. Taylor is currently working as the deputy press secretary for Gov. Bill Walker in Juneau.
PHOTO BY KATHRYN CASELLO
Ruddy Abam spoke at the fall 2015 graduation at the Alaska Airlines Center. Abum is currently finishing her first sememster at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
By Mariah DeJesus-Remaklus mremaklus@thenorthernlight.org
It’s the end of the semester and soon-to-be graduates are nearing the end of their journey. While each student will walk their own path beyond graduation, The Northern Light looked back to find out what several of UAA’s past commencement speakers are doing after their own graduations. Ruddy Abam Ruddy Abam graduated in the fall of 2015 with a degree in criminal justice and minors in political science and psychology. The first place she went was head back home to Cameroon and spent several months there before returning to Alaska. She began working for former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, who she had interned for during his 2014 re-election campaign, and focused on a range of projects. “I was just doing research analysis and working for clients,” Abam said. “We did some Municipality [of Anchorage] work and proofreading of legislation.” Abam also joined the Global Shaper Alaska Hub of the World Economic Forum. She traveled to Switzerland in September to meet other “shapers” from around the world to discuss projects to improve their community. Doing this work inspired Abam and allowed her to talk about Alaska, something that she has been gearing towards in a career. “I cannot explain how amazing it was to be in a room with 350 people from all over the world, having various opinions
about various projects,” Abam said. “I had a voice in that.” Currently, Abam is finishing her first semester at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she hopes to graduate by 2020. Her focus has been set on legislative work and public service, helping others who she sees as similar to herself, an average person. This also includes minority groups, such as women and African Americans. Though she is attending school out of state, Abam still plans on returning home later down the road. It’s because she grew up in Alaska that she came across great opportunities, she says. “It’s where I got my start with literally everything,” Abam said. While she plans on finding work in Alaska as well, Abam also hopes to eventually head to Washington, D.C. for more experience. Jonathon Taylor In May of 2016, Jonathon Taylor said goodbye to his eventful years at UAA. As former USUAA president and member of the Seawolf Debate team, Taylor graduated with a degree in political science and minors in journalism, communications and economics. Now, he’s living in Juneau and working as deputy press secretary for Governor Bill Walker. Despite being very busy while at UAA, Taylor says that he made sure to find leisure time after finishing his last semester. During his last year, he was working full-time at Holland America Princess Alaska and the tourism season was picking
up, but Taylor still made an effort to give himself a break. “One of the things I know that I definitely missed out on just because I was so busy while I was in college — I didn’t have as much time as I would’ve liked to spend time with friends and do a lot of social things,” Taylor said. “I definitely made it more of a priority.” Having worked in the governor’s office since August of last year, Taylor has his sight set on being in communications and public relations. For the time being, he is supporting Governor Walker during his term in office and enjoying the work he does. “At some point, I will reassess and see what’s next,” Taylor said. The future beyond his current position is uncertain, but Taylor recognizes opportunities both in and outside of the state of Alaska. Though it is home, he’s willing to consider any prospects that may be worth pursuing. “You know, they say that there are two degrees of separation here between you and everyone else, and I think that is really true,” Taylor said. “That means there is a lot of opportunity to make some really unique and fascinating connections… I like living here, but I’m very open to opportunities and other things that might come my way.”
ing skills specialist, she says that she got to spend the entire day with them. “[It was] super fun being outside all day with kids and teaching them about flora and fauna in our beautiful state,” Leshan said. Leshan is now a kindergarten teacher at Williwaw Elementary and eventually she wants to continue her education, especially since UAA has an established relationship with the Anchorage School District. She says that it would be “a really natural transition.” Later down the road, Leshan also hopes to host a student teacher from UAA. “I’m still a first-year teacher so I still have a lot to learn, but when I have a few more years and experience under my belt, that would be really fulfilling to me,” Leshan said. Although she was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Leshan fell in love with Alaska’s scenery and people and is here to stay. The diversity in the kids that she has worked with makes what she does much more fun. Williwaw Elementary is one of the most diverse schools in the country, and Leshan appreciates the kids’ cultural differences. “My students are so diverse
and it’s amazing to have all these experiences within the Anchorage community,” Leshan said. Advice from graduates to future graduates Abam believes that “resilience is timeless.” She advises graduates to stick to their paths, find what they are passionate about and find a way to be of service to others. “I think that it’s just so fundamental to be that person who helps another person in their life,” Abam said. For Taylor, there are three things to do upon graduating. “The first is: enjoy it. Congratulations, you did it,” Taylor said. “The second thing is to rest. I know after I graduated, I was just exhausted.” “Be open to those new opportunities,” Taylor added. “You never know what exciting adventures or opportunities might come your way.” Leshan also urges that graduates keep their options open while keeping in touch with others. “I think that is so valuable in the university experience. It can really propel you to what your goals are,” Leshan said.
Sophie Leshan Though she has only been graduated for a year, Sophie Leshan has managed to stay busy working with children in the Anchorage School District and at the Anchorage Museum. With a degree in early childhood education, Leshan spent the spring of 2017 as a substitute teacher. “That was a lot of fun, having my degree and being able to sub long-term in classrooms,” Leshan said. During the summer, Leshan spent her time at a day camp called Camp Si-La-Meo of Camp Fire Alaska. She worked seven days a week on the campus grounds of Alaska Pacific University, teaching kids as young as 5 years old about nature and other outdoor activities. She also taught at the Anchorage Museum. As a nature and outdoor liv-
PHOTO YOUNG KIM
Sophie Leshan spoke at the fall 2016 commencement ceremony. She is currently a kindergarten teacher at Williwaw Elementary.
FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 11
UAA student wins Rhodes Scholarship By Cheyenne Mathews cmathews@thenorthernlight.org
Before Samantha Mack applied, no UAA student had never been invited to interview for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Mack, a teaching assistant and master’s student in the English department, was the only UAA student to apply for the prestigious scholarship this year. She was the only one that mattered. On Nov. 19, The New York Times published the list of 32 American students who were awarded the Rhodes Scholarship, including Mack. The Rhodes Scholarship funds postgraduate students who desire to study at the University of Oxford. Mack interviewed for the scholarship late last month, and after several hours of waiting, the interview committee announced this year’s two scholars from District 14. District 14 includes all students applying from Montana, Alaska, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. “It was the most intense and stressful two and a half hours of my entire life,” Mack said. “And then they just came into the room and told us who had won, and it was overwhelming.” Mack is also the first Alaska Native student to win the award. Though she was born in Anchorage, Mack was raised in King Cove, and her Aleut heritage has become very influential in her academic pursuits. “I think that my indigeneity
shapes every single part of my being,” Mack said. “My values, the things I value, the things I aim for in my education, the way I behave even as a role model for a younger generation for my cousins whom I love and care for and feel very deeply protective of.” In spring of 2016, Mack graduated with degrees in English and political science as well as a minor in Alaska Native studies. In the spring of 2018, she will graduate with her M.A in English before traveling to Oxford to pursue either a master of philosophy or doctor of philosophy in political science. Her ultimate career goal is to be a college professor. “I think if you had told me at 18 that I’d be in this situation now, I would have laughed at you,” Mack said. Mack was a part of the Anchorage school district’s gifted program, but she didn’t expect a career in academia after college. “I just had no aspirations beyond an undergraduate degree,” Mack said. “I didn’t get particularly good grades in high school, like and A, B average certainly not a straight A average like my peers were getting, who did go onto Ivy League schools. I always felt like that probably wasn’t going to be the path for me, but then I got to UAA and did get straight-A's the entire time and really enjoyed learning. Now that’s what I want to continue to do.” Mack attended Western Washington University before
citing affordability as a top reason to come back to Alaska and attend UAA. Since returning, she has thrived by taking opportunity of a United Nations internship through her Tribes, Nations and Peoples class, she was an intern for Senator Dan Sullivan over the summer and she has been a research assistant for Carnegie Fellow and political science professor, Landry Signé. Jennifer Stone, associate professor of English, said Mack’s extracurricular involvements are what make her really stand out. “What’s been really impressive about Samantha [Mack] is she’s taken advantage of everything UAA has to offer her as a student,” Stone said. Stone has worked with Mack on several projects, and the two were part of a group that presented at the Alaska Native Studies conference last year. “I think, for all of us who have worked with Samantha [Mack], it’s so obvious she deserved the award. It’s really incredible that she got it,” Stone said. Francisco Miranda, associate professor of Spanish, is also the UAA advisor for national and international scholarships. “I think Samantha [Mack] is proving all of those doubts [about UAA students] unreasonable, absolutely. The other winner of the Rhodes Scholarship from our district, District 14, attended Yale. So of course we compare, quite well,” Miranda said. Miranda said he wishes more
PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM
Samantha Mack, teaching assistant pursuing her master's at UAA, will attend the University of Oxford in the fall.
students applied for nationally competitive scholarships, and he hopes Mack will set the example for more students to continue in her footsteps. “Samantha [Mack] is definitely one of the more worthy candidates that we’ve seen coming through,” Miranda said. “I know that she’s not alone. She’s
not a unicorn out there. I’m sure that there are more students out there that just need to see themselves fitting into this kind of profile.” For students interested in applying to nationally competitive scholarships, both Miranda and Mack recommend planning a semester or more in advance.
Black Student Union aims for inclusion of all By Malia Barto
arts2@thenorthernlight.org
UAA’s Black Student Union welcomes everyone to their club. A club that wants everyone to get on board, regardless of culture, to be a safe place where those individuals can relate with each other and further understand different perspective. “The Black Student Union exists to serve the UAA community. It encourages inclusion, it is cultivating a sense of unity within the student body," Nile Morris, BSU vice president said. Anthony Taylor, BSU secretary, Nyariak Kuany, BSU treasurer, and Morris have worked to keep BSU an active club on campus during more of the club’s rougher times of low attendance and lack of interest. Morris is determined to keep the BSU a safe space for those who are or have been discriminated against, to give those individuals a voice and become “beacons of justice” in the community. The club is growing and is currently has 12 to 15 participants, a growth from only five participants that were involved when Morris joined. Being a part of BSU can help individu-
PHOTO BY YOUNG KIM
The officers of the Black Student Union, Cheryl Williams, Nile Morris, Madelynn Martinez, Nyariak Kuany, Raquel "Rocky" Williams and Anthony Taylor strive to keep the club a safe place for all and encourages inclusion.
als strengthen their leadership skills and engage with others who have experienced similar situations regarding prejudice and discrimination. “It’s a really diverse group of individuals,” Morris said. “I
think a lot of people think of members of the Black Student Union as only being individuals with higher amounts of melanin, so, yeah, our phenotypic expression is we have darker skin. When in reality, it wasn’t only
black people that fought for civil rights, wasn’t only black people that brought so many advances to African Americans, it was everybody. Really, if anybody is looking for any civic engagement or project in which they
can become a part of something greater than themselves, the Black Student Union is open to them.” Club Council vice chair, Rose Kruger, said the BSU club started in 2010. She said they always make the meetings and are in good standing. The club has shown support for its members, like when member Mabil Duir died in 2013 and the club donated financial support to his family. BSU is hoping to have events for Black History Month in February, partnering with the American Cancer Society to bring awareness about discrimination, racism and cultural exclusion as public health issues. “The Black Student Union will only succeed as the student body will want it to succeed, if you don’t come support clubs on campus, if you don’t engage with the university, if you don’t give feedback, these programs won’t exist... [The student body] needs to show it’s something they value, and in turn we’ll show we value you,” Morris said. The BSU meets every other Thursday in the Multicultural Center in Rasmuson Hall at 5 p.m.
CONGR ATS TO THE GR ADUATING
CLASS OF 2017 HONORS LEGEND Cum Laude*
Magna Cum Laude**
Summa Cum Laude***
List of students as of November 1, 2017
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Dr. John R. D. Stalvey, Dean DOCTORATE DEGREES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Clinical-Community Psychology Danielle D. Giroux Rachel S. Wahto MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF ARTS Anthropology Bronwyn E. Jones Alexandra N. Taitt Alyssa Y. Willett English Jason R. Collins Michael A. Dibattista Andrew J. Mullins MASTER OF FINE ARTS Creative Writing and Literary Arts Brett S. Arnold Chaun L. Ballard Patrick D. Bergquist Molly J. Bredehoft Cass M. Crandall Amy E. Holonics Seta B. Kabranian Matthew S. Komatsu Hannah T. S. Lindoff MASTER OF SCIENCE Biological Sciences Melanie A. Alvarado Clinical Psychology Elena V. Gorovaya Elizabeth E. W. Jacques Ziyang Jin Bertalina Villar Rashayne N. Zimmer Interdisciplinary Studies Cara W. Lucas
Jeleena Anne M. Almario** Carla R. Aughe Lena N. Brown Angela N. Castillo Christopher A. Dickens Shelia M. Ipock Tristan N. Morgan* Kala M. Romero Biological Sciences Hillary L. Elzig Molly J. Fenton Kelly S. Ireland* Desirae R. Pascale Israel J. Wick English Aaron C. Acuna Marcus D. Adams Ian M. Albin-Brooks* Karla L. Brollier Cristin J. Cotter Hannah L. S. Dorough* Dylan T. Evans Susan E. Fried Vincent P. Gregory Jacob D. Holley Kline* Jessica L. Marabate Donald J. Miessner* Daniel A. Murry** Aurora D. Newkirk** Mia J. B. Sison** Tyler D. Smith Nancy L. Strahan Natalie B. Travis Bijan E. Welch Environment and Society Jerrid A. Hixon Jennifer A. Howell History Khafani A. Amundson Robert O. Aschenbrenner Coral M. Carpenter** Emily A. Craft Patrick R. Davidge Paul A. Durfee Ryan J. Foisy Adam E. Foutch Sean M. Humphrey Amanda M. Michie
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Children’s Mental Health Kristen G. McKay BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Anthropology Catlin L. Clark Paul A. Durfee Julia A. Fulbright* Caley J. Heady Kora C. Isakson** Shera S. Kim Jana V. Lekanoff Keith S. Mako* Eddie T. Perez Tyler J. Teese Valerie Y. Zerda Art
International Studies Ioana Lobontiu*** Jason Nguyen Madison B. O’Scannell Journalism and Public Communications Bryan C. Dunagan Robert W. Foran III Sarah E. Haynes Kelly S. Ireland* Emerald J. Kroeker Christopher C. Lawrence** Rory A. McAllister Zakiya L. McCummings* Asdrubal S. Peguero Rhett L. Robinson Josef B. Rutz Jacob R. Spickelmire Ammon H. Swenson Ryan D. Syvertson
Rebekah M. Tempel Alexandria L. Trainer Mary M. F. Weaver Sharon Yi Languages Katherine M. Balaban Emily M. Beeson Nicholas K. O. Carmon Jeremy L. Grice* Alexandria N. Harder* Ioana Lobontiu*** Mathematics Tawny M. Wright Philosophy Stacey R. Lucason Crystal R. Tingook Political Science Bexley A. L. Brown Kellen M. T. Fisch William A. Jodwalis* Tyler Lockley Catherine L. Schoessler* Stephen J. G. Sweet* Psychology Caleb J. Amos Paulsen J. Brown Lauren R. Countryman* Hannah A. Ferguson Ashleigh A. L. Gaines Pedro J. Hernandez Aviles Daniel C. Kontess Cynthia E. Lamas Na’Le’Na C. Largay Valeria Larripa Robert R. Lyons Jennifer M. Mitchell* Rachel C. Samber Michaela C. Schaefer Ashley B. Seder Alissa Seely-Kipp Sally J. Shipman Jennifer M. Skilja Natalie J. Sword* Claudine I. C. Tungul Jordan R. Tu’ulauulu Monique J. Walker Carmel L. Young* Ciara N. Zervantian* Alora E. Zulliger*** Sociology Randy L. Hart Matthew Hickman Kayla T. Sims Vincent J. Tomalonis Elisabeth A. Werts Ciara N. Zervantian* Theatre Amy L. Bridges Zoe L. Ellis* Reagan K. James BACHELOR OF LIBERAL STUDIES Katherine Christmas BACHELOR OF MUSIC Music Education Emphasis Eric M. Bleicher
Clint H. Dallas Jacob R. Jones* Music Performance Eric M. Bleicher Joshua R. DesJardin BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Anthropology Heather M. Greiner Biological Sciences Ahmad M. Azzam Sandra M. Benter Eli C. Butler*** Lindsey K. Fuglestad Seth C. Guthrie* Hannah J. Henderson Hunter B. Jones Evan R. Maher Alexandra F. Matukonis Concepcion A. Melovidov Manuela P. Ortiz Jolaine A. Polak* Schuyler G. Roskam Christopher A. Sawyer** Jessica R. Ulroan Chemistry Nicholas I. Cropper Christopher L. Nicolet Jessica R. Ulroan Environment and Society Whitney D. L. Flores James M. Kays Amanda J. Sassi Virgil M. St Aime Andrea L. Trent Ryanne E. Tyler Geological Sciences Andy J. Allard Hunter J. Bullard Kristina L. Butler** Daniel M. Coffey Phillip M. De Land Mason L. Gregorius Kevin K. Hodgson Ian F. Minnock Jose A. Mora* Scott T. Pantaleone Cody D. Parker Sasha V. Peterson Kasandra S. Saiki Christopher D. Schuler Anna M. Stanczyk** Joshua D. Vandermartin** Tina M. Westfall Mathematics Benjamin S. Edwards Conrad W. Kress Albert Prouty III Cayman P. Reynolds Liam M. Sarwas Show Wang Natural Sciences Kelleen M. Brenner Kyle L. Burnett Veronica E. Campbell Brady E. Deal* Andrew R. Hammer Benjamin P. Humm
Zayleen S. Kalalo Rachel R. Kelty* Susan M. King* Lynnea L. Lenamond Jeffrey L. Libby Alexandria M. McLearen Jackson W. McTier** Megan E. Nelson Anna P. Ortiz Myra C. Scholze Marcus A. Seifert*** Nicole M. Smeenk* Alexandria K. Smoot Maria D. White Brett J. Wood Psychology Sara N. Borges* Caitlin Raegene U. Cadelina Iris S. Crites-Flesher Emily R. Duke Iris A. Fontana* Summer A. Hunt Jessica M. Kapinos Aaron B. Smith ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF ARTS General Program Karen Mae L. Agonoy Brian Akelkok* Jeanette A. Akin Kendra A. Allen Jaya S. Bannarbie Stephanie R. Bird Molly M. Blum Catherine M. Bosela Eric M. Boutte Jr. Chase H. T. Brinker Crystal M. Brown James D. Brown Shannon N. Burden Jewel A. Burgstahler** Sierra R. Cappel Katianna J. Carson Sheila D. C. Collins Byron S. Corral Lori L. Cottee Marc R. Crozier Germaine G. Cunningham Chasity M. Damaso Gregory T. D’Atri Olivia N. Dekreon Jennifer L. Dorscher Healy M. Edwards Elizabeth L. Faaliga Laura I. Flodin** Cassandra A. Fulks Kestrel J. Gilliam* Nicholas M. Graves Jill L. Hanson Ethan D. Harlan Salina L. Harwood Austin T. Haynes Rainier Q. Herczeg** Patrick M. Hopstad Camille D. Hurst** Mauricia D. Ikner Bethany G. Jenner Rachel E. Jensen Melissa C. Knolle David K. Lanpher Caitlin Q. D. LeClair Sook J. Lee
Jolene D. Lyon Sylvia M. Norris Ashley N. Nugent Devin J. O’Driscoll* Sunrose H. Olson Heather L. Pawlak Barbara A. Penyak* April A. Perry Angelica C. Phillips Richard J. Phillips Jessica R. Phipps Graham Lucia Popescu Brooke K. Pottle Christopher C. Rehkopf Taylor J. Ross Kurt A. Roth Chloe N. Sanders*** Frederick A. Sawyer Teresa J. Schille* Shauna A. Schreiner Veronica M. Sherman Autumn D. Smith Taylor A. Stewman Andrew A. Sullivan Dethsakda Suriyavong Heidi L. Swan Benjamin H. Taylor Lucas J. Thein Crystal A. Tollefson Jessica M. Turner* Aleesha Warfield Kassidy M. Way Richard H. White Zinon White*** Dianna M. Whitney Steven P. Wickenkamp Curtis L. Wockenfuss Teressa D. Wyatt COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY Dr. Bogdan Hoanca, Interim Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION General Management Ryan C. Buchholdt Jacquelyne M. Caravalho Amie M. Collins Anya Cortes Ryan F. Dieckgraeff Chris S. Keffalos Catalina Leny B. Marquez Evgeniia Sezionova Sherlynn A. Siok MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Genevieve John Kendra R. Kloster Walter W. Kookesh Katrielle L. Machida Sharisse M. Stroud BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Economics Colin E. Ames Jodie M. Gatti Bryon T. Hester Tyler M. Jenish**
GRADUATES Samuel B. Johnson Clara R. McConnell Ryli M. Meehan Eva A. Ulukivaiola BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting Cassandra N. Ayerdis Tanner S. Berube** Mackenzie R. Carey* Cheryl L. Charles-Smith Jae Min Cho* Corey J. Cucullu Nikolas J. Darmetko Karen L. Denton Xavier M. Dumaop Amy D. Franz Reed O. Hatch Anna I. Kozyrenko Jolene B. Kullberg* Long Lam*** Aurelius Leonard III John E. Linxwiler** Olga V. Lotosh Rosalyna K. Neal Jennifer L. Petersen* John R. Pounds Matthew J. Sheaffer Melissa E. Shick Katelyn F. Steele Alexander S. Thomsen Shay L. Underwood* Natalie C. Van Nostrand* Chastity L. Welch* Nancy Yang Economics Christine L. Adams Marcus A. Holzschuh* Samantha R. Luban* Kallen M. Mead Natalie C. Van Nostrand* Finance Morgana A. Butler Amellio H. Carney Jae Min Cho* Maria C. De La Torre Anna I. Kozyrenko Robert A. Lee Adam F. Paone Sarah L. Rountree* Lydia J. Sobek** Kekamakekukahik R. Tuiofu* Trevor J. Wagoner Carl A. Wathne Jr.* Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management Aleksandr O. Altukhov Kristina K. Denish Gregory S. Dutson Robespierre Howard Kallen M. Mead Aleksei A. Nagibin Brian E. Reed Marina I. Suslova Mikhail M. Trofimov Management Aleksandr O. Altukhov Rose Ann Arcilla John J. Bill Krystin R. Bogan** Artem V. Bushelev Pherrari E. E. Carney Bethany J. Centofanti Cheryl L. Charles-Smith Siobhan J. Choi Maria C. De La Torre Kristina K. Denish Tom Eller Michael W. Endres Carnell Gibson Jr. Allison C. Gilbert* Kala M. Gillan Caryn M. Hafer Jacqueline E. Honeycutt Robespierre Howard Alyssa N. Hutchins Kevin Huynh Joshua A. C. Johnson Kristina P. K. Khang Ji M. Kim Sun-min Kim Patricia L. Kinney Jacob M. Klusewitz* Courtney-Jay A. Knowles
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Cheryl L. H. Leonard Vanbasten R. Maulingcar Michelle A. McIntyre Inna V. Mikhailova Rosalyna K. Neal Sandra K. Phillips Alison E. Riggan Cynthia N. Smith* Justine E. Somers Diana V. Subbota Justin M. Tremont Mackenzie J. Tubbs Mila Zeng
Early Childhood Special Education Mollie A. Alexander Joanne W. Chappell Janna M. Lacroix Amy R. Wellman
Management Information Systems Jason W. Lasell Noah E. Wisecarver
Teaching and Learning Kaitlin B. Demarcus Nicole C. Kelso Huiyu Lin Trudy P. McMullen Rong Qiao Benjamin E. Richardson Abigail M. Wells Kendra K. Wollert
Marketing Krystin R. Bogan** Siobhan J. Choi Adrian J. Colding II Gregory S. Dutson Ashley Engberg Kala M. Gillan Marcus A. Holzschuh* Jacqueline E. Honeycutt Kevin Huynh Kristina P. K. Khang Jacob M. Klusewitz* Courtney-Jay A. Knowles Inna V. Mikhailova Deanna L. Miller Mackenzie J. Tubbs Zoua P. Vang ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Accounting Carmen G. Marques Margo E. Reilly*** Brittany A. Wright Business Computer Information Systems Vince R. Stewart Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Sabryna K. Hill Ann M. Sinnott Small Business Administration Cody M. Herron-Webb* Tabitha A. Hobson Jasmine S. Kim Ashley M. Weamire Jill L. Williams
Educational Leadership Sharene M. Craft Special Education Jessica M. Randolph Lisa R. Watts
Sarah C. Dunlap** Spencer K. Fullmer* Pamela L. Gilden Matthew A. Glenn Xhejlan Lena** Kathryn G. Love Casey D. Peterson Ashley N. Seliger Toni L. Truelove
Jacob C. Wingerd
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Mechanical Engineering Steven D. Ahern Kyle A. Alvarado Benjamin V. Booher Amanda D. Bowman* Trevor Croswell** Joshua L. Day Delphine F. Dyer* John D. Farr*** Taylor H. Fuller Max J. Hepola Eli N. Holowatch Nicholas L. Ingalls Cody V. Innes Veronica L. Martinez Louis S. Rasic Victor K. Samoei Alexander P. Steyer John P. Wilkins Arin J. Wooster
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Early Childhood Development Brittany Binz Allyson L. Taylor COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Dr. Fred Barlow, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Counselor Education Lara D. Loomis Gina T. Wall Language Education Kristen L. Adams Elizabeth A. Adkins Emily A. Cano Justin J. Cano Cristina M. Casillo Sarah M. Colliander Katrina Cuanan Stacey Edmondson Kimberlie A. Fister Brooke C. Freeburg Suzanne L. Gates Carla L. Goldberg Karen Hancock Shery E. Hart-Elterman Megan Henry Heidi C. Hilmes Catherine F. Kressin Jeanne H. Larsen Patricia MacNaughton Chrystal L. McMillan Katie L. Melrose Jessica E. Minguez Julia B. Moore Maria A. Morrison Yunju Myrick Lisa M. Nordstrom Tiffany S. Oberle Amy L. Roberts Justin T. Robertson Ginny R. Schmalix Ruth A. Segler Janice Tolbert
MASTER OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Andrew E. White MASTER OF SCIENCE Civil Engineering Dana Brunswick Maxwell E. Franklin Gregory N. Michaelson Christopher N. Siok Ty P. Wardell Engineering Management Stefanie M. Armstrong Mechanical Engineering Philip M. Hayes Vasilieva Project Management Daniel Babic Alena A. Evtushenko Sean C. Gwaltney Kaixin Lu Iscah M. Miles Morris L. Pickel III Logan R. Smith Joshua W. Travis Jeffrey Urbanski Saengphet Yabut GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Environmental Regulations and Permitting James Meyers BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
CERTIFICATES Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Tari J. Patinka Retail Management David C. Cartwright Imelda A. Fajardo Jill L. Williams COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Dr. Paul Deputy, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING Education Nicolas C. Bell Roger T. David Jr. Alder R. Fletcher Chad M. Garner Cambria Houtte Hannah J. Kornely Colleen M. Quinlan Jennifer L. Steinman Patricia E. Sullivan Bernard W. Williams MASTER OF EDUCATION Counselor Education Abby K. Bauer Vanessa L. Bois Leslie A. Rawson
Principal Karen L. Sherman-Newsome Special Education Samantha S. Emerson Melissa A. Goins Tammy L. Hanley Codi M. Sloan POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES Early Childhood Rebecca L. Miller Elementary Education Rhonda J. Hala BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Early Childhood Education Alexia J. Blalock** Jenna R. Buchanan* Teiah H. Gaines Abigail R. Schneck** Carlie D. Shutt Haley K. Stout Sierra C. Torgramsen* Jarett A. Tucker* Elementary Education Fayedra L. Cole* Byron S. Corral
BACHELOR OF ARTS Computer Science Neal D. Logan* David J. Schlerf BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Civil Engineering Peyton J. Briggs Scott D. Browning Jessica M. Carver Heng Liang James N. Matthews* Andrea M. Moreno Matthew D. Westbrook Kelly A. Yanoshek Computer Science Jade M. Aronson Gareth E. Bosch Rory A. Main Eric Pak Computer Systems Engineering Eugene Han Zakary R. Stone Electrical Engineering Josiah R. Warta Engineering Clynce M. Carrillo Sean A. Colette Sikharin B. Kitchpanich Douglas P. Potter
Geomatics Michael G. Bennett Colton T. Jessup Ryan G. Johnson Aaron M. Vasquez Melvin L. Villanueva Aleksey M. Voloshin*
ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Geomatics Chase H. T. Brinker COLLEGE OF HEALTH Jeff Jessee, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH Public Health Practice Nicholas E. Atkinson Charlotte A. Bender Cate J. Burton Tammy L. Choromanski Megan J. Donnelly Stephanie J. Holmquist Niki J. Knowlton Kami R. Moore Sara H. Mosalam Christina Poupard Sarah R. Stevens Tara L. Stiller GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Advanced Human Service Systems Joanne G. Parent POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES Paralegal Studies Sabine Kraft Olivia D. Mozingo BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Justice Lauren M. Alvarado Aaron J. Bigelow Jacquelyn C. Boyer Melissa K. Downey Lily A. Fox Kaylin R. Gochanour Michelle M. N. Griffin Isaac E. Jarvis Hideki Kimura** Jenna K. Mixson Sharie L. Morton Seth M. Nelson Jake A. Pospisil Judith M. Stefchak April M. Stone** Claudia C. Swanson Hannah M. Woolbert Legal Studies Colleen E. Abad Kimberly J. Allely Maxwell P. Delzer
Patrice R. Frank Juita I. Johnson Caroline E. Lee Ixia M. Lopez Madeline C. Rafferty Kara J. Stewart** BACHELOR OF HUMAN SERVICES Donna L. Galvan Brittany L. Hoskins Karen M. Johnson** Sarah E. Johnson Heather L. Nelson* Alexandra N. Preza Mirandah S. Smith BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Dental Hygiene Katherine H. Gronn Michelle L. Lee* Dietetics Chelsie L. Cryer* David J. Osmanson Shoshana K. Weed Health Sciences Brittany S. Carie Courtney C. Donnellan Samantha R. Gibbs Emma D. Harris Darion B. Jones** Benjamin L. Kennah Maeseng Lee Taylor A. Marquardt Hayden M. Niekamp** Ruth A. Powell* Timothy S. Steenhout* Carly L. Thomas* Raissa M. Umekwe Raquel C. Wood Medical Laboratory Science Yvonne S. Attla-Zottola EunBin Choi* Natasha D. Frable* Caitlin N. Gaskins Christopher R. Hallford* Stefana Iacob** Jessica M. Kapinos Sophie MacMaster Alyeska M. Melendez Briena R. Mugridge Divine Diane V. Nate John C. Nielson Rose Elizabeth B. Roa Jeremy R. Simmons Astrid L. Stark Isabel G. Sy* Daniel S. Willis* Cheyenne N. Yaw Nutrition Kerry L. Garland Karen P. Lee Physical Education Emma J. Bohman Mary Kathleen R. Cross* Tyler A. Cruz Aaron L. Densmore Nabil S. Falconer* Chad M. Garner Britny L. Harris* Grace T. Harris Chase R. Kelley Tara L. Mcmurray Michael K. Mendenhall David M. Rasmussen Reilly J. Swammy ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Dental Assisting Molly K. Copple Alena A. Gorlova Rosa A. Rider Kelly Sanchez Jessica W. Wooden Dental Hygiene Faryal Malik* Svetlana Puchalsky
14 | GRADUATES Diagnostic Medical Sonography Mariya A. Chavez Brittani A. Krug Sarah J. Mahoney Megan C. Martone Krystle L. Vargas Fire and Emergency Services Technology Tyler J. Carnahan Luke E. Foster Courtney Fremont Charles J. Miller Collin R. Morse** Tony M. Natterstad Sydney A. Russ* Human Services Latrisha D. Bednar* Tammy M. Brown Sarah A. Bushyhead Alexandro A. Cetina Katherine L. Cleto Sierra L. Cozby Jasmine M. Cuaresma Sidrick G. Dacquel Alysha M. Devine** Katrina F. Garner* Merlyn T. Hardwick Christine E. Holi Tometria Jackson*** Sandra M. Jones** Ashley L. Klinger Emily M. Norris Catherine M. Olson Leslie R. Pridgen Maria Amelia SanchezEsnaola Christa L. Scott Billie J. Slaikeu Theresa L. Tarner Medical Assisting Caitlin M. Amidon** Simona B. Fonov Andrea K. Gerhardt Erica M. Harris Amanda L. Hotchkiss Kathrin J. Huntington Emily R. Lincoln Sarah L. Lochard*** Rene’ L. Markson Kelly L. Mattson Valerie D. Michaud* Brianna L. Norris Kimberley D. Pate Chloe M. Smith Mona Szegedi Kaylee A. Thein Autumn G. Vanek Maria Louise S. Victa Denae R. Warnke Michael D. Williams** Paralegal Studies Sarah E. Anderson Estelita M. Chiles* Caroline M. Sauerbrey Physical Therapist Assistant Johanna Alvarez Rainey M. Brownlow* Kimberly L. England** Grant W. Ensign Amanda M. Flanagan* Andrea L. Gentsy* Emma J. Halsey** Gaynor J. Johansen** Richard J. Kleinleder** Heather M. Malin** Juley H. Pak** Sherilyn M. Soots Radiologic Technology Dominic E. RodriguezHolloway CERTIFICATES Dental Assisting Laura A. Maresh Amelia L. Pieper Devin A. M. Reeder Stephanie E. Roskelley Chelsea A. Shaw SCHOOL OF NURSING
MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Laura D. Crawford Amanda K. Dunlap Lynn Essex Onome T. Okurume Tabatha A. Schellenger Nicole M. See Celeste B. Shumate BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Jessica R. Ackley Stacy U. Adcox Chauntel T. Afuola Kristen Alexander Kimberly D. Anderson Adrianne N. Andrews Jasmine M. Araki Taylor A. Aronwits*** Alexandra P. BaduraO’Connor Erblina Cani Danielle M. Carlson Luz D. Carmona* Jong Jin K. Coleman Kaela Rae D. Concepcion Eric L. Cothran Amanda K. Cox Jessica N. Crockett Anthony Bel A. Cruz Rosangelica Cuautli Lydia J. Cullum Jamie Z. Dacumos Crystal S. P. Dunbar Christina J. Egger Natalya Galushkin Norman Joseph H. Gonzales Olivia G. Gunden Ramila Gurung Jessie R. Herring Kyra J. Ingalls Ellen K. Ivers Victoria L. Jennings Michaela A. Jones Sarah M. Juetten* Rachelle M. Kanady Leanne J. Kim Mariah L. Knutson Kerston F. Krull Esther Lee Jessica L. LoMonaco Lucy May Lucas Melina L. Mack Teresa M. Martin** Jillian T. T. Martinez Daniel M. L. McCleary Shannon L. T. McDermott Shiloh F. McRae Ashley M. Messerschmidt* Daniel Miceli Elaine S. Micua Mary L. Mitchell Brenda S. Murphy Sarah E. Nicholas* Shaylee L. Nigh Kayla I. Norman Salomey D. Okai Brenna D. Overson Stephanie M. Polly Amanda M. Prevel Ramos Olivia J. Ramseth** Danielle M. Regan Scott A. Rich Ashley A. Romans Julie L. Ross Alexis N. Russell Alison J. Sarasin Arylis W. Scates Dorontina Selimoski Kaylynn M. Shabi Justine L. Smith Nika K. Snell Valerie M. Spotto Alicia R. Taal Michelle B. Valencia Lauren F. Vallespir Kristen A. Van Gilder Megan N. Webb Sydney L. Webb Stephanie Whisenhant Troy S. Wiscombe Brandon P. Wolfe Chrissie Lane P. Wood William Xiong*
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017 ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Nursing Annemarie Acord** Michelle R. Albright Jessica J. Allison Trina F. Anderson Luz A. Aragon Samantha R. Arbuckle Makenna C. Burke Brian J. Burns Dorinda M. Charbonneau Yuko S. Costello* Nanci M. Crisp Tianna J. Erickson Kristin M. Graves Katie J. Haag Smith Karen L. Hardy Heather A. Hays Felicia M. Hirsch Angela M. Holland* Amanda R. Holyfield Susan C. E. Hurley Savannah L. Jones Mary E. Keele Olivia B. Kelly Scott S. Kim Jamie M. Kohl Jennifer G. Kolb Shannon G. Konkler Lysandra Y. Leal Jeanne A. Lewis** Amy S. C. Lynch Dawn M. Maeda Sarah L. Martin Kendall L. McAllister Theresa A. McSherry Rowena R. Miagao Britt C. Milne Devyn N. Minor Jacqueline X. Monge Meg L. Nesslage Callie J. Ochap Sara Ostrander* Jessica A. Parry Sandy Plummer** Desiree C. Reynolds Danielle E. Rockafellow Stacy M. Roderick Rachel A. Rushing* Laura R. Sakraida Tiffany R. Scott Jennifer Sims Shantelle Y. Skinner Erin E. Smith* Kim M. Urban Marilyn R. Vink** Tyson B. Ward* James R. Werdann Jr.
Ava J. Harren* Amee A. Howard Paige L. Krichbaum Avery J. Kristiansen Holly N. Linder Ayla R. Otto Kelsey A. Ratcliffe Laurie K. Shellabarger
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Technology Joshua P. Blackwell Gabriel A. Cazares Nicholas M. Graves Hunter J. Kelley Janell Machicado
MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK Niki J. Knowlton Mariya Proskuryakova BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK Kathryn G. Allen** Taylor M. Alley** Atong M. Dau COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE Dr. Denise Runge, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Career and Technical Education Adele M. Daniels BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Applied Technologies Leadership Kenneth R. Argenbright Steven C. Hoffman Sarah M. LaBelle* Shantelle T. M. Phommathep Brett M. S. Reynolds* Nolan R. Smith* Ryan B. Starr Matthew W. Yandell Aviation Technology Jamella Marie Bayot John N. Beissmann Landon R. Chapman Trevor A. Chapman Luke D. Cvancara Jason P. Duffy Richard A. Gingras Zaidy M. Jacobo Kathryn E. F. Jaronitzky Myeongjun Kim Blake T. Lindberg* Matthew M. Melvin* Marina R. Meyers Cooper A. Montano Andrew S. Nelson Chantal L. Paradis Emily J. Ramberg* Jorge E. Thompson-Gwynn Samuel P. Warner Joel N. White Kazuki Yoshihara Construction Management Daniel J. Applin Zachariah E. Archuletta** James S. Ashton Erin L. M. Dickson Dustin C. Fuller Daniel C. Hansen Ryan J. Honea Conor R. Nicoll Michael W. Phillips Alessa L. Poe Lander D. Simmers Timothy P. Sorensen* Kendall S. Wilson Jesse D. Wolfe**
ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Apprenticeship Technologies Stephen H. Barnett Karsten M. Lawrence Hunter R. Littlefield Architectural and Engineering Technology Kristopher S. Brons* Sue H. Cross Steven R. Kemp Bridget R. Lembke William J. Norris Automotive Technology Reid A. Davis*** Johann M. Fuimaono Joseph D. Hettick Rafael Mendoza Cory J. Miller Gage S. Nehilla*
BACHELOR OF ARTS Hospitality and Restaurant Management Kelli A. Hallgrimson
Aviation Administration Jose G. Aristy Bryan A. Grant Jasson E. Leatham
Joshua D. Stuckey Bo D. Ticket Robert J. Wasser Aviation Maintenance Technology Jesse J. Shen Computer and Networking Technology Mikkel N. Andruss Ariana B. Baker** Matthew C. Carter Joseph H. Groeneveld Seth D. Hess Jezreel S. Reynoso Artis R. Spiller Tony S. Williams Computer Information and Office Systems Kimberly A. D. Muller Construction Management Garrett M. Butler* Gregory T. D’Atri Loretta J. Lolnitz Dennis A. Moore Kenny C. Raquel Culinary Arts Stephanie J. Aslou Cory C. Crowder Jeri D. Henry Justine S. Hong Amy E. Jeter Lesa M. Klancher Nikaela D. Walters Diesel Power Technology Ian A. Rohler*** Electronics Technology Paul C. Brown** (awarded posthumously) Heavy Duty Transportation and Equipment Jason A. W. Legrand* Occupational Safety and Health Dale P. Bullock Ruthanna M. Carr* Jeffery L. Hightower* Stefan R. Johnson Jessica M. Lipscomb Michelle D. McCoy Scott C. Mitchel Toby L. Sampson Nastasha Walrath Professional Piloting Joel J. Karinen Benjamin B. Swanson Welding and Nondestructive Testing Technology Lucas Anzilotti Britt W. Dickens* Jerome T. McCall Michael C. Wojnowski CERTIFICATES Architectural Technology Bridget R. Lembke Matthew W. Yandell Aviation Maintenance Technology, Airframe Kyle E. Anderson Jason M. Churchill Eric R. Dietz Michael H. Fitzpatrick Dennis R. Hamm Byeonghun Im Ryan A. Manwiller Levi D. Michael Neal R. Strate James K. Sturgill Chi M. Vang Aviation Maintenance Technology, Powerplant Jason M. Churchill Michael H. Fitzpatrick Dennis R. Hamm
Byeonghun Im Ryan A. Manwiller James K. Sturgill Chi M. Vang Civil Technology Matthew W. Yandell Heavy Duty Transportation and Equipment Nicholas M. Graves Gerardo A. Hernandez Mechanical and Electrical Technology Matthew W. Yandell Structural Technology Matthew W. Yandell University Honors College Dr. John Mouracade, Interim Dean Honors Graduates are students who have completed all of the requirements of their disciplinary college and of the University Honors academic program, including a senior thesis or project, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. University Honors Scholars have completed all of their respective requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. University Honors Scholars are wearing a green and gold fourragère (shoulder cord) along with a gold honor cord signifying traditional Latin honors. UNIVERSITY HONORS SCHOLARS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BACHELOR OF ARTS English Mia J. B. Sison** International Studies Ioana Lobontiu*** Languages Ioana Lobontiu*** BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Biological Sciences Jolaine A. Polak* Geological Sciences Kristina L. Butler** Natural Sciences Marcus A. Seifert*** Psychology Sara N. Borges* COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting Tanner S. Berube** COLLEGE OF HEALTH BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Medical Laboratory Science Natasha D. Frable* Isabel G. Sy* Nursing Science Sarah E. Nicholas* UNIVERSITY HONORS GRADUATES COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES BACHELOR OF ARTS Languages Emily M. Beeson BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Chemistry Claire I. Bradbury
GRADUATES
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
Young Kim
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Rowena Miagao
Congratulations on graduating, Young! We are so happy that you finished the semester strong. We know that you’re moving on to great things, and we can’t wait to see what future projects you have in store. Good luck!
Congratulations to all your accomplishments. We are so proud of you and we can’t wait to see you succeed. We love you, mom!
The Northern Light staff
Karolin Anders
Ammon Swenson
Congratulations, Karolin! You are a complete joy to work with, and you bring an energy to the staff that is going to be hard to replace. We will miss you but we’re happy that you’re moving into the next chapter of your life. Good luck out there!
The Northern Light staff
You did it, Ammon! After years and years of hard work, you finally made it. We are so thrilled that you began working at The Northern Light this year. Your writing style and creativity is amazing to work with, and we’re excited to see what the future has in store for you.
The Northern Light staff
A&E
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
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Floating on Anchorage band, Termination Dust, signed to Modest Mouse frontman’s Glacial Pace Records By Ammon Swenson arts@thenorthernlight.org
Modest Mouse has been a favorite band of Anchorage musicians Stefanie Vigoren and Jaybird Parkhurst for years. When they got the offer for their own group, Termination Dust, to sign with Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock’s Glacial Pace Records, they were “beyond excited.” “It felt really good to have affirmation as a musician,” Parkhurst said. When Termination Dust opened for Modest Mouse last year in Anchorage, they passed out copies of their album “Familiar Eyes” to the latter band’s members and crew. Handing out a CD and hoping it gets into the right hands is a shot in the dark, but the album eventually caught Brock’s attention. “You put yourself out there a lot and you don’t get a lot of nibbles most of the time,” Parkhurst said. Later that year, the band
got an email from Glacial Pace about working together. They set up a conference call and ironed out the details. None of the band members had ever done anything like this before, so the situation was “nerve-wracking.” They held off on breaking the news until things were more finalized. “We all got like super pumped about talking to them, because it was already unreal to us that we were able to open up for [Modest Mouse],” Parkhurst said. She and Vigoren, a former Northern Light employee, started playing together in the summer of 2014. They began writing songs that fall, and with zero expectations about where they would take the band, Termination Dust was off and running. They recorded their first album, “Familiar Eyes,” with local music fixture Chad Reynvaan at Wattage Studios in Anchorage. With Vigoren and Parkhurst sharing guitar and vocal duties, Joshua Ireland on drums and Jacob Dee on bass, the album is a blend of raw, etherial, indie-pop.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRY TASKER
Anchorage band Termination Dust’s Stefanie Vigoren sings for the crowd at Taproot. The band recently announced their signing to Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock’s Glacial Pace Records.
The group was voted Best Indie Band for the 2017 Press Picks in the Anchorage Press. On Dec. 15, Glacial Pace will officially re-release “Familiar Eyes” and a new seven-song EP called “It’s Never Too Late” next spring. Vigoren and Parkhurst said the new EP, recorded in Portland, Oregon last January, will be a progression of their trademark sound and was a chance for them to stretch their creative muscles with more tonal options like including keys. When they went down to Portland, they thought they might re-record some things from “Familiar Eyes” or a single,
but they had so much new material that they wanted to make the most of the opportunity. For five 12-hour days, they hammered out 13 songs while holed up in the studio after a blizzard hit the city. “We were just kind of stuck in that productive mental space,” Vigoren said. During that time, the band also did a short West Coast tour and has plans for another next spring. The plan is to test the waters for a longer run in the future. “We’re definitely trying to move forward and reach as many people as possible,” Parkhurst said.
They don’t have anything scheduled currently, but the band plans to do a release show for their upcoming EP, including something all-ages. Dee and Ireland have moved on to other musical projects, but Parkhurst and Vigoren have already been writing new music since they recorded “It’s Never Too Late.” Parkhurst said she’s excited to unveil their new material and hit the road as a more experienced band. “It’s just been a really great experience,” Vigoren said. Listen to “Familiar Eyes” at terminationdust.bandcamp.com.
A&E
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 17
Alaska Water Wars
A recent five-part radio series on Pebble Mine brings Alaska Native voices to the forefront By Ammon Swenson arts@thenorthernlight.org
The issues surrounding the proposed Pebble Mine in Southcentral Alaska are complex, but for reporter Daysha Eaton and photographer Brian Adams, it really boils down to people and water. Their five-part series on KNBA called “Alaska Water Wars,” which premiered on Dec. 4, took Eaton and Adams to villages near the proposed mine site where they talked to locals, activists and officials to give those most likely to be affected by the Pebble Project a chance to be heard. “A lot of the discussion around Pebble Mine is about economics, but what I’m talking about is culture,” Eaton said. In 2014, it seemed like the mine had hit its final roadblock. Environmentalists, fishermen and locals criticized the mine, but it was the Environmental Protection Agency that officially ruled Pebble to be too risky. Earlier this year, under President Donald Trump’s administration, the EPA backed away from its determination, giving the mine a chance to move forward. Located about 200 miles southwest of Anchorage near waterways that flow into Bristol Bay, the mine would be the biggest in Alaska at around 13
square miles. Opposition to Pebble mostly concerns its proximity to where nearly half of the world’s salmon come to spawn every year. While salmon fishing is a billion dollar industry in the area, Alaska Natives have relied on harvesting food from the area’s pristine waters for thousands of years. “It’s not just the center of their diet, it’s the center of their culture,” Eaton said. The series, partially funded by the Alaska Humanities Forum, was born out of covering the Dakota Access Pipeline. Eaton was at the Standing Rock Reservation on her own dime filing stories about Alaskans protesting the DAP. She was looking for something new after working at radio stations in Dillingham, Bethel, Anchorage and Homer. Adams went to Standing Rock after seeing news footage of protestors getting sprayed with water cannons and shot with rubber bullets. He was going in blind and alone, so it was suggested that he contact Eaton who could help him with logistics. While they never actually met up at Standing Rock, both Eaton and Adams were impacted by their time there. “What I realized through that experience was that it is so important to have indigenous
voices in the stories and in the reporting that journalists are doing early on,” Eaton said. Media coverage of the DAP protests began towards the end of the pipeline being built and only after the situation had escalated, Eaton said. In their rush to meet deadlines, journalists tend to miss the opportunity to form relationships with indigenous people and to include those perspective early on in reporting resource development conflicts. With “Alaska Water Wars,” Eaton wanted to bring Alaska Native voices to the forefront. “This is a journalistic inquiry. I’m not for this mine or against it, but I think it’s really important to have the native voices in the conversation and to realize that underneath it all, this is about water,” Eaton said. Resource development conflicts usually relate to water in some way or another, Eaton said — from logging close to waterways in the Tongass National Forest to transboundary mining in Canada that could pollute Alaska watersheds. “Whatever happens [at Pebble Mine] will affect the traditional territories of the Native people and it’s pretty much the case with all of these development projects, is the first people that are going to be affected are the indigenous people,” she said. In addition to hosting Eaton’s five-minute radio pieces,
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN ADAMS
“I got bills to pay. Gas ain't cheap in the village, electricity ain't cheap, oil ain't cheap to heat the house. There's nothing cheap in the village. That’s up to them. I’m just here trying to get some work done, trying to make some money for the family there, support them.”
the “Alaska Water Wars” website includes print versions of the stories and photographs by Adams. The duo went to six villages where Eaton would conduct interviews while Adams provided a needed visual element to the series. He was fresh off his successful environmental portraiture series, “I Am Inuit,” and found similarities between the human aspect of the projects. “I really just want people to be more aware and accountable for the way they take care of Alaska,” Adams said. Eaton hopes people take away the fact that the situation isn’t black and white. She said
there are issues of economics and poverty underlying the conversation with a diversity of opinions within Native communities and even within families. “I hope that people will be able to see themselves and each other more clearly and have more empathy and understanding about what’s going on here,” Eaton said. Eaton and Adams are planning to continue “Alaska Water Wars” in some form or another covering other development conflicts in the state. To listen to the complete series and see additional content go to alaskawaterwars.org.
Incompetency reigns in the Spanish hodgepodge ‘The Invisible Guardian’
By Jacob Holley-Kline Contributor
There’s something to be said for characters in movies actually doing things. Finding stuff out, following clues, getting at the heart of a mystery with some hard work. Inspector Amaia Salazar (Marta Etura), the placid heart of “The Invisible Guardian,” certainly works hard, but finds nothing herself. Every revelation she has is from turning around to see some important plot device. It’s like whatever person she’s tasked with finding stands directly behind her until her Spidey Sense tingles. Even if it doesn’t, she has a whole host of coworkers more than willing to over explain their findings and feelings in equal measure. Every crime drama cliche you can imagine is stuffed in here: a steely cop with a sordid childhood, an arbitrary dayby-day structure, and a killer obsessed with young girls. To
make things more complicated, the murders have occurred in her hometown. She returns to lead the case. Living with her grandmother and sister, though, takes a toll on her, bringing her back to her years with an abusive mother. While she investigates, she has to wrestle with her personal demons. Early on, the media dubs the killer “Basajaun,” after the creature of a Basque legend. Amaia’s grandmother is quick to correct them, though. The Basajaun is a silent protector. An invisible guardian, if you will. Amaia takes this to heart and begins seeing the creature in the forest around her town. It’s presented as something frightening and mysterious, but the constant conversations about how misrepresented it is make those moments hard to take seriously. They’re unintentionally hilarious, if anything. It’s not all bad, however. Director Fernando González Molina has a tight sense of direction.
He works through a scene efficiently, no matter how cliched. His style is generally unhurried and has a good sense of the setting, shooting it in a steely grey light, laden with clouds of fog drifting through forests. What bogs it down is the editing. Constant slow fades and hokey flashbacks make the whole thing feel elementary. “The Invisible Guardian” is another banal crime thriller slapped together with all the good pieces of better crime thrillers. Sadly, it doesn’t do the work to make those pieces fit together. So, what viewers are left with is what inspector Salazar discovers, someone who is nothing on her own and isn’t played interestingly enough to be compelling. The story tries to pick up the slack by introducing a supernatural element to the story that ends up nearly tearing the whole thing apart. The only good thing is that it goes exactly where you think it will. There’s some comfort in that.
TITLE
DIRECTOR
“The Invisible Guardian”
Fernando González Molina
RELEASE DATE Aug. 3, 2017
COUNTRY Spain
GENRE Crime drama
SPORTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 19
Radical Recreation: The ultimate sport Local ultimate Frisbee players take the sport to a new extreme during wintertime
PHOTOS BY CAITLIN BUXBAUM
Cody Buechner during a pick-up game of ultimate at Begich Middle School on Sunday, Nov. 26.
Natalie Brinley throws the disc to her teammate during a pick-up game of ultimate at Begich Middle School on Sunday, Nov. 26.
up ultimate as a high school student in Minnesota, and participated in club play web@thenorthernlight.org through his first year of college at Minnesota State University-Mankato. HowCaitlin Buxbaum plays ultimate Fris- ever, his studies took precedence over bee in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. athletics, and ultimate fell by the wayside while Buechner worked on a Bach It’s a late November Sunday on the elor of Science in Recreation, Parks and north side of Anchorage, the air a cold Leisure Services. It wasn’t until after 15 degrees and the sun is starting to set he graduated and obtained a Masters of around 3 p.m. Most people are probably Education in Curriculum and Instruction curled up at home with a warm beverage from the University of South Florida that or maybe even hunkering down for a nap he moved to Alaska, and in 2016, began before dinner, trying not to think about playing ultimate again. Winter ultimate, though, was a whole the coming work week. But crunching through the week-old snow behind Be- different “ball” game. “It’s different for sure,” Buechner gich Middle School is a fearless band of potential adrenaline junkies, beginning a said. “In snow, even one point will get you fatigued.” game of ultimate Frisbee. Players have chosen to wear boots or Known officially as “ultimate disc,” given the trademarked Frisbee brand, the continue playing in cleats if the snow is sport is often referred to simply as ulti- only ankle deep, but either way, traction mate, a lofty but apt name for a game that is more of an issue in winter. Kaeli Stangl, who graduated from requires more agility and finesse than UAA last spring with an associate’s demany realize. Cody Buechner, Student Clubs and gree in culinary arts, said, “it’s like runGreek Life coordinator at UAA, can at- ning in sand,” but that, “a little resistance training,” isn’t so bad, especially with test to that. “They don’t realize how much work friends. “It’s really difficult to motivate yourit is,” Buechner said. “You really have to train hard to be competitive in this sport.” self to run in the cold but when you can Buechner describes ultimate as a cross run around and have fun with a group of between American football and soccer, people, it’s not so much of a challenge,” with set plays and strategies that teams Stangl said. James Osowski, a current UAA stuuse to increase their chances of winning against teams with certain styles and dent, said that, “the wind is a bigger facweaknesses. All seven players on a team tor in the winter,” too. “Only the most dedicated players conhave roles as cutters or handlers, and within those roles, positions like deep- tinue to show up once the snow hits,” Osdeep, short-deep, left and right wings, owski said. Buechner agreed, not faulting anyone mark, straight-up and outside, for examfor sticking to occasional summer play. ple, in a zone defense. “Those who are dedicated will play But ultimate wasn’t always so complex; after all, it started at a prep school every week, and those who are new and in Massachusetts in the summer of 1968 learning might come out a little bit and with future Hollywood producer Joel Sil- then move on to the next Alaskan advenver as its champion. In his memoir, “Ul- ture,” Buechner said. As a sport that is now played profestimate Glory,” ultimate pioneer and author David Gessner called the first teams sionally across the globe, as well as lo“amorphous blobs of players” with little cally, ultimate is unique in that it requires no referees at any level. athletic skill. “In ultimate you are in charge of polic“I don’t think most people have seen the evolution of the sport,” Buechner said. ing yourself,” Osowski said. “You must Buechner said he started playing pick- hold yourself to the spirit of the game and By Caitlin Buxbaum
make fair calls based upon the circumstances you are in. There are rules that must be followed but the players are the ones enforcing those rules.” This “spirit of the game” is actually written into the official USA Ultimate rules, and reads as follows: “Ultimate relies upon a spirit of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play. Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate unsportsmanlike conduct from the Ultimate field. Such actions as taunting opposing players, dangerous aggression, belligerent intimidation, intentional infractions, or other ‘win-at-all-costs’ behavior are contrary to the Spirit of the Game and must be avoided by all players.” Osowski said it is this aspect that makes ultimate his “favorite sport.” Buechner said he’s made his best friends in the ultimate community, meeting for hikes or other outdoor activities throughout the year. However, the ultimate crowd as a whole, he said — especially at tournaments like the annual JAM and Daze of Disc events — can be
a little bit much for an introvert like him. Spirit games are often played after individual matches in tournament play, and involve alcohol and/or physical contact (such as carrying or sitting on another person). These can be much-needed ice breakers for new players and teams, especially after a tense game. “We’d rather make sure people left happy than be super intense,” Buechner said. Chelsea Kovalcsik, another Alaska transplant and ultimate player, said she felt like the Anchorage community was “very welcoming” when she first arrived, and continually invited her back to play pick-up on the park strip that first summer. She quickly made friends, and with her college basketball days behind her, ultimate is now her “go-to” sport. Even though she’s currently training for a marathon, Kovalcsik said she’s not taking a break from ultimate. “I might get injured, but if it’s [diving] for a Frisbee, it’s worth it,” Kovalcsik said. To learn more about local ultimate, go to anchorageultimate.org, or join the Anchorage Ultimate Facebook group, where times and locations for pick-up games are posted regularly.
20 | SPORTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
Fall 2017 UAA Athletics recap
With the first semester of the 2017-18 academic school year wrapping up, it is time to look back at the athletic season so far the women’s team placed runner-up with all five scoring runners earning All-Region honors. Edwin Kangogo’s sixth place finish led the men’s team to a fifth place overall finish. The distance squad as well as the remaining track and field squad is currently in their preparation for the indoor season. Their first meet will be held on Jan. 12-13. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOSEAWOLVES
Leah Swiss wrapped up her junior year of volleyball, delivering 415 kills and 15 doubledoubles. Swiss competes in her final season next year.
By Karolin Anders
sports@thenorthernlight.org
Karolin Anders is a former member of the UAA track and field team. The accomplishments of UAA’s Athletic Department have already added up to an impressive amount during the first half of the school year. Cross-country and volleyball are the only sports that have finished competing for the year, but volleyball will start its preparations for the next year in the spring, while the cross-country runners are currently preparing for the indoor and outdoor track season. Interim Athletic Director Tim McDiffett is excited about the success during the fall semester and is looking forward to the remainder of the year. “We’ve had a terrific fall and I am so proud of all of our student-athletes and coaches,” McDiffett said. “Watching the live stream of Caroline Kurgat running away from the field for the national cross-country title was incredible, and having our women’s basketball team capture the championship of the final [GCI Great Alaska] Shootout will be a memory we will all cherish for a long time. Of course Seawolf volleyball continues to impress, achieving another NCAA postseason berth.” Volleyball After an impressive 2016 campaign, the Seawolves had many eyes on them. But after graduating some of their most valuable players, including setter Morgan Hooe, and the dismissal of two more players, the Seawolves had a hard time finding their rhythm and game dynamic. The Seawolves ended their season with an overall 19-11 and a 14-6 Great Northwest Athletic Conference record placing tied for third in the final GNAC rankings. The volleyball team also earned their fifth straight NCAA Tournament berth, placing seventh at the Divison II West Regional Championships. Junior outside hitter Leah Swiss had an impressive season, delivering 415 kills and 15 double-doubles. Swiss ended the season ranked second in GNAC, averaging 3.37 kills, 2.79 digs,
0.45 aces and 0.47 blocks per set, which earned her First Team All-GNAC recognition and AVCA Divison II honorable mention All-American. Senior libero Kaela KaioPerez also earned the GNAC recognition as well as a spot on the D2CAA All-West Region Volleyball Team — making her the first UAA libero to receive that honor. Kaio-Perez accumulated more than 500 digs in one season. Junior middle blocker Tara Melton tabbed the GNAC coNewcomer of the Year and setter Casey Davenport was awarded with the GNAC Freshman of the Year honors. “I can’t wait for spring practice to start,” Swiss said in a press conference. “We’ve got a great core group coming back, and I know we’ll be hungry to get back here because we know how to get here and what it takes.” Cross-country / track and field The Seawolves made history by producing their first female national champion in crosscountry. Senior Caroline Kurgat took the win at the Divison II NCAA National Championship on Nov. 18. Kurgat finished the six-kilometer course in 20 minutes, 32.3 seconds, leading her team to an overall fifth place finish. Junior Zennah Jepchumba also earned All-American honors with her 32nd place finish, while Edwin Kangogo collect the honor on the men’s side with a 19th place showing. Throughout the season, Kurgat earned the GNAC title, Divison II West Region title, three National Athlete of the Week honors, GNAC Athlete of the year and West Region Athlete of the Year before being named National Athlete of the Year. Earlier in the season, the women’s team already captured their third consecutive GNAC title, securing five individual All-GNAC honors, while the men’s team finished runner-up, collecting two individual AllGNAC honors. At the meet, sophmore Emmah Chelimo was announced the Women’s Newcomer of the Year and Jorge Sanchez received the award on the men’s side. At the NCAA Divison II West Region Championships,
Women’s basketball So far, the women’s basketball team remains unbeaten this season and is ranked second nationally. The Seawolves’ winning streak currently stands at 9-0 overall and 3-0 in GNAC. The women have added some strong tournament wins to their record at the Wildcat Crossover Tournament in Ellensburg, Washington and Seawolf Hoops Classic at the Alaska Airlines Center in early November as well as the GCI Great Alaska Shootout title against Divison I opponents. The Green and Gold received strong games from junior center Hannah Wandersee of Kodiak, who excelled her career-high points per game to 27 as of now. This far into the season, Wandersee averages 17.1, points per game, and 6.8, rebounds per game. Head Coach Ryan McCarthy predicts she will earn All-American honors this season. Additionally, senior forward Shelby Cloninger produced six double-figures, including a career-high 22 points. She has currently 12.4 ppg and 6.1 rpg on her record. The Seawolves will continue against GNAC opponents on Dec. 29 and return to their home court on Jan. 11 against Western Oregon University. Men’s basketball The men’s basketball team’s roster is almost entirely new compared to last year. Having only three returners on the squad, the Seawolves are onto the 2017-18 campaign. So far, they registered a tournament win at the Alaska/Hawaii challenge and sixth place finish at the
Senior guard/forward Drew Peterson records the highest free-throw percentage at .875 for this year's men's basketball team.
Hannah Wandersee of Kodiak is having a strong season and Head Coach Ryan McCarthy predicts her to earn her first All-American honors.
final GCI Great Alaska Shootout against Divison I opponents in Nov. So far they hold an overall 6-4 and 4-4 GNAC record. Senior forward Jacob Lampkin of Bellevue, Washington leads the Green and Gold with 15.1 ppg and 9.7 rpg, followed by senior transfer D.J. Ursery, who has 11.0 ppg and 4.8 rpg to his name. Josiah Wood led the team with 11 3-point shots, while senior guard/forward Drew Peterson recorded the highest free throw percentage at .875. The men’s basketball team will face GNAC opponent Western Oregon University on Dec. 17, before returning for their next home game on Jan. 4 against Saint Martin’s University. Skiing During the main portion of the fall semester, UAA’s ski teams have been practicing in their typical alternative ways while waiting for snow. The Northern Light featured an article on that matter skiing without snow on Oct. 29. While the alpine ski team went to practice on snow in Colorado for a training camp, the Nordic team hosted the Alaska Nordic Cup against in-state rival Fairbanks back in November. During the competition, UAA’s Hailey Swirbul led the women in the 7.5-kilometer classic race in 22 minutes, 45 seconds. Swirbul was followed by four of her teammates. On the men’s side, Toomas Kollo took the win in the 10-kilometer race, 29 minutes, 3 seconds. His teammates placed fourth and sixth overall. The mixed relay section of the Alaska Nordic Cup featured four skiers, two men and two women each, who raced a 5-kilometer course — freestyle. The Green and Gold finished in 64 minutes, 42 seconds and 66 minutes, 21 seconds. The women’s and men’s top three times combined with the two relay teams determined UAA as the overall winner. The Nordic team will compete next at the U.S. CrossCountry Nationals at Kincaid Park on Jan. 2-4 and the alpine team will travel to Big Sky, Montana for the Montana State Invitational on Jan. 6-8. Hockey
Senior forward Austin Azurdia of Wenatchee, Washington scored a team-leading 8 goals of the season so far. Azurdia also holds a team-high 16 points, while Jonah Renouf’s 2 goals and streak of 8 assists puts him second in the team standings with 10 points. Senior goaltender, Olivier Mantha, continues to make a name for himself. This season, Mantha has recorded 519 saves so far at a .911 percent, and has accumulated 3,022 career saves overall. The Seawolves are ranked 10 out of 10 in their WCHA conference standings with a record of (1-11-4, 1-6-3-3). They will face conference opponent Bemidji State University on Dec. 1516, before returning to Sullivan Arena on Jan. 5-6. Gymnastics The Seawolves entered their first competition, the Green and Gold intrasquad, under the guidance of new head coach Tanya Ho on Dec. 9. The Gold team took the win in 123.550 over the Green team’s 101.675. “I think the girls really stepped up today,” Ho said. “They have been practicing really hard all semester and they have the numbers under them. They just need to do it under pressure with a live audience and some judges watching them. They all did well and no major mistakes were done. They actually did better than expected.” Sophmore and co-MPSF champion on balance beam 2017, Sophia Hyderally, posted a meet-high 9.775 on balance beam and also placed runner-up on floor, 9.55, to introduce the beginning of the new season. Further, sophmore Mackenzie Miller of Waterford, Michigan scored a 38.025 all-around during her first showing as an allaround gymnast at UAA. Miller placed runner-up on bars, 9.625, and floor, 9.5. Junior Kaylin Mancari took the win on floor, 9.65, while freshman Hope Nelson secured a first place finish on bars with a score of 9.675. Isabella Scalapino scored 9.6 points on vault to take the win. The Green and Gold will return to from Christmas break on Dec. 28 to prepare for their first official meet against Cortland University at the Alaska Airlines Center on Jan. 12 and 14.
SPORTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
| 21
Life after college sports By Lauren Cuddihy
sports2@thenorthernlight.org
Lauren Cuddihy is a current member of UAA’s track and field team. With fall graduation underway, many graduates are planning for their futures and sorting out plans, similar to what the previous May 2017 graduates already did. Many of UAA’s sports teams lost a significant portion of their athletes, however, life moves on after an athlete’s collegiate career. Jesse Miller A former member of the UAA track and field and cross-country teams, Jesse Miller graduated with a degree in civil engineering. Post-graduation, Miller has been able to reflect back on the pros and cons of graduating college as a studentathlete. “The best thing about being done with athletics and school for me was the chance to start a new chapter in my life. Competing at UAA was an amazing experience,” Miller said. “After five years, I knew that it was time to take my degree and start molding a new identity for myself, as well as take time to reflect on how I wanted to continue pursuing accomplishments in running.” It was a bittersweet ending for Miller, as he had to leave behind a lot of important aspects of his life. “My coaches and teammates became my family, and it was hard to transition into... not seeing them and interacting with them six days a week and on competition trips. But I still maintain the friendships that I have made and have become adjusted to a different routine,” Miller said. Miller is now working as a junior engineer at Stephl Engineering in Anchorage. He still tries to remain active in the running community. “I have also been working on getting a good relationship with sports,” Miller said, “I still aspire to be a good runner but have been focusing on enjoying it more than anything. I have also started branching out into other sports like rock climbing and skiing.” After four years of academic and athletic work, Miller knows a thing or two about being successful in college sports. “I say this all the time to the kids that I get to coach at my old high school,” Miller said. “Winning and chasing personal bests is rewarding, but focusing on this all the time can and usually will make you sick. You have to remember that this is the sport you love, and that you enjoy competing and getting after it everyday with your teammates.”
Curtis McKillop Curtis McKillop graduated in May 2017 with his degree in management, after four years of competing on UAA’s alpine ski team. Similar to most collegiate athletes, McKillop found that the transition out of collegiate sports was fairly difficult. “[I came to] the realization that I had to give up a sport that I have been doing since I was 3 years old,” McKillop said. “Of course, I am still going to recreationally ski, but not ski race competitively anymore. It’s a hard adjustment. I lost part of what defines me as a person. [Now I have] the opportunity to focus my time onto other passions of mine, my family and my personal relationships." In his transition out of ski racing, McKillop is currently working as a leasing assistant for a commercial real estate brokerage. “It’s not glamorous, but it’s giving me experience and time to reflect on what I really want to do professionally moving forward in my career,” McKillop said. If he could speak to current collegeathletes, McKillop would vouch for getting as many diverse experiences as possible, allowing for those chances to reflect on what they want to do. “Join clubs, be social, make connections and appreciate the opportunity to perform sport and school at the same time,” McKillop said. “It’s easy to waste time and only stay in the athlete circle. I encourage [students] to meet new people outside of their common social groups because there are so many amazing people.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF KIFFER
Curtis Mckillop graduated in May 2017, and is working in real estate while he reflects on his professional goals.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL
Kiki Robertson moved on to play basketball professionally in Germany. She has since shifted paths to become a pediatric nurse.
Kiki Robertson Kiki Robertson, former UAA women’s basketball guard, played an incredibly successful four years at UAA before graduating. Robertson was awarded with Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, D2CCA Second Team All-West Region and a fourth straight Second Team All-GNAC honor in her final season. With a never-ending love for basketball, Robertson decided to continue her athletic career by traveling to play professionally in Germany, before eventually shifting gears to become a pediatric nurse. A similar reaction to many of the other graduated students, Robertson appreciated the relaxation and free time she experiences how that she isn’t in school. “[The] best thing would definitely be not having deadlines and stress from procrastination,” Robertson said. “[The] worst thing is that I don’t get to see or be around my close friends that I’ve made in and outside of basketball.” Robertson’s advice for those still in
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM WASSON
Jesse Miller graduated 7 months ago with a degree in civil engineering, and has since landed a job as a junior engineer at Stephl Engineering. Even though Miller is now an alumnus, he tries to remain active in the Anchorage running community.
college is to enjoy each moment. “If I had to change one thing it would be focusing on myself more and spending it with my friends as much as I could, not worrying about other people or relationships. Because after college, you’re more of an adult and you don’t get to see your friends as often because everyone is
starting their lives and have jobs,” Robertson said. Athletes are eligible for four years of play in their collegiate careers, allowing for a wide variety of experiences in and out of the classroom.
22 | SPORTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017
UAA alumni give back to their high schools through coaching By Karolin Anders
sports@thenorthernlight.org
The Anchorage School District supports various afternoon sporting activities. Between 11 public middle schools and eight high schools participating in numerous sports each season, there is a demand for athletically inclined and enthusiastic individuals who are interested in taking on the task of coaching. Additionally, the 56 public elementary schools are always looking for volunteers to support their afternoon sporting clubs. During the fall, high schools offer cheer, cross country, football, flag football, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, rifle and gymnastics. In the winter, women’s and men’s basketball, ice hockey, bowling and cross-country skiing are offered. The spring semester brings the chance for students to engage in baseball, women’s and men’s soccer, softball and track and field. The Anchorage School District’s Activity Handbook addresses the coaches’ responsibilities, guidelines and expectations and highlights their tremendous influence in the education of student athletes. Coaches need to have a great understanding of the sport they are working in, but also set an example of moral and ethical conduct and especially, sportsmanship. Individuals, who are interested in coaching a sport and have gone to school in Anchorage, often contact their former schools to get information about possible job openings. Alaska School Activity Association’s homepage, also lists
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOSEAWOLVES
Jessica Pahkala ran cross-country and track and field at UAA before becoming an assistant coach at Wasilla High School for the distance running events.
Tim Dommek of Anchorage competed in the throwing events for UAA, before becoming a coach at Bartlett High School.
current job openings, but Joe Alward, former head cross-country coach at West High School recommends contacting the individual institutions. “If a person wants to coach a sport, they have to call each individual school’s activities clerk to find out if there are any openings,” Alward said. To coach at the middle and high school level in the Anchorage School District, coaches must be certified and pass the Alaska Coaches Education Program, which consists of four courses through the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Fundamentals of Coaching: first aid, health and safety for coaches, concussion in sports and sudden cardiac arrest. UAA alumna Jessica Pahkala, justice major, ran cross country and track and field in college and decided to get certified to coach in Alaska after graduating in 2016. Pahkala is now in her second year of coaching the distance events at Wasilla High
if they are inspired and have the right attitude.” UAA alumnus Tim Dommek, physical education major, was a thrower at Bartlett High School before continuing his athletic career at UAA where he placed in the top eight at the GNAC Championships. After UAA, Dommek returned to support his former high school coach in the throwing events. “I took the job because I got to coach alongside my former throws coach and then took over the [throwing] coach position the last two years due to his retirement from teaching and coaching,” Dommek said. Dommek enjoys teaching the technical finesse of the throwing events and helping his athletes grow as individuals. “Ultimately, it is to help these kids become well rounded individuals through the discipline of the sport they chose to pursue,” Dommek said. Dommek and Pakahla found coaching positions in their former high schools, but asking
School. “I took the job because the head coach was my coach when I was in high school and she needed an assistant,” Pahkala said. “She made a big difference in my life and it seemed like a good way I could give back to her and to the community.” After graduating college and finishing her career as a collegiate athlete and earning AllAmerican awards in the distance medley relay, Pahkala described coaching as rewarding experience and a way to pass on her passion for running to the next generation. “The best part about coaching at the high school level is that you get kids of all different backgrounds, experiences and personalities,” Pahkala said. “It is definitely fun to have really fast kids, but it’s just as rewarding to see kids who have never run before make a huge breakthrough. High school kids are still learning about who they are and what they are capable of; they have limitless potential
around the individual schools, offers everyone with a certain level of expertise and passion for the sport to engage in middle and high school coaching. Practices take place when school is out, so it is generally manageable for a half or fulltime college students to work those practice times into their schedules to add something to their resumes, give back the community and stay engaged in a sport they enjoy. The hiring process depends on the individual school, but a background check and all paperwork must be turned in to the Anchorage School District’s HR department. Generally, high school assistant coaches’ wages range between $2,520 to $3,150 per season, while head coaches can earn up to $4,725. Middle school assistant and head coaches earn between $2,100 to $2,520 per season. For more information on coaching in the Anchorage School District, visit asdk12.org/ activities/ and asaa.org/coaches/.
The Olympics are in sight for Casey Wright By Logan Harrison
lharrison@thenorthernlight.org
The U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships open at Kincaid Park three days into the new year. When they do, UAA’s Casey Wright will be representing her Seawolf colors as she looks ahead at representing another set of green and gold. The Nordic skier, now in her third year of collegiate competition, has a chance to compete at the U.S. Nationals as a Seawolf, but her results at the event will help determine whether or not she will be heading to the Olympics as a part of the Australian ski team in February. Wright is from Victoria, Melbourne and she picked up skiing at an early age. Her parents were both guides, and so she would venture into the mountains with them during the short season of the Australian winter. “It’s very hard in Australia to find a team because it’s such a small sport,” Wright said. “So, that was where moving to the U.S. was going to help me make my next jump in terms of development.” She began skiing for Australia in 2012 when she first qualified for the national team. As she
competed in the Junior World Championships, she was able to travel and train all throughout Europe, from Sweden to Germany, all the way down to Italy. Having to travel so much to train, and the relatively small following of the sport in Australia meant college competition abroad was the next step for Wright. “But it’s kind of hard trying to convince coaches that this girl from Australia can actually ski," Wright said. Wright successfully convinced UAA she could ski, and earned herself a scholarship and a team she could train and compete with as she continued into the next phase of her skiing career. Now, she is looking toward the next potential phase in her career. The Australian team will be sending a confirmed four Nordic skiers to the Olympics, two men and two women, and potentially two more spots could open up, regardless of gender. Wright believes she has as good a chance as anyone else to secure one of those spots. “I feel like I’m in the best possible environment that I can be in and I think I am doing all the right things in terms of train-
ing, recovery and preparation,” Wright said. “I’ve definitely put myself in what I believe is the best position for myself.” Like most athletes, competing in the Olympics has been a childhood dream for Wright. It didn’t hit her until last year during her collegiate season that making her way to Pyeongchang, South Korea for the 2018 Winter Olympics was an achievable goal. “It didn’t really become secured in my mind until last season where I kind of made that next jump in ski performance. So maybe this can actually happen now, it’s not just a dream," Wright said. Wright’s jump in ski performance has been aided by her association with her team at UAA. She had transferred from Victoria University in Melbourne, where she competed in university games. The organization and competition was not the same as what she has experienced since her transfer. “It was me and another snowboarder on the snow sports team. You don’t really get any coaching or training,” Wright said. “I didn’t even have a uniform. They gave me a hoodie, but you don’t race in a hoodie. So, it was like, 'OK, I’ll see what
PHOTO COURTESY OF GOSEAWOLVES
Casey Wright racing in last year’s 2016 Utah Invitational.
blue things I can find and I'll race in that.'” As she prepares for the nationals at Kincaid, the aura of a potential invite to the Olympics isn’t lost on Wright. “It’s the pinnacle of all sports to, not only represent your country, but represent your country on the world stage," Wright said. "I think skiing is a hard sport in Australia just that we’re not really recognized. [The] majority of Australians probably don’t even know what Nordic skiing is, let alone that we have people competing on the world’s stage for it. It’s kind of the one time where people back home actually watch you on TV or actually have an idea of who you are, so it’s a little bit daunting to think about.”
Wright, who is a physical education major, plans to keep competing once she graduates in the spring of 2019. Her goal is to become a full-time World Cup athlete. She already has her eye on the Beijing Olympics in 2022, regardless of what happens ahead of Pyeongchang games. “I feel like I still have a lot of boxes left unticked in skiing. I’ve got a lot more I want to achieve. I really want to ski top30 in World Cup. I think there’s only two Australians who have done that before,” Wright said. “I really just want to see where skiing can take me.” The 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games begin in February.
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