Sean Parnell’s Chancellor’s Report at UA Board of Regents meeting
Parnell highlighted UAA athletics, increased UAA partnerships and higher enrollment during his report.
By Taylor Heckart
UAA hosted the final University of Alaska Board of Regents meetings for the year on Nov. 9 and 10. Though the Nov. 9 committee meeting was held online because of weather, the Nov. 10 meeting took place in-person at the Gorsuch Commons.
As part of the board meeting, UAA Chancellor Sean Parnell gave his report on the state of UAA.
“It is a great day to be a seawolf, and we are having an amazing fall semester here at UAA,” began Parnell.
In his report, Parnell asked the board to keep tuition the same for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We are committed to making affordable high quality education accessible to all and that’s why we’re asking the Board to maintain the same level of tuition for the 24-25 academic year,” said Parnell.
The board did vote to keep tuition flat for the next academic year.
According to a press release from the University of Alaska, even with tuition staying the same, “tuition revenues are projected to grow by roughly $3 million thanks to increased enrollment.”
Parnell also highlighted the recent collaboration between UAA and the Anchorage School District, where every fifth grader in Anchorage was invited to come watch the first game of the men’s basket-
ball season.
According to the Anchorage Daily News, over 2,600 fifth graders attended. The Board of Regents watched a video created by the men’s basketball team for the event. Basketball players encouraged fifth graders to stay in school and work hard toward their goals.
“This sort of memory is powerful for our youth and helps UAA connect with the next generation of Alaskan students. It’s just one example of how we engage with our community and create success and opportunity for them,” said Parnell.
Parnell also highlighted high attendance for volleyball games and hockey games in his report.
Since the last Board of Regents meeting in August, Parnell reported that UAA has signed two new agreements with universities in nordic countries for “collaboration, cooperation and exchange.”
In October, High North News reported that UAA and Nord University signed a cooperation agreement at the Arctic Circle Assembly.
Parnell also reported that UAA and LG Electronics created a new research consortium.
According to an LG press release, “Addressing the growing worldwide interest in cold-climate heat pump technologies, the Consortium will leverage the complementary expertise of technologists at
and
UAA has been at more than 100 in-person recruiting events, and that student enrollment is up 5% overall.
“First year enrollment is up 15%, and we’ve grown our incoming class now four semesters in a row,” said Parnell.
The Alaska Beacon reported that while enrollment is up, it comes after a five-year decrease in student enrollment – a common trend across the US after the pandemic.
“UAA has doubled the number of students living in residence halls in two years, and that’s without a bunch of additional staff. So a special thanks to Ryan Hill and the Residence Life staff who’ve taken on this additional burden without the benefit of additional resources,” said Parnell.
According to the UAA Residence Life website, student housing is at capacity for both the fall and spring semesters, and they have moved to a waitlist for students who wish to live on-campus.
Parnell also spoke on UAA’s textbook affordability program.
“More than 52% of UAA’s courses now have zero cost textbooks,” he said, “953 courses had no … textbook cost.” Parnell completed his report by saying that UAA has now automated its application process, and said that 95% of UAA students are admitted within 3 hours of applying.
Congress passes temporary spending bill
This latest bill funds the federal government until early next year when lawmakers will have to reconvene on the budget issue in January.
By Kyle Ivacic news2@thenorthernlight.org
A bipartisan, temporary spending bill – that will fund some government agencies into January and others through to February – narrowly passed the House on Nov. 14, followed by the Senate on Nov. 15.
Congress has struggled for months – because of the partisan divide – to reach a deal to fully fund the federal government for the next fiscal year.
Despite the bill’s passage, a government shutdown is not off the table in 2024. The Associated Press reports that the passage of this bill pushes “a final confrontation on the government budget into the new year.”
The bill does not include the White House’s funding request for aid to Israel and Ukraine. For-
eign aid has been the subject of hot debate as some Republicans have sought to cut back on it and other forms of federal spending.
Some Republicans ex-
pressed that they are upset that the bill does not cut spending as much as they would like.
According to the Texas Tribune, Chip Roy – House
Republican and member of the far-right “Freedom Caucus” – claimed that the bill “continues to perpetuate the very system my constituents sent me here
to oppose.” Reuters quoted Republican Representative Mike Garcia as saying that the bill “isn’t ideal” but that “a shutdown is a far worse
world to be in.”
Republican dissent was present when another temporary spending bill passed earlier this year –costing Kevin McCarthy his role as Speaker of the House.
For now, the new House Speaker – Mike Johnson – is less likely to face an ousting because he has more support from the conservative wing of the Republican party than McCarthy did, according to Reuters.
A new spending deal must be made by Jan. 19 for “military construction, veterans benefits, transportation, housing, urban development, agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and energy and water programs,” Reuters reports. All other federal programs must be funded by Feb. 2.
LG Electronics, a global heat pump leader,
the
College of Engineering at UAA and its highly re -
garded HVAC Lab.” Parnell also said that
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX
Sean Parnell speaks at the Chancellors Q&A in October.
PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
United States Capitol.
The Board of Regents discuss a new degree, UAOnline’s format and accreditation
The Board of Regents discussed new current and future additions to UAA’s campus and data centers.
By Hannah Dillon opinion2@thenorthernlight.org
The Board of Regents Academic and Student Affairs Committee met on Nov. 9. During this meeting, the regents discussed the creation of a new degree program, student information systems, accessibility issues surrounding UAOnline, enrollment report and accreditation.
According to Provost Denise Runge, UAA is offering a new Bachelor of Business Administration in Business and Data Analytics with the intent to be used as a replacement for a previously eliminated degree – Management Information Sciences.
Provost Runge said in the meeting that the degree program will provide necessary training to students, as the state of Alaska has a substantial need for trained data scientists and people to fill analyst-related job openings.
Provost Runge said, “there are no significant additional resources that need to be invested. In other words, most of the courses that would be necessary to complete this degree not only already exist, but are also already offered regularly.”
Afterward, UA’s Chief Information Technology Officer Benjamin Shier shared a presentation on the need to modernize the University of Alaska’s 30 year old Student Information
System. Shier said his vision for the system includes a modernized look, streamlined use and a greater student experience.
Student Information Systems is a software that allows educational institutions to easily manage student information online. Fully upgrading all components of the Student Information System will be a long process, but modernization has begun.
In the modernization process, the Student Information System was moved to the cloud so it may be supported by experienced vendors.
Shier said that the cloud allowed UA campuses to throw away hardware in data centers that used a lot of space, power and required ongoing maintenance.
Deconstructing 30 year old personalized code would not present much of a solution without something to take its place.
Shier explained that one of the most significant IT projects is an upgrade to UA platforms.
“It will specifically target the online interactions with our students through those platforms and it will also address a significant amount of 30 years of code and customizations that have made it very difficult for the university to leverage the latest feature from the vendor,” said Shier.
This means that – through the disposal of 30 year old code – students will have better ac-
cess to updated UAOnline features and have an easier time doing such things as registering for classes.
The vendor Shier mentioned is Ellucian. Ellucian was and still is a leading platform in education but according to Shier, difficulties in using the platform arose from years of building custom approaches within the platform instead of using the platforms pre-programmed abilities.
These custom approaches attempted to adapt Ellucian to UAA, but instead led to the inability to utilize Ellucian’s updates.
Shier mentioned UAOnline’s
interface proves difficult to use for blind or visually impaired individuals using screen readers to register for classes or check billing information. UA will be adapting to a different format in an attempt to make the use of screen readers easier.
UAOnline is also not very compatible with phones. Shier said they’re working to provide a solution in the near future.
The project has been given a deadline of two years to complete. UA systems aim to be completely up to date by December 2025.
In that same meeting, UAA Chancellor Sean Parnell said that UAA student admissions
are up five percent with a 4.4 percent increase in credits hours. The slight difference in percentages represents that students average less credit hours than there is headcount.
Provost Runge noted many different programs have had accreditation site visits, reports and self study submissions over 2023. The programs under review included multiple engineering, diet and nutrition, public health and physical therapy programs, all with “extremely positive feedback.”
UAA online systems will see many changes in the near future but these changes will enhance the student experience.
Progress made in US-China relations
The leaders of the world’s two largest economies came to several agreements at a face-to-face meeting last month.
By Kyle Ivacic news2@thenorthernlight.org
President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in San Francisco on Nov. 15 against a backdrop of high tensions, a years-long trade war and unfriendly rhetoric between the two nations.
The Associated Press reported that China and the U.S. agreed to restore direct militaryto-military communications at the meeting.
The relationship between the U.S. and China has been unstable recently – reaching a new low when the Chinese government suspended military-to-military communications with the U.S. in August of last year. According to the Associated Press, the move was in retaliation for thenHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
Other agreements between the two nations included a curb of the production and trafficking of fentanyl, opening a dialogue about AI and taking more bilateral action against climate change.
According to a 2020 report from the US Drug Enforcement Administration, China is a leading producer of the fentanyl that
eventually makes its way to the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that fentanyl was “principally” responsible for more than two thirds of US overdose deaths in 2022.
According to a White House statement, “[Xi and Biden] held a candid and constructive dis-
cussion on a range of bilateral and global issues including areas of potential cooperation and exchanged views on areas of difference.”
Biden did not shy away from being open about the state of the US-China relationship. According to the White House, Biden “emphasized that the United
States and China are in competition” and expressed support for and alignment with American allies.
Xi had his own points to make during his visit to the US.
The Associated Press reported that at a dinner following the meeting, Xi warned that “the United States should not bet
against China, or interfere in China’s internal affairs.”
An anonymous source told the Associated Press that during the meeting Biden reaffirmed the U.S. stance that Taiwan has a right to defend itself and that the U.S. would continue to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
The U.S. is committed by law to supply Taiwan with means to defend itself but remains vague about if it would actually intervene in a war between mainland China and the island – a policy widely referred to as “strategic ambiguity.”
Their meeting came as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. According to the organization’s website, their mission is to to “support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.”
In addition to the meeting between Xi and Biden, world leaders and business representatives participated in the week-long summit.
Xi and Biden’s meeting appears to have made some progress toward the organization’s goals, as well as the goals of China, the US and its allies.
The future of the relationship between the two countries will be dependent on continued efforts to communicate, maintain peace and cooperate. However, It remains to be seen whether improvements in relations actually happen.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART
Board of Regents
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
Joe Biden and Xi Jinping exchange a handshake at the APEC Summit.
Nov. 10 Board of Regents meeting:
University of Alaska discusses project funding, empowerment and long-term outlook In a Nov. 10 meeting at the Gorsuch Commons, the board came to a consensus on vital fiscal strategies, but ran into conflict on the Alaska Leadership Archive.
By Mark Zimmerman news4@thenorthernlight.org
On Nov. 10, the Board of Regents reconvened for its yearly budgetary analysis and approval for UA’s next fiscal year. The tone among the board was positive compared to the previous day, when staff representatives expressed disappointment at the University of Alaska’s administrative policy.
Regents expressed a shared sense of hope for on-campus learners, raising anecdotes about visible recovery of student activity and sentiment as the system returns from the long-drawn impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The board unanimously praised healthy collaboration between regents and UA campuses.
In priority strategies for the coming year, the board formally recognized its new “Empowering Alaska” branding –focusing on an inclusive higher education structure encompassing traditional CTC programs and community projects as well as traditional university pathways.
President Pat Pittney heralded this transition, saying, “Our ability to get to graduation is going to be different than our traditional four-year to two-year degrees,” – a nod to existing efforts by the university to strengthen CTC.
The operating budget for fiscal year 2025 is expected to cement UA’s drift away from relying on often contested state funding. The percentage of UA’s Operating Budget represented by state funding is projected to drop 10% from a decade ago.
A major area of progress noted by the board was UAF’s moves toward achieving the nationally-coveted R1 research
status — a category occupied by prestigious institutions such as Stamford and MIT. This opens Fairbanks up to a minimum of over $40 million from the federal government if it reaches its goal – which appears to be within reach – by the 2027 target.
The University is also pulling more
resources directly from its earned revenue — restricted funds — to increase its overall employee headcount. This category shows a projected 19% year over year growth rate compared to the 5% brought on with ‘unrestricted general funds’ that represents outside funding. This is welcome news for the board, which faced an employee turnover rate dramatically higher than the annual 4-5% target from FY14 through FY22. The presented budget shows a 2.5% increase in compensation across the board.
However, state funding is still a key revenue source for the university. For the first time since before 2014, UA has seen actual year over year growth and a lack of cost-cutting measures.
Building on this success was a new deferred maintenance and modernization budget featuring a $20 million increase to $35 million total. UA plans to achieve this through collaboration with governor Dunleavy and a state legislature that is broadly friendly. President Pittney added that a decline in debt service costs meant a long-term commitment of $1-2 million year over year budget increases in this category.
This funding may become crucial, as property insurance costs have risen by over 50% for UA in the past three years. This sharp increase — brought on by climate-related disasters nationwide — is to be offset using a ‘captive insurance’ strategy which aims to lower premiums through program retention. Another strategy the board presented was establishing a ‘loss reserve’ fund with the state. A similar loss reserve has already produced positive results for the Mat-Su Borough.
All of this is accompanied by a continued freeze in tuition — which the board said would improve retention. This is a part of another move to make ‘Community Campus Rates’ consistent across UAA, UAF and UAS. Noting an uptick in new student acquisition, the board unanimously supported this measure.
During the final rounds of voting, the board was quick to approve most bud-
getary measures and outgoing requests, but one conflict slowed the approval of the FY2025 Capital Budget Requests — the Alaska Leaders Archive. Similar to the Ted Steven’s Archive collection, the Alaska Leaders Archive intends to document transformative public servants and policy leaders from the state’s history. This $12 million construction project – along with Consortium Library Remodeling – had a planned start date of July 1 as per initial documentation. The Alaska Leaders Archive being included in the Capital Budget Requests caused concern amongst some members of the body that it would derail the approval of deferred maintenance requests once it was brought to governor Dunleavy who would be instrumental in presenting the requests and carrying support.
UAA Chancellor Sean Parnell disagreed with this notion — and several board members including President Pittney and Board Chair Seekins joined him, as a delay in funding could extend to two legislative cycles. Regents Michel, Andersen and Perdue and other board members in favor of moving it to the ‘Receipt Authority Only’ category said that – due to a $6 million shortfall from private partners – the archive wouldn’t have enough funding even with legislative approval. While they were in favor of the archive, the challenges of keeping it as a part of Capital Budget Requests instead of lower-priority restricted spending gave them pause. Parnell’s group was unable to defeat their amendment.
Afterward, the board passed a resolution of appreciation for Dr. Priscilla Schulte — who was recognized for her decades of service as an anthropology instructor, Alaska Native cultural researcher, longtime UA-system donor and Ketchikan Campus Director. Her years of service and altruism were recognized in the board’s motion. Schulte is retiring after this semester.
The election of board officers concluded with Ralph Seekins as chair, Karen Perdue as vice chair, Dale Anderson as secretary and Scott Jepsen as treasurer.
PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCHMITZ.
University of Alaska President Pat Pitney at the Board of Regents meeting Nov. 10.
After the storm: Residence Life photos following UAA’s most recent snowfall
Buried cars and overgrown snowmen were found across Residence Life as UAA weathered a second snowstorm.
By Taylor Heckart
The morning of November 13 was UAA’s second snow-related campus closure in less than a week, after Anchorage received 7.9 inches of snow overnight.
This snowfall came after campus was shut down on Thursday, Nov. 9 after Anchorage received 9
inches of snow.
This record-breaking snowfall forced public transportation to stop, knocked out power across Anchorage and caused challenging road conditions.
Freshly-cleared cars and paths at Residence Life were once again covered in snow on Nov. 13, as students and staff had to dig themselves out again.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART
Heavy snow begins to drape over the roof of UAA’s MAC apartments.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART
Footsteps leading up to a MAC apartment on Nov. 13.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART
Cars parked outside West Hall, covered in snow.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART
Out-of-service emergency phone alongside snow-covered residence life paths.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART Snowman covered in fresh snow.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART
A UAA plow truck clears out snow in front of the Gorsuch Commons.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART
Cars in the MAC apartments covered in snow.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR HECKART
Path behind the MAC apartments.
FEATURES
Perspective on the future of UAOnline’s format: Screen readers, equity and accessibility lab rats
A UAA student who uses a screen reader gives their perspective on the future changes to UAOnline’s format and advocates for more free screen readers on campus.
By Hannah Dillon opinion2@thenorthernlight.org
The Board of Regents Academic and Student Affairs Committee met on Nov. 9. During this meeting, the regents discussed future changes to the UAOnline format – including easier access for use on smartphones and better compatibility with screen readers.
Screen readers are software that assist people who are blind or visually impaired to help navigate online systems and read various texts.
UA’s Chief Information Technology Officer Benjamin Shier shared a presentation on the need to modernize the University of Alaska’s 30 year old Student Information System; which will lead to a format change of UAOnline systems.
Shier mentioned UAOnline’s interface proves difficult to use for blind or visually impaired individuals using screen readers to register for classes or check billing information. UA will be adapting to a different format in an attempt to make the use of screen readers easier.
The project has been given
a deadline of two years to complete. UA systems aim to be completely up to date by December 2025.
Kesly Tallant is a UAA student who uses a screen reader every day and often accesses UAOnline. In an interview with The Northern Light, Tallant gave her perspective on the discussion of future UAOnline format changes.
Registering for classes is one of the biggest problems Tallant has with her screen reader but as she demonstrated how she registers for classes with it – it became clear she is already used
to the current format, no matter how difficult.
“Should you change it now? It’s already okay, the next thing you pick could be worse. I don’t know what the better solution is here. I don’t want to learn a whole new system – that would be miserable. This thing was hard enough to figure out,” said Tallant.
Tallant explained she has been at UAA since 2017 and is aware that many universities are trying new formats in an attempt to make things better for students, but she is unsure if there is a better option right now.
“I came to UAA to be a student and I have hardly, barely been able to do that. I feel like a very big lab rat in the aspect that I’ve pointed out a lot of things that are wrong. I feel an advocate would be a good umbrella term, but really, [I feel] like an accessibility lab rat. It’s like ‘hey let’s see if this works.’ It feels like I’m the first blind person to attend UAA,” said Tallant.
Many students may look forward to the platform’s upcoming changes, but those who have already learned to navigate the current obstacles may feel overwhelmed.
Tallant also mentioned she doesn’t so much agree with the term “not accessible.” “I get frustrated with the accessibility conversation because I’m obviously able to do most of it, but there’s just certain things I’m not able to do,” said Tallant.
Accessing the platform is not the trouble that Tallant has. Difficulties originate more within the program itself and the ability to contact administrators and advisors to assist with navigation problems.
Tallant explained the different “brands” of screen readers. “The main one that’s used by the
majority of the blind community is called JAWS – Job Access With Speech. It’s expensive, on the lower end, $800 for one license and that’s just one license on one device.”
Although JAWS is an expensive lifetime purchase, Tallant mentioned NVDA – NonVisual Desktop Access – a free screen reader competitor of JAWS.
“I would love to advocate for the university to get NVDA more in some of these labs. It’s as simple as downloading it from the internet,” said Tallant.
Tallant has noticed many labs on campus and even the library have very limited or no access to screen readers such as NonVisual Desktop Access.
Tallant finally recommended that those working to develop a program involve the people who fall under the wide spectrum of accessibility. “Instead of equality – equity – because those are two different things. I’m very new to this conversation but the idea of universal design. Not so much “equal” because that’s never going to be the case in my mind. But universal design, in my head, means that you have multiple ways of accessing one thing. Not one thing fits all.”
Broadway Alaska presents ‘Come From Away’
Downtown’s Atwood Concert Hall was packed on the night of Nov. 30 for the live performance of the equally heartwarming and heart wrenching musical “Come From Away.”
to the thousands of unexpected guests.
“Come From Away” is a Broadway musical that details the true events that took place in the aftermath of 9/11. Following the closure of U.S. airspace, 38 planes carrying thousands of people made an emergency descent on the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.
Gander’s position on Canada’s east coast made it a popular refueling point for mid-twentieth century airplanes crossing the Atlantic. By the 1950s, it had become one of the busiest international airports in the world and had a footprint much larger than its small population would suggest.
The airport’s passenger numbers decreased rapidly after the advent of planes that could cross the Atlantic without need to refuel before continuing to a final destination. Even so, Gander’s oversized airport was never demolished – a fact that proved critical to grounded trans-Atlantic flights on that fateful day in September 2001.
Deboarding took hours as Canadian authorities had to make the determination – based on information coming from the U.S. – that nobody on board the planes posed a terroristic threat.
Once off the planes, passengers were welcomed by the residents of Gander, who came together to provide accommodation, including food and shelter
The musical began with humorous greetings between Gander residents, greeting each other in thick Newfoundland accents, one by one surrounding a table, each talking over the other to form an excitable morning conversation in a Tim Horton’s cafe.
The humor of the musical overlies some of the most heart wrenching story telling. The lights changed and the cast maneuvered through the dark with precision as they changed the scene to that of airplane passengers in flight.
Each passenger sat silently as the pilot’s voice on the plane’s intercom said that, due to a situation in the United States, they would be landing shortly in Gander, Newfoundland. Passengers sat exhausted on planes for hours, worried and unable to contact loved ones.
The confusion and exhaustion of the passengers onboard soon led to fear and the need for answers.
Still not fully unaware of what had transpired in New York and Washington D.C., many rushed the available phones in the Gander airport to speak with loved ones and get news.
They were able to talk to their children and parents. The music began a sorrowful tune when one character attempted to contact her son who is a firefighter in New York City. Her attempts to contact her son form a subplot
throughout the story.
The townspeople of Gander prepared shelters and offered up guest rooms for passengers to sleep in for the night, which soon became nearly a week.
Operating out of an elementary school, volunteers were able to prepare enough meals and supplies to make their guests comfortable.
Part of the musical involved the Mayor of Gander telling someone to “steal” all of the grills in the area so people could have food to eat. The grill owners eventually spot the thief but offer the grills anyway.
Animals were also on board the planes, including cats, dogs and a pregnant Chimpanzee named Unga. Veterinarians in Gander took care of the animals during their unexpected visit to Newfoundland.
During the stay, Unga gave birth to the first-ever chimpanzee to be born in the Canadian Province of Nefowndland and Labrador. Although the baby died after birth, Unga’s next baby – born in Ohio – was named Gander in memory of the welcome the chimp’s mother received while in Canada.
These examples are a few of the many acts of kindness that were exhibited by the people in the town of Gander on 9/11.
The music was lively and each beat was felt in the chest of the audience. Although the musical serves as a saddening reminder of what happened that day, the overall message was uplifting.
The performance ended in a standing ovation as the crowd clapped and cheered while the actors took their bows. Musicians took the stage and danced while playing traditional music from Newfoundland as the audience clapped along to their beat – ending again with loud praise from the audience.
The production kept the playgoers entertained and fascinated throughout its entirety. “Come From Away” runs until Dec. 10 and tickets are available for purchase online through CenterTix.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNSPLASH - PHOTO BY CHRISTIN HUME
PHOTO BY KYLE IVACIC
A “Come From Away” poster sits in the lobby of the Atwood Concert Hall.
By Kyle Ivacic & Hannah Dillon
Seawolf volleyball concludes season with a stellar win The seniors
By Avery Williamson
shined in their last collegiate volleyball match.
Volleyball seniors Nicole Blue, Reilly Plumhoff and Isabel Evans carried the Seawolves to a 3-1 victory against the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks on Nov. 16.
Blue delivered 17 kills, Plumhoff produced six aces and Evans totaled nine blocks to finish their collegiate careers on a high note.
“What a terrific way for all of our seniors to go out in their last match. They all played tremendously tonight,” head coach Stacie Meisner told GoSeawolves. com.
“While we’ll miss our seniors, I think that we are set up for success in the future, and I know all of our returning players will be eager to get back on the court for our spring season.”
The Seawolves found themselves trailing the Nanooks early in the first set, losing the frame 25-19.
It seemed that they might lose the second frame as they trailed 14-10, but three blocks apiece from Blue, Leilani and Bethany Tuchardt helped the Seawolves tie the game 20-20.
It was a tight battle to 25, but the Seawolves edged out the Nanooks to win the second frame 25-22.
The third frame was another tight battle. Once again, the instate rivals found themselves tied 20-20.
However, a kill by Elder helped the Seawolves get the ball in Plumhoff’s hands to serve. Plumhoff took the frame
Seawolves Men’s Basketball, ranked
for the Seawolves with an ace. UAA won the third set 25-21.
Up 2-1, the Seawolves needed to win one more frame to take the match and send their seniors home with one final victory.
Blue delivered five kills to get the momentum going–which allowed her to finish No. 17 on UAA’s all-time program list.
The Seawolves delivered 12 other kills and had only one error. They took the frame 25-15 to win the match 3-1.
UAA’s victory over UAF concludes this volleyball season. They finished the season with a 16-17 overall record. They won eight games in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference and lost 10.
For more information about Seawolf volleyball, head to GoSeawolves.com.
No.
23, fall to Yellowjackets in first loss of the season
UAA’s
men’s basketball team might fall off the NCAA Division II Top 25 List after falling to the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets.
By Avery Williamson
After starting the season undefeated, the Seawolves lost 5966 to the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets on Nov. 30.
After trailing 12-5 early in the game, strong teamwork from the Seawolves helped them get back into the game.
Tyson Gilbert tied the game after drilling his second threepointer of the night. The teams switched leads five more times throughout the next 15 minutes. In the last four minutes be -
fore halftime, the Yellowjackets pulled away slightly, heading to the locker room with a fourpoint lead over the Seawolves.
Though they got within one point of the Yellowjackets, UAA wasn’t able to regain a lead for the rest of the game.
They lost 66-59, marking their first defeat of the 2023-24 season.
“We did not defend in the first half like we are capable of,” UAA head coach Rusty Osborne told GoSeawolves.com.
“We did defend well in the second half, but we were very
poor offensively. Some of it was execution, some of it was them, and a lot of it was missing open shots and layups that we usually make.”
Gilbert led the team with 12 points. Sawyer Storms was the top rebounder with eight.
The Seawolves will take on Central Washington at home on
Jan. 11.
You can check out national rankings on the NCAA’s website. The new rankings will be released Dec. 4.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX
Three volleyball seniors were honored for their contribution to UAA’s team in the last game of their collegiate careers.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX
MSU Billings handed the Seawolves their first lost of the season on Nov. 30.
New Seawolves help UAA men’s basketball
dribble to an undefeated start
Almost three weeks into the season, the UAA men’s basketball team has won six straight games and stands undefeated.
By Avery Williamson
Adding nine players to their roster this off-season has paid off for the Seawolves as they hold a 6-0 record early in the season.
Their dominance began on Nov. 3 and 4, when they defeated the California State University Maritime Academy by over 15 points both nights.
The following weekend, they had a tight battle against Chaminade University of Honolulu, but 27 points from Tyson Gilbert helped the Seawolves secure a five-point victory.
UAA defeated Hawaii Pacific University the next night by 15 points.
The Seawolves then recorded a blow-out victory over the University of California Merced in front of a home crowd on Nov. 17. They defeated the visitors by 51 points.
UAA returned to the Alaska Airlines Center the following night and dominated the opposing team again, securing a 62-49 victory.
Their next game is against the University of Texas at Tyler in Honolulu, Hawaii on Dec. 17. Head to GoSeawolves.com for more information.
Seawolves add nine to their roster
Bishop Tosi
Tosi grew up in Anchorage, graduating from Bartlett High School before signing with Bellevue College in Washington. In 59 games, Tosi recorded 820 points and 457 rebounds.
“Simply, Bishop is a ‘winner’,” said head coach Rusty Osborne in a press release on GoS -
eawolves.com. “He can do many things on a basketball court, but what he does best is help his teams win.”
Trey Evans
Evans is fresh out of Real Salt Lake Academy, a high school in South Jordan, Utah. Evans played for Wasatch Academy during his freshman and sophomore years, helping his team grab a 53-6 record and head to the GEICO Nationals Championships both years.
Hasaan Herrington
After playing two seasons for the University of Texas at Tyler, Herrington is back in Anchorage playing for his hometown. He has season highs of 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Hasaan back home,” Osborne told GoSeawolves.com.
“He gives us a strong, athletic, versatile guard to match up with similar guards we will face.”
Malik Jackson
Jackson is joining the Seawolves from Castro Valley, California. He played one season for Peninsula College in Washington, racking up four double-doubles and scoring double figures in 18 out of 27 games.
“The biggest impact Malik has is that he is a winner,” said Osborne. “When he plays, his teams win. Over his last two seasons, his teams have only lost five games when he was healthy and playing.”
Lyman Simmons
Simmons played alongside
GRADUATES
Evans at Real Salt Lake Academy in Utah. He was named the Utah 4A Player of the Year after helping carry his team to their first state championship title in 20 years.
“We are very excited to add a player of Lyman’s size and ability to our program,” said Osborne. “He is a young man who has a bright future.”
Dillon Barrientos
Barrientos transferred to UAA after playing for College of the Canyons, a junior college in Santa Clarita, California. He averaged 15.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.5 steals in his two seasons there.
Sloan Lentfer
Lentfer is an Anchorage star, helping carry Grace Christian High School to an Alaska 3A State Championship last year. He also helped his team grab the 2023 Alaska Prep Shootout title in 2023.
“As he has matured physically, Sloan has continued to improve all aspects of his game,” Osborne said. “He is a tremendous rebounder and a smart, tough defender.”
“Offensively he has great hands, can score inside, and is a very good passer. Once he gets experience playing consistently against other opponents his size, we expect him to have a great college career.”
Parker Kroon
Kroon played for Wasilla High School while attending Mat-Su Career and Technical High School. He was named the 2023 Northern Lights Conference Tournament MVP.
“He plays hard, is fearless, and as he builds strength and confidence, he will have a chance to be an excellent collegiate player in future seasons,” said Osborne.
Jaylin Scott
Scott is from the small town of Seldovia, located on the Kenai Peninsula. He helped Ninilchik High School win back-to-
back Alaska 2A State Championship titles in his junior and senior years.
“This season will allow him to play daily against others with similar size and athletic ability,” said Osborne.
“We are confident Jaylin will continue to blossom into an extremely versatile player, and be ready to step in once some of our upperclassmen graduate.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Dr. Jenny McNulty, Dean
DOCTORATE DEGREES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Clinical-Community Psychology
Robyn N. Mertz
Brock C. Tucker
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF ARTS
Anthropology
Forrest J. Kranda
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Applied Geological Sciences
Robin B. Van Auken
Biological Sciences
Karen M. Carlson
Natasha M. G. Chenot
Christina R. Minions
Sanaa K. Siddiqi
Clinical Psychology
Janna P. Christen
Caitlin M. Fitzpatrick
Leonard L. Hall
Isaac E. Jarvis
Emma E. Thomas
GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
Children’s Mental Health
Emma E. Thomas
Dmajia T. Voliva
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Anthropology
Daniel A. Fenton
Analouise M. Hoseth*
Kyle G. Johnson
Taylor Knudson**
Connor D. M. Priest*
Nicole Marie C. Villaralvo*
Art
Kaitlyn A. Christopher
Osmairis Fulgencio-Filpo
Maureen M. Meyer***
Nicole B. Pendleton*
Jamison W. Schroyer
Jenna M. Vanderweele*
Biological Sciences
Amy E. Baxter*
Daniel L. Carter*
English
Nariakira S. Ando*
Jaylyn H. Antonio
Alexander G. Cillpadraic*
Ruth D. Hall
Siutaisa Kolove N. Katoanga
Corey M. Lentz
Larissa M. I. Mariscal
Bridget J. Medo**
James N. C. Mixsooke
Moriah G. Parker**
Dijun J. Wang
History
Hope A. Breff
Ashlyn Burns
Morgan R. Dauwe*
Madison L. Dooley
Ava K. Martin**
Falon M. Methonen
Victor Nicholas*
Connor D. M. Priest*
Interdisciplinary Studies
Nada J. Hossain
Matthew J. E. A. Sanchez
International Studies
Morgan R. Dauwe*
Antonia F. Soto
Pa Che Vang
Journalism and Public Communications
Riley D. Baird
Feng-Ching Chang*
Charlotte C. Flynn*
Donald X. Randle
Languages
Mikaela R. Hathaway*
Moriah G. Parker**
Teresa Perez*
Kacey L. Pittmann*
A’Lena M. Sorenson
Music
Abbey R. Crisco**
Political Science
Angelo K. Amorin
Cody G. Bjorklund**
David Chernikoff
Joseph M. Donald Jr.
Brooke Hansen
Genevieve G. Mina
Ryan J. Rabago
Shanone Flynn Z. Tejada***
Psychology
Alison A. Achee
Byader A. Alabdulbaqi
Denali J. Bassett
Alexandria M. Burks-Dakutak
John H. Casto*
Khalina T. N. Chambers*
Kaitlyn A. Christopher
Murat Demir
Dianilee Duckworth Hodge
Margaret C. Dworian*
Ava D. Evans*
Dakota T. R. Faison
Talia L. Farris
Caleb M. Hill
Katherine E. Jamison
Daniel Y. Kern
Janelle E. LaPlante**
Joseph T. Petersen
Christina F. Pili
Kalli D. Randall
Chelsea K. Saputski
Brittni A. Sellers
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX
Sawyer Storms goes in for a layup against Cal Maritime.
Disclaimer: This graduation list was compiled on Dec. 1. Students who applied to graduate after that date will not be on this list.
Karen M. Cutler
Darci J. Topp
Brianna L. Ussery
Emily J. Wenger
POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES
Pre-Medical Studies
Chae’ A. Colbert
Speech Language Pathology
Laura L. Brockman
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Justice
Nicole R. Curtis
Zaina R. Harless*
Daniel Niebles*
Ryan A. Orten**
Hayden Shields
Paige M. Stauffer
Legal Studies
Kayleigh B. Davis**
Grace A. Mulipola
Thi Kim A. Nguyen
Denali R. Partridge
Rafael Isaiah C. Pascual*
BACHELOR OF HUMAN SERVICES
Ryan G. Chernikoff*
Amanda L. Phillips
Corinne L. Russell
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Dental Hygiene
Catherine Adams
Meachah Caamano-Moreno**
Sage Fitchett
Hayley E. Hagen*
Marina K. Pack**
Sophia A. Sannito*
Ariel R. Soplu
Nadezhda A. Tolmacheva
Anika L. Viray**
Dietetics
Stephanie L. Leffel
Travis L. McAdams***
Health Sciences
Bernadette Albrecht
Julie Ann P. Alegre
James M. Cosby
Lilia J. Demko*
Nancy B. Dinius
Colleen J. Haan**
Natalia L. Heath*
Alex S. Jacobson
Rebecca P. Khang
Yong H. Kim
Katelyn C. Lovs
Fiona S. MacDonald*
Najma A. Musa
Aji Fatou Ndoye
Meghan Paul*
Noah T. T. Richards**
Monica M. Ruelas
Haley Soares
Emily G. Vandergon
Lucy Vang
Kinesiology
Jesus M. Avalos
Emily O. Barnard-Banford
Emma J. Butera*
Kiya M. Gates*
Sean Guevarra
Kendyl M. Laughlin
LeVander E. Mayo Jr.
Reilly M. Plumhoff**
Aiden C. Seppi
Medical Laboratory Science
Yeon W. Ahn
Calvin J. Austin
Johnathon Y. Dail***
Bryon B. Hernandez
Samantha K. McLaren
Emrys R. Sammons
Loreal Magdaline D. Thomas
Burcu G. Turker**
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Dental Assisting
Catherine Adams
Sofiya O. Akulina
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Trinity A. R. Antill
Sydney K. Brown
Kayla Griggs*
Olivia M. Hutchings*
Ashlynn N. Lynn*
Anna V. Newman**
Taylor M. Stewart**
Pamela Tyhurst
Logen T. Wohrle**
Fire and Emergency Services
Technology
Declan T. Dammeyer
Hans B. Nelson
Marco A. Rivera**
Kimberly L. Roth**
Human Services
Barbara J. Baughn-Bookey
Angela M. Bishop
Pamela L. Freeman
Nora J. Goetschius
Angelina R. Northern
Paradise T. Smith
Medical Assisting
Yully C. Castano-Gomez***
Riley D. Fugere**
Angel L. Goodno
Mary B. Latta**
Shannon R. Minder
Jisun Park
Shawn M. Sanders**
Kristin L. Thomas-Vasquez
Mai Ger Xiong*
Medical Laboratory Technology
Ana Li J. Hansen
Paralegal Studies
Felicia A. Barker
Physical Therapist Assistant
Jelena Anderson**
Anna M. Berger**
Jonathan T. Crawford*
Declan M. MacPherson-
Clark
Trae L. Matthews**
Doug S. Noaeill
Leigha J. Peace***
Kassidy S. Pehrson
Ana Carolina Thompson**
Gunnar T. Young*
Surgical Technology
Shelly L. Behm
Sarah L. Fiedler***
Jessica J. Moore*
Kristan M. Plucker
Cameron P. Quinlivan
Amber M. Sluss
CERTIFICATES
Dental Assisting
Elizabeth M. Oatman
OCCUPATIONAL ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATES
Children’s Behavioral Health
Mary E. Anger
Wendy C. Howard
Rebecca L. Kruse
Tana Noe
Caitlyn P. Olson
Jaime Olson
Jennalee C. Van Dyke
Xenia P. Ventimiglia
Diversity and Social Justice
Mary E. Anger
Interprofessional Child Welfare
Jadyn E. Bright
Medical Office Coding
Roy A. Alexie
Fox Colman
Michelle D. Dunn
Nicole B. Edwards
Cameron E. Knue
Natalie H. Lord
Shawn M. Sanders
Rosie Shearrod
Pharmacy Technology
Emilia R. Halstead
Loretta C. Italiano
Phlebotomist
Bo G. Gage
Tyler M. Hanson
Diana Padilla
Terra D. Parker
Shawn M. Sanders
Tetyana Sokolova
Mai Ger Xiong
SCHOOL OF NURSING MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Nursing Science
Josselyn S. Meagley
Jennifer E. Shroder
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Nursing
Andrew N. Adams
Francis Giovanni F. Anino*
Ngan K. Bach
Cameron R. Baird
Emma S. Blei
Joshua D. Bleznak
Rhoda Rae B. Bonglo*
Emerald L. Burrill
Jas Mickaela K. Cervana*
Shannon M. Chace
Rachael D. Chadwick*
Bradyn J. Chatterton
Nubia M. Cipres
Savanna L. Collier
Gerricka N. Cowan
Sherrice M. Gavillan
Jacqueline K. Grandorff
Haley K. Hegler*
Kelsey M. Henderson
Colby L. Howarth
Megan Huynhle
Mandy L. Jahanbin
Jonathan M. Lambert
Susan Y. Lee
Amber N. Long*
Skylar A. Madel
Melissa S. Manuel
Vita Martynyuk
Nicole Merrill*
Julie M. Miller*
Niki K. Miller
Nicholas Monteiro
Alexander R. Nanez
Michelle A. Peschke
Andrea C. Rios**
Adele M. Robles*
Kristen K. Santoyo*
Armi G. Serrano*
Dakota R. Shilha
Shantelle Y. Skinner
Jennifer A. Smith
Jenelle C. Spear
Christine Starkweather
Codi L. Stephenson*
Kaylie F. Stone*
Lisa H. Tran**
Rayzel Laine H. Vina
Matthew P. Watkins
Mckenna J. West
Emily A. Wilkinson
Siemee Xiong*
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
Nursing
Levi R. Ables
Caleb N. Beauvais
Brittani J. Blossom*
Kaitlyn R. Burns
Whitney E. Cabudol
Chanelle R. Calderon
Brittany A. Chappell
Else M. Cole
Annie E. Connelly
Jovani Cruz*
Hanna C. Curry
Steven Dilfer
Desiree P. Hacker
Ryan M. Hicks
Danielle N. Igtanloc
Abigail L. Kruse
Blake L. Kueber
Scott A. Landis
Hannah B. Metroka
Shaelynn C. Painter
Jenna M. Priebe
Emilie Provo
Cassandra L. Ross
Cheyenne M. Russell*
Calia L. Sieh
Molly J. Solomon*
Rebecca L. Stearns
Samantha A. Swann
Jieller F. Tabara*
John S. Vinette
Taylor C. Walker
Ashley M. Warfield
Shiny Yang
Alexandra F. Zivotic
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
Caitlin M. Peterson
Cathleen L. Pook
Brandon L. Ried
Stephanie K. Schulling
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
Sharmaine Joy Aguilar
Abigail E. Brewer
Kiela R. Cott
Abraham N. Gilila**
Angel A. Libby**
Mya J. Robinson
Krista K. Wood
COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Dr. Ray Weber, Dean
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Communication
John H. Casto*
Amelia M. Sandys
Hospitality Administration
Mia Breanna R. Medina
Tatiana R. Stark**
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Applied Technologies Leadership
Alisa R. Bowman
Jacob J. Edwards
Joy E. Ferguson*
Arthur M. Foster
Jesse A. Hefely
EunJoong Kim
Sean Francis B. Nicdao
Justin R. Sandoval
Aviation Technology
Kierann B. Bailey
Jaskaran S. Bhathal
Logan D. Burley
Jasmine V. Chavez**
Jae H. Cho**
Cara M. Cramer**
Terrell B. Germain
Gareth C. Hansen*
Ethan A. Helm*
Nazanin Khansari
Sky S. Kim
Allison R. Klebs
Gary M. Lytle
Scott A. Macke*
Aaron M. Novak*
David A. Olson*
Robert C. Peck III
Anthony J. Schwendner
Brian Sears*
Construction Management
Samuel C. Brown
Enrique A. Campbell
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
ASSOCIATE OF
SCIENCE
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Logan T. Ball*
Dean B. Carson*
Michael P. Kemper
Computer Systems and Networking Technology
Justin W. Johnston*
John M. McDonald
Joshua J. Sargento
Lee Thao
Construction Management
Gwendolyn M. Hulse**
Culinary Arts
Anastasia M. Hartley*
Kevin Moffat*
Occupational Safety and Health
Angel Mendoza
Gavin Ockerman**
Professional Piloting
Patrick C. Morris
Technology
Hamilton C. Cox
CERTIFICATES
Aviation Maintenance Technology, Airframe
Nicholas W. Bartlett
Ryan Beach
Adrian Cantu
Dean B. Carson
Karl J. Coulombe
Daniel M. Cronk
Benjamin H. Dudley
Caleb K. Evatt
Jeremi Harleston
Marcus F. Heaver
Andrew Knee
Desaun R. Land
Tanner J. Lyons
Asam A. Munye
Cara L. Osolnik
Tahner D. Record
Aviation Maintenance Technology, Powerplant
Dean B. Carson
Diesel Power Technology
Ruel D. Casabay
Richard Cooper
Cooper J. Grimm
OCCUPATIONAL ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATES
Advanced Welding
Hamilton C. Cox
Laurel E. Nix
Baking and Pastry Arts
Arora L. K. Deckard
Culinary Arts
Lina M. Chovil
Staci J. Gillilan
Kevin Moffat
Nondestructive Testing Technology
Ian T. Millard
Safety Specialist
Edward F. Anger
Tiana E. Von Mergl-Grote
Welding
Aidan A. Boeckmann
Randi L. Deboy
Daniel C. Flores
Ian T. Millard
Alexander K. Moore
Laurel E. Nix
Brianna L. Stough
UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE
Dr. Melanie Hulbert, Dean
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED
SCIENCE
Angelica M. Fitzgerald
Samantha R. Gibbs
Paige T. Duckworth
Christina D. Griffin
Selena Im Web Manager BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Marketing
STAFF CONTACTS
3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508
Executive Editor
Matthew Schmitz (907) 786-1313 editor@thenorthernlight.org
Managing Editor Kyle Ivacic news2@thenorthernlight.org
Multimedia Editor Jay Witworth multimedia1@thenorthernlight.org
Layout Editor Linnaea Gossard layout@thenorthernlight.org
Reporter Hannah Dillon opinion2@thenorthernlight.org
Reporter Mark Zimmerman news4@thenorthernlight.org
Graphic Designer Tressa Wood graphics@thenorthernlight.org
Web Manager Selena Im webmanager@thenorthernlight.org
Photographer Justin Cox photographer@thenorthernlight.org
ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS
The Northern Light is a proud member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The Northern Light is a bi-weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 1,500. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabled-veteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy or parenthood. The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or the Northern Light.
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