May 1, 2012 by The Northern Light

THENORTHERNLIGHT

Commencement 2012

University of Alaska Anchorage

www.thenorthernlight.orG

Commencement | 2012

TNL

2012 | Commencement

CL ASS of 2012

Congratulations on Your Achievement! You can make a difference! Tom Case Chancellor

TNL

Commencement| 2012

The Northern Light’s ‘Local promoter presents first Alaskan EDM festival, gateway to much larger festivals in future.’ March 11, 2012, online article.

Photo by Krystal Garrison.

‘Running of the Reindeer.’ March 4, 2012, online slideshow. Photo by Rick Tankersley.

‘New Dances 2012 an enjoyable experience for all.’ April 17, 2012, issue.

Photo by Spencer Mitchell.

Photo by Krystal Garrison.

‘Behind the Scenes Part 1: The unsung heroes of set, lighting and sound design in theater shows’ Oct. 4, 2011, issue. Photo by Nick Foot/TNL

‘Viral trends suffer three step life-span.’ Oct 4, 2011, issue. ‘Occupy: 300 join local protest.’ Oct. 11, 2011, issue. Photo by Spencer Mitchell.

‘2012 Iditarod Start.’ March 5, 2012, online slideshow. Photo by Krystal Garrison.

TNL

2012 | Commencement

2011-2012 year in review New Dances 2012 an enjoyable experience for dance enthusiasts

UAA’s annual spring dance production was nothing short of unforgettable. New Dances 2012 changed up its usual contemporary dance styling to venture toward the other end of the dance spectrum with a greater incorporation of hip hop. The show started with Michael Jackson and explored different kinds of hip hop. The choreography gradually changed styles toward the middle to incorporate modern dance pieces, particularly the haunting and memorable “Henry” by Scott Heverling and Tyche Privett, which symbolically called attention to the monsters that hide within each person’s inner

Occupy Anchorage: 40 still standing During the Occupy Wall Street movement, many “Occupy” protests sprung up around the nation — and one of them was in Anchorage. Beginning their protests in early October, the Occupy Anchorage protest had a total of 40 active participants by the first week of November. The Occupy activists created a successful and legal 24-hoursa-day protest by setting up on the sidewalk and organizing a rotation schedule for protesters. UAA anthropology graduate, social worker, and Occupy Anchorage protester Tim Huit stated that the national Occupy protest will be studied by future generations as a prime example of how each city used the protest as a forum for “local issues that haven’t been addressed yet.” Anthropologist Peter Wood disagreed in a UAA lecture and said the Occupy Wall Street protest was largely a performance. Wood stated another problematic aspect of the Occupy movement was the class battle between the sheltered and the homeless amongst the 99 percent. However, Huit was sensitive to Anchorage’s homelessness problem and said the Anchorage protest strove to end that issue by bringing attention to it. In spite of Wood’s criticisms, Occupy Anchorage remained strong in the bitter cold. Find the full article online at TNL.

self. Dance professor Leslie Kimiko Ward crafted the finale of the show, and she did not disappoint. The crowd favorite humorously explored every male stereotype and ended the show on a lighthearted note. The piece was Professor Ward’s final choreograph at UAA, as she plans to leave the university and move to Oregon. However, Professor Ward’s departure isn’t entirely sad, as she hopes that her students keep in touch with her through Facebook. The memory of New Dances 2012 is definitely a proud addition to her legacy. Find the full article online at TNL.

Canaan, Racers take Shootout crown The fate 2011 Great Alaska Shootout Championship game was all owed to one person: Isaiah Canaan. The junior guard became a hero that day in the Murray State Racers’ awe-inspiring 90-81 win against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. Considering the fact that Canaan shot more than half of all baskets during the game and had 100 percent success at the free-throw line, it’s no mystery why he was named the 2011 Most Outstanding Player of the Shootout. Also contributing to the stellar win against the Golden

Eagles were senior guard Donte Poole (who fouled out before the end of regulation), junior reserve guard Stacey Wilson and senior guard Jewuan Long. Canaan shot three points against USM’s junior guard LaShay Page’s points in the first overtime. However, Canaan and Wilson shot a combined 15 points during the second overtime, giving their team victory over USM. The 9-point win was the Racers’ greatest margin of victory during the tournament. Find the full article online at TNL.

Bed bugs sink their teeth into North Hall As the winter break ended rooms and heated up the spaces to and students began their spring semesters at UAA, some residents at North Hall and the Main Apartment Complex (MAC) received a rude awakening from their long holiday bliss, courtesy of small, yet numerous guests: bed bugs. This isn’t the first time there have been cases of bedbugs at UAA’s housing, and it looked like no one was sleeping tight — That is, until Randy Beuter came onto the scene. According to Beuter, owner of Eagle Pest Control, bed bugs go from one heat source to another, so the problem had to be isolated right away. His business found affected

Green Fee: You have a choice The average cost for in-state UAA student fees comes out to $806.00 annually, amounting to $3,224.00 for a four-year education and $4030.00 for five years — and the price may be rising. USUAA is proposing the “green fee,” a threedollar per semester fee that goes toward an annual sustainability innovation scholarship at UAA. Along with voting for the new USUAA leadership, UAA students were given a chance in November to vote on the green fee. USUAA would manage the money, and any unused funds from each year will roll over to the next. Similar funds in other

Eagles stop Seawolves in their tracks at Elite Eight On March 20, The UAA Women’s Basketball team had the national title aggressively taken away from them in the NCAA Division II tournament in San Antonio against the Ashland Eagles. Senior forward Hanna Johansson was the star amongst the Seawolves, leading her team with in her last game with a total of 17 points. Senior forward Kaylie Robison shone through at the board

with 11 rebounds alongside her 7 other points. Junior guard Sasha King boasted a game-high of four steals and earned an additional 14 points for the Seawolves. By the end of the second frame, UAA was within 3 points of Ashland in the second frame, but by the midway point of the frame, Ashland ran away with an additional 19 points. The game ended at 71-51, giving the victory to the Eagles.

The loss of the championship is no marred mark on the Seawolves’ accomplishments, though. This year was the third time in five years that the Seawolves made it to the Elite Eight. The team was also ranked both the GNAC and West Region champions, and they are excited to continue the legacy next season. Find the full article online at TNL.

Marko Cheseto: Why he left The story of Marko Cheseto, senior UAA track star from Kenya, is one that reached into the heart of Anchorage and extended to the entire world. His disappearance November 7, 2011, quickly became one of the most important community issues and sparked deep national concern until he was found two days later. His struggle began in February 2011 after his cousin, William Ritewiang, committed suicide. The emotional fallout was tough on Cheseto, and a few weeks later he was hospitalized for what police reports imply was an attempted suicide. People thought he was completely fine in his recovery until his shocking disappearance in seven months later. The last person to see Cheseto was a

temperatures between 114 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the bugs. Luckily, according to Housing Director Debra Lovaas, the bedbug appearance in January was “not an outbreak.” However, Beuter expressed frustration in Alaska’s lack of government assistance to combating the bedbug issue. After a 2010 legislative gathering in the nation’s capitol for the First Congressional Bed Bug Forum, a few states such as Ohio and Virginia are making plans to help their state fight back against the crawlers. Find the full article online at TNL.

former math classmate from two years ago, to whom he was speaking, and his assistant track coach Tony Tomisch, who waved to him during the conversation. Afterward, Cheseto felt he needed to be alone and went out into the winter cold without a hat or gloves. He passed out and woke up with his legs covered in snow. Though difficult at first, he eventually gained enough strength to walk to the nearby Spring Hills Hotel, where the hotel’s night manager and maintenance worker called 911 and helped him get warm. Cheseto was hospitalized for frostbite and had to get his legs amputated. The UAA Department of Athletics set up a fund for his recovery. Find the full article online at TNL.

universities have seen much success and have sparked fruitful sustainability projects. University of Alaska Fairbanks has saved 4.5 percent of their 2009 expenditures through their annual $20 “Student Initiative for Renewable Energy Now (SIREN)” fee, which was used to fund a solar panel project. USUAA House Speaker Daniel Ribuffo, co-proposer of UAA’s green fee, is confident that studentteacher teams would eagerly take advantage of the scholarship opportunity, which would spawn great sustainability advances at the university.

Video game addiction: Some psychologists say it’s real A few recent psychological studies have recognized a new kind of addiction. It’s not a drug, but instead is a lifestyle: video gaming. The NPD Group Inc. found that four percent of those who do game put in more than a full-time job’s worth of hours into their passion. Students came forth from UAA to talk about their experience with video game addiction ― not as addicts themselves, but by being affected by the addictions of those close to them. Rebecca Deisher, a student who had once struggled with her ex-boyfriend’s addiction to video games, commented that a video gaming lifestyle can be all-consuming, and instead of using video games as a reward for accomplishments

found in real life, they sometimes take over the mind of the player and become the accomplishment itself. Something unreal begins to morph into a person’s true reality as addiction takes hold. Unlike in “The Matrix,” though, people aren’t limited to virtual realities and have a way out. As the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders considers whether to add video game addiction to upcoming editions, there are already few resources available to video game addicts of all ages to overcome their condition. Despite that, there are still many casual gamers who can have a good time while maintaining healthy haabits. Game on! Find the full article online at TNL.

TNL

Commencement | 2012

Kent Spiers –

Commencement Speaker state of things in the final countdown to the big night.

By Alden Lee

Assistant Features Editor

On the night of Commencement, a lone individual will stand in front of 2,323 of his fellow graduates and give a speech. This speech has been prepared well in advance, and the young man — a sociology major, Leadership Honors award-winner and Canadian citizen — will commemorate the class of 2012 on a night of celebration as they accept their diplomas and walk across a stage to the next chapter of their lives. Kent Spiers has spent the last four years at UAA, and in that time he has plumbed the school to its fullest potential. In addition to serving as the president of the International Student Association, the administrative assistant for the UAA Office of Sustainability and a research assistant for the Honors College, Spiers has also worked with the National Coalition Building Institute and been awarded both the Seawolf Leader award and the Seawolf Community award for his commitment to UAA. Now he and the entire 2012 class stand at the pinnacle of their accomplishments, ready to move onward. Spiers graciously took some time to sit down with The Northern Light and discuss the

TNL: The culmination of your UAA experience has finally arrived; how do you feel? Kent Spiers: Excited and terrified at the same time. Excited because it’s been an absolutely fantastic experience. I’ve loved every minute of it. Terrified in the sense that I’m not ready to go — I don’t want to go yet. I’ve enjoyed the bubble I’ve been in. But we’ll see where it goes from here! What drew you to UAA in the first place? I came up here on a vacation over the summer four years ago and fell in love with Alaska, and honestly my partner as well. I went to the University Center and started looking at some of the available programs and majors. And I thought, “Oh, this looks like a really awesome college.” And my interest in environmental studies, you know, with glaciers and polar bears and all that stuff, made this the place to be. What would you say is the most valuable lesson or experience you’ve taken away from this college during your time here? Before I came to college I thought I knew everything. I thought the problems of the world could be easily solved; it was just a lack of willingness or measure. But I’ve learned that really what I know and what people can know is very small, and the world is a rather complex place. I guess it’s showed me what I don’t know. What made you want to be the Commencement speaker? I saw it as a way of giving back — not only is my speech

reflective on the graduates of 2012, but I hope that the people from the audience or people from home, whoever’s watching it, are our future students. Because I want people to know that the possibilities are there for just about anybody — that you can do it, and that UAA is a great place for really anybody. So I see being the speaker as a way of reflection and voice for people. So I guess the question here then is, how are you with big crowds? I guess you’ll see! (laughs) I’m actually working with a terrific coach, Shawnalee Whitney, who’s fantastic. I do feel prepared. The final version of the speech is done. In my short history of being on this planet, I was in theater for a little while, so I’ve sung in front of big crowds before by myself — although there won’t be any singing in this Commencement. Going to disappoint a lot of people, I know. But I feel like it’s all going to be okay. There have been a lot of changes and additions to this school over the past few years — the ConocoPhilips Science Building, the Nursing Facility, the new incoming sports arena. During your time here, what do you think has been the most important change to this school? It doesn’t have to be simply physical. Wow. That’s a good question. I mean I think that the physical growth to this campus has been fantastic; it’s terrific that we are growing as an institution. But I think what has really impressed me with UAA is the embracing and the encouragement of diversity on this campus. That

we have an institution that supports everybody, supports the freedom of speech. This campus is inclusive of everybody, and I’ve really seen that come into play. What’s one thing you think all students should take away from their time here at UAA? That you can do it. That it might seem difficult at times, and you might be faced with some difficult choices, but you can do it. And I really think students should get involved. People might go, “Well I’ve looked at all the student clubs and there isn’t one that I’m really interested in.” Terrific, you can create your own. The staff at Student Life & Leadership is a wonderful group of people, and I really owe a lot of gratitude to them for being where I am now. Any student who wants to do what they want, we’ve got a culture here that embraces that. Where do you draw most of your own inspiration? My family — that being my parents and brother, extended relatives, my partner and his parents here, sisters ... my entire family is a really loving and encouraging group of people. I’m a first-generation student in my family. No one has really gone beyond, so that’s been a motivator for me too.

What sort of future do you envision for yourself after this next big step? Well, I’m very happy that I’ve been hired as a professional researcher at the Institute of Social and Economic Research. I love social science research. But it’s hard to predict where I’ll be — I mean, four years ago I would have laughed at you for saying I’d end up living in Alaska in a few months. So it’s difficult to say, but public policy and politics are what I’m interested in and keeping my eye on for my long-term future. I always joke with people, “You know, one day I’ll end up being the prime minister of Canada.” Who knows! Do you have any final words you’d like to say before Commencement? I’d like to say thank you. I’d like to say thank you to everybody I’ve gotten to know over the last four years — some people I’ve worked with in groups, in class, some people I’ve had the fortune for knowing for the full four years. I live by the NCLB motto that every person counts. And certainly, in my life and my time here at UAA, every person has made a difference, big and small. So my final word is thank you.

Seawolf Snapshots: What are your plans after graduation?

TNL

2012 | Commencement

A fondish farewell By Alden Lee

Assistant Features Editor

This is going to be a goodbye column. But not really. It’s Commencement. The end of the 2011-2012 school year has finally rolled around, and for a certain group of upcoming graduates, it’s time to jump ship and run like hell. The culmination of — what, let’s be honest — five or six years has now led up to this one definitive moment of leaving college life behind and moving back in with your parents. I’m leaving too. It’s an extremely hard thing to do, but I’m off for orange-er pastures — not graduating, sadly (there’s realistically another three or four years before that), but onto a new college, a new institute of higher learning, a new phase of life. It’s a crazy notion. Sort of a scary one, when you really sit down to consider it: packing up and moving your life onward. It’s a shared notion — between the graduates and the transferees and the, um, nomads, I suppose — you grow comfortable and find a sense of purpose in the place you’re in, only to move on in search of a new one. But it’s okay. It’s all good. When you think about how huge the earth is, and how it’s just a tiny blip when compared to the size of the sun, and how that’s just

a speck of incomprehensible dust in the vast overall universe ... it’s pretty easy to rationalize JUST ABOUT ANYTHING. We’re all just specks, to horribly misquote Kansas. That being said, compared to most others, we’re some damn good-looking specks. Specks with a purpose. Not really sure where I’m going with this, to be honest — but that’s one of the benefits of having your own column, and a humor one to boot: you can get away with saying some pretty nonsensical stuff and chalk it up to being funny. For example, I’ll throw in a random paragraph that has nothing to do with what I’ve been saying: I’m not the manliest of men. There’s one pretty simple fact to life: If you use aloe vera body wash on a regular basis, you’re probably not going to grow up to be a hyper-masculinized lumberjack. I resigned myself to this quite a while ago, and no longer feel too disappointed about my inability to look like Hugh Jackman. Plus I enjoy that aloe tingle. See what I’m saying? It’s funny. Laugh. My attempts at humor writing

have definitely developed over the past year and a half. It’s not easy stuff to do by any means — if you don’t ride that fine line between crude and respectful, you may come off sounding like a raging jackass. I’ve had my share of misfires. In my holiday political-correctness jab attempt of HanuKwanzaaMas, I may have unintentionally pissed off some people of Jewish or AfricanAmerican culture, or any of those whom still believe in a big white guy with a beard and robes and the wonderful ability to be

both omniscient and omnipresent — I mean Santa, of course. I apologize for any offensiveness in that article; it wasn’t the goal. I may have at one point also strongly bashed womankind for reading too much into men’s glances — but I don’t apologize for that one at all; it’s still the truth. We men don’t have dictionaries for eyes. Knock it off. But enough self-reflection already. This is my chance to say things to people I didn’t have the time or space to in previous columns. Like to those living in Lynchburg, Tennessee — it might be time to talk about changing the name there, folks. Gives off the wrong impression. (It’s a real place; look it up. It’s where Jack Daniel’s is made, which is even worse.) I’d also like to thank my roommates and close friends for doing so many dumb things and giving me so much writing material in the process.

I wouldn’t have willingly fallen out of trees, massacred Winston Churchill lobsters, swam uphill through mountains of snow or hunted for lingering stenches in the depths of odor-consumed refrigerators without you. So thanks. Hopefully we can all grow a few IQ points at some point down the road. The same goes for my coworkers and this place of employment. We’re all pretty damn dumb. And it’s been awesome. I’ve had the pleasure to know, work with and befriend several of this year’s graduating seniors. It’s been quite the pleasure indeed. A certain Russian goddess knows what I’m talking about. So does one prematurely bald guy. And a perpetually pregnant woman. They’re several among a large group of crazy-talented people, and are going to go off and do crazy-talented things. Hopefully at some point I’ll get to as well. If not talented, at least let it be crazy — I’ll be satisfied with that. There’s a wish that extends to everyone, really. Let’s go out and make an impact. Stir up some noise. Punch life in the gut and collect the loose change. Before the graduation caps hit the floor and before I resort to any more cheesy clichés, let’s start doing things no one will ever forget, except amnesia patients.

TNL

Commencement | 2012

INSANELY FAST GCI

- High-Speed Internet

Starting at only $9.99 SPEEDS UP TO

22 Mbps Usage up to

200 GB

Switch to GCI Xtreme Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Internet

www.gci.com

The Office of Student Affairs and Military & Veteran Community Services would like to

Congratulate our Military and Veteran Graduates. Congratulations and Thank You for Your Service.

www.uaa.alaska.edu/veterans

TNL

2012 | Commencement

Physics professor ends his final semester after 42 years of teaching

Parrish looks back over four decades of devotion to UAA, students and staff saddened

before the university would even become a four-year college. Parrish says that the staff hired during that time period were initially called the “September Bunch” due to the large hiring that took place during that time. According to Parrish, the faculty Photo Courtesey of Greg Parrish at the time looked upon By Evan Dodd Staff Reporter the new hires with skepticism due This spring UAA will lose to their youth. “We were called the September one of its oldest and most beloved Bunch, which later turned into the faculty members. Professor of Black September Bunch because Physics and Astronomy Greg we were seen as disruptive by the Parrish has decided to retire after older faculty,” Parrish said with a 42 years of teaching. Originally grin. “Now I get to be one of the hired in 1970, Parrish joined UAA’s faculty a full six years old guys.”

Parrish has taught introductory level physics courses for the university since he was hired and has provided countless students with a foundational understanding of the subject. Though Parrish has decided to leave the university, his love for students and teaching has not diminished; he cites concerns about his health as his reason for retirement. “I’m quitting primarily because of health reasons; I’m not eager to leave, but it’s time to go out on a high note,” explained Parrish. “What I want is a 25-year-old body with my current title and seniority.” Chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department, Professor Jim Pantaleone, expressed his appreciation for Parrish’s years of devotion to the university. Pantaleone echoed Parrish’s assertion that teaching has been his greatest passion. “First and foremost, he’s a teacher. He’s been teaching here since we became a campus. He’s been here from the very beginning,” Pantaleone explained. “If it weren’t for his health problems, I’m sure he’d want to stay here for another 42 years”

Why are there no nutrition facts on beer, wine or hard liquor? By Kate Lindsley Contributor

Drumroll, please ... Alcohol is not nutritious! While this isn’t a big surprise, it is the main reason that alcoholic beverages aren’t covered under the law like most other foods. The logic is that alcohol is not a necessary part of the diet. Okay, I guess that I could argue the same thing for Twinkies and Ho Hos, but regardless — the FDA just doesn’t have jurisdiction over alcohol and the nutrition facts label. The tide has shown sides of turning, however, because there are so many darned calories in alcohol. A pint of Guinness Draught has 168 calories. Good old-fashioned red table wine has 125 calories in only 5 ounces (over twice as many per ounce as the Guinness). A shot of tequila will only run you 69 calories (even though you know that you won’t stop with just one). Once you get all fruity, a 12-ounce

daiquiri has over 670 calories. But you would never know that by just looking at any of those drinks. That’s what prompted a few activist groups over the past decade to start fighting the FDA on supplying “alcohol facts” on liquor. So why hasn’t there been a change in the industry, you ask? A couple of main reasons jump out right away: First, small wineries and microbreweries simply do not have the workforce to test each

individual batch for calories and protein. The alcohol content on the bottle normally reflects a standard batch, but calories and protein can vary from batch-to-batch. Also, I don’t know many people who would be deterred from drinking a particular beverage by knowing the calorie count on their alcohol; alcohol-time is intended to be an enjoyable moment, and meticulously monitoring consumption makes for an easy buzz-kill. Alas, none of this compares to how easy it would be to institute the “alcohol label” law for major distributors like Corona or PBR. The data is already online for anyone who is curious enough to look it up. They have the manpower to print it on each bottle, six-pack, 12-pack, and case. It could have the potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of beer-bellies. — Just something to think about for upcoming grad parties. Viva la knowledge!

After over four decades of dedication to the university, Parrish says that the most important and enjoyable aspect of his job has been working directly with his students. “There’s no question I’ll miss the students most. After I’m done here, I won’t have many chances to interact with young people.” Parrish plans to stay in Alaska after his retirement and stated that most of his time will be used to pursue his other passion: shooting. “Shooting is really one of my only hobbies,” explained Parrish. “After this, my community will basically consist of old men. I’ll definitely miss the youth and students that I’ve been surrounded by for all this time.” Students seem to have responded positively to Parrish’s teaching over the years, with scores of former pupils expressing their appreciation on sites such as “Rate My Professors.” Pre-dentistry student Dillon Covey expressed his gratitude for the work of Professor Parrish and his encouragement in the challenging field of physics. “It’s been such a great privilege to have learned from Professor Parrish,” said Covey. “He’s always

been approachable and kind and he has always livened-up classes with background information and real-world examples.” This view seems to represent a large portion of Parrish’s students, as many have expressed their sadness at his retirement. “He’s always been well liked by his students; his office hours are always more packed than any of the other faculty,” said Pantaleone. “I’ve loved being a part of his class, and I just hope that retirement goes well for him,” said Covey in reference to Parrish’s final semester. As for Parrish, he says UAA has become his home after more than four decades of teaching. He says that he will sorely miss the university community and the opportunity to educate students. “Taking this job was probably one of the best decisions I ever made,” said Parrish. The physics department and the entire UAA community will miss the efforts of Professor Greg Parrish, as students and staff alike wish him a peaceful retirement.

TNL

Commencement | 2012

BFA art program helps students specialize

A much more focused program than the standard bachelor’s degree

Chad Harpel’s series of paintings depict an invisible process of thought through physical means.

Photo By Rick Tankersly

Nancy Laurel’s thesis exhibition, “Our Bodies, Our Stories: Ladies in Their 80s,” explores the lives of three woman through print, sewing, and sculpture.

By Heather Hamilton A&E Editor

Not all departments are created equal, and neither are the various disciplines within each department. No matter how skilled a person is, some paths just come easier than others. That doesn’t stop some from pushing the boundaries and going for it anyway. Within the art department is a special program meant to test its students further than the standard art major: the Bachelors of Fine Arts program. The BFA program is an opportunity for students to work more closely with the faculty of the art department and to focus more on a specific art form they are interested in, versus the broader instruction received in the bachelors program. “The BFA program is a two year process; ideally

they (students) will submit their application during their sophomore year, and once they are accepted, they will begin in their junior year,” said Hermina Din, the BFA Chair. The chief difference between the specialized BFA and the BA programs is the thesis show required of BFA students in addition to many of the standard graduation requirements for the art department. “The BA doesn’t require a thesis; it’s a broader degree, so there are some additional requirements in general education that the BFA doesn’t require,” said Nancy Laurel, a BFA printmaking senior. Laurel’s thesis show, “Our Bodies, Our Stories: Ladies in Their 80s,” explores the life stories of three women in their

80s, using both sculpture and mixed media to convey those stories. Laurel uses traditionally feminine art forms (sewing, fabrics, ceramics, etc.) to show the inevitable physical complications each woman has developed as they aged, as well as important things in their lives — for example, one woman had two children, so Laurel sewed two small fabric dolls and attached them to the womb region of one of her cutouts. Part of the task in a thesis show is writing a proposal and presenting it before a committee; if the committee approves the project, the student must execute it in time for their exhibition slot at the end of the semester. “It’s more in-depth than people would think,” said Chad Harpel, a BFA painting senior. “You hone in on what you want to say and how you’re trying to say it, and once you get that confirmed, then you have a working document to go from. ... You draft up some things on canvas and then you bring it to the faculty and meet with them to talk about the formal things, such as light, where it’s falling, the

colors, why they’re a certain way — the formal, painterly things, at least from my aspect of it.” Harpel’s thesis show, “Thought Forms: Where a Personal Construct Emerges,” uses human anatomy to represent the physical creation of intangible ideas in a series of five paintings. Each painting is set in the same bathroom space and is meant to be viewed in a specific order so that the construction of a thought can be traced to its completion. Not all projects are approved, and the committee judges thesis proposals based both on the art they wish to do as well as the way the proposal is written. “The most important part is how can they convey their idea, their concept, in paragraph form,” said Din. “That’s part of the training, because a lot of our students do well in their studio and technical aspects, but a lot of times, they still need to learn how to communicate through words.” If a proposal isn’t approved by the end of the fall semester prior to graduation, the student has to wait until the following fall semester to try again — but they are not expelled from the

Photo By Rick Tankersly

program. Laurel and Harper aren’t the only BFA seniors to be graduating from the program this year; three others are as well, and their thesis exhibitions opened in the Kimura Art Gallery in the Fine Arts Building on Monday, April 30. Philip Obermarck’s “The Gammon Collection” is a show of pieces constructed to look like old art pieces left to him by a relative that appear to have formerly been on display in museums, complete with documents of authenticity. Eric Griffin’s thesis show, “Pen and Watercolor Drawings,” explores the themes of isolation and alienation through figure drawings. “Playful Convergences” by graduating senior Scott Jelich is a series of ceramic pots meant for daily use. His style of exaggerated figures and influences ranging from children’s toys to historical pots, and landscapes create a playful effect in the pottery. While it is too late to see Harpel’s and Laurel’s thesis exhibitions, Obermarck’s, Griffin’s, and Jelich’s will be on display until this Friday, May 4.

TNL

2012 | Commencement

WWW.UAA.ALASKA.EDU/SUSTAINIBILITY/RECYCLING/INDEX.CFM

FLATTEN BOXES FIRST

D AR O PER B R PA ES PE PA XED ZIN I M GA A M

R PE PA RD E IC BOA PER FF O ARD SPA C EW N

NS TO PS R U CA E C ED FFE X A CO

THANK YOU!

S NG I ND BI LIPS IL C CO PER A P

12 Editorial

TNL

Commencement | 2012

The never-ending story of graduation

To our esteemed graduates, a familiar farewell both exciting and bittersweet Dear departing seniors, as the semester draws to a close, so does the year — congratulations, you have done it! For many of you, the last few years have been the most different and difficult from anything you have ever known. For some of you, college was what you always dreamed it would be. For some it was your parents’ dream; for others it started out as a random venture in place of a “plan” and turned into something you became passionate about. But regardless of your original inclination towards “higher education,” you alone

have accomplished what all of us whom you are leaving behind are striving toward; you have graduated, you have finished. Even for those who are going on to achieve their masters or a doctorate, scholastically speaking, you have closed this chapter of your life successfully. You will never have to do it again. Scraping pennies to buy textbooks is a thing of the past. Bravo. Take just a moment to reflect on all of the things you have overcome in the last few years. To name a few: You either gained or avoided the freshmen

fifteen. You navigated the shuttle system and trudged through slush, scaled snow berms and ingested unhealthy amounts of caffeine to make it through those final shaky days of class. You learned to manage your time effectively (or cram projects last minute) to successfully achieve a passing or exemplary grade. You survived finals over and over and over again. You charted the path of the Snackin’ Wagon and virtually stalked the “free-food” functions. Perhaps you endured a steady diet of Cup Noodles. You survived picking a major,

which to some seemed like a jail sentence. You slept so little that at times that sanity seemed like a bygone state of mind. And you persisted, against all odds, to this moment of success. Congratulations for making it through a system that is by no means a “walk in the park” — you have succeeded. You should be so proud. As graduation draws near, dwell on this for just a moment: the first four letters of the alphabet no longer control your future, your life, everything you do. You are walking out of an era of focused study and into life, unrestricted. That piece of paper that says “This document is to certify that (insert name) has satisfactorily completed …” is finally in your possession. You did good, kid. Our generation is graduating into a world amidst a second financial depression, so in some ways, into a disadvantaged situation. But necessity is the mother of ingenuity. Be free! Go change the world. It isn’t as huge and difficult as it sounds. You have already accomplished so much; don’t stop now.

The Northern Light 3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-786-1513 Fax: 907-786-1331 info@thenorthernlight.org

Executive editor 786-1434 editor@thenorthernlight.org Vacant Managing Editor 786-1313 content@thenorthernlight.org Vacant Copy editor copy1@thenorthernlight.org Kierra Hammons news editor 786-1576 news@thenorthernlight.org Vacant FEATURES EDITOR 786-1576 features@thenorthernlight.org Ashley Snyder A&E editor 786-1512 arts@thenorthernlight.org Heather Hamilton sports editor 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.org Taylor Hall photo editor 786-1565 photo@thenorthernlight.org Krystal Garrisonl Web Editor 786-1506 web@thenorthernlight.org vacant Layout Editor layout@thenorthernlight.org Jacqui Lockman ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR news2@thenorthernlight.org Vacant ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR features2@thenorthernlight.org Alden Lee ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR arts2@thenorthernlight.org Nicole Luchaco ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR sports2@thenorthernlight.org Ashley Smith Graphic designer graphics2@thenorthernlight.org Nick Foote advertising Manager 786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.org Mariya Proskuryakova Advertising Representative Vacant Multimedia Editor multimedia@thenorthernlight.org Vicente Capala Staff reporters staff@thenorthernlight.org Evan Dodd Contributors Kate Lindsley Rick Tankersly media adviser Paola Banchero administrative adviser Annie Route

Our Mistake: In the Eddie Izzard interview that appeared in The Northern Light’s April 24, 2012 issue, credit was given to both UAA Concert Board and UAA Student Activities for bringing Eddie Izzard to UAA. This was done in error; UAA Concert Board was solely responsible for contracting and organizing the comedian’s two performances on campus. Our apologies for the mistake.

The Northern Light is a proud member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The Northern Light is a weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 5,000. 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.

2012 | Commencement

TNL

Congratulations class of 2012

2012 A

Aaron D. Pomeroy Aaron D. Sumstad* Aaron J. Krause Aaron J. Mclaughlin Aaron L. Summers Aaron M. Novak* Aaron M. Silverbook Aaron M. Von Boeckmann Abbey R. Jackson Abby E. Tiedemann Abigail R. Olson Aby G. Paige Adal K. Raja Adam C. Waldron Adam Harkness Adam J. Hall Adam L. Clay Adam L. Clay Adam Moua* Adam W. Garnett* Adonia R. Binkowski Adriana M. Hernandez de Gardino* Adriane O. Richey Adrianne L. Grenier Adrienne A. O’Brien Ae Jin Bang Aide R. Marcontell Al Amin L. Smith Alan E. Osborn Alan J. Higginbotham Alan K. Noriega Alan M. Massey* Alan M. Massey* Albert C. Sasu Albert L. Russell Alecia K. Lindley Alena I. Udartseva Alesia M. Nybo Aleta K. Duncan Alex J. Troutman Alexander A. Foster Alexander C. Edwards Alexander H. Kleinke Alexander S. Christie Alexander T. Mannion Alexander T. Woodhead Alexandra A. Parker** Alexandra C. Craft Alexandra D. Liszka Alexandra D. Olah Alexandra E. West* Alexandra E. West* Alexandra Z. Chlebowski** Alexandrea A. Berry Alexis M. Kaferstein Algie J. Frisby Ali M. Cheema Alicia E. Howe Alicia M. Belardi Alicia M. Spencer Alisa B. Melchert Alison M. Selvik Alissa Etrheim Allan B. Carraway Allan J. Pajarillo* Allan M. Paredes Allison A. Theriault Allison M. Castillo* Allison M. Murrell Allison M. Stenseth Alyse M. Roberts Alysha A. Bristow Alyssa M. Logan* Alyssa M. Logan*† Amada Y. Arredondo Amalis A. Contreras Amanda D. Hackett Amanda E. Camargo* Amanda E. Hulstine Amanda J. Adair Amanda J. Botway Amanda J. Dehart Amanda K. Zharoff*

Amanda L. Metivier Amanda L. Whittier Amanda M. Cooper Amanda M. Skinner* Amanda N. Staser Amanda R. Reimann** Amanda S. Adams Amani F. Azzam Amber C. Zerbe Amber D. Brown Amber D. Ewing Amber D. Ewing* Amber D. Katzenberger Amber D. Musso* Amber E. Niebuhr Amber L. Wilkerson Amber M. Fremin Amber N. Evans Amber R. Wilson Amberly A. Tanzosh* Ambrosia D. Bowlus Amelia L. Nienhuis* Amelia M. Watt Amie M. Stanley Amiee M. Nishimoto Amy E. Keyser Amy J. DeLesline Amy M. Gundlach* Amy M. Gundlach*† Amy M. Pickens Ana H. Andersen Ana-Gabriela Herrera Analisa C. Castillo* Anastasia C. Connolly Anastasia R. Uzbyakova Anastasia R. Uzbyakova Anastasiya S. Kharitonova Andrea C. Ammerman Andrea D. HansenHanzuk Andrea L. Everett Andrew G. Manos Andrew H. Deckert Andrew J. Mason* Andrew J. Sims* Andrew J. Smith Andrew J. Snella Andrew M. Cochrane Andrew M. Meltzer Andrew N. Stefan** Andrew P. Fischer Andrew Preis Andrew S. Wright Andrew T. Frakes Andrew T. Frakes Andrew W. Moss* Andrew W. Moss* Angela B. Beninati Angela D. Sipahelut Angela N. Castillo* Angus F. Bromaghin Anica L. Roskam** Ann K. Yates Anna C. Henderson Anna C. Seitz Anna Elizabeth C. Barnett Anna L. Bryant Anna L. Stone Anna M. Bott Anna R. Enzweiler Annalee M. Shaw-Coy Annika J. Amato Ansel J. Sandone Anthony M. Carnahan Anthony Michael K. Agudzi-Addo Anthony Robinson Anthony Salvato Antonio D. Beckwith April L. Stevenson April M. Law-Yerks April S. Wynne Ardrienna L. Everett

Ariane M. Johnson Ariel C. Burr Ariel C. Burr Arielle C. Young Arielle L. Richard Arlin D. Welch Arminda L. Doggett Arron N. O’Callaghan Artem A. Kuligin Arthur R. Thorpe Arturo Tovar Ashleigh B. Nicholson** Ashley A. McCaughey* Ashley A. Rymer Ashley B. Ebben Ashley B. Huhndorf Ashley D. Christiansen Ashley D. Mcclain Ashley D. Scroggins Ashley D. Webb Ashley D. Webb Ashley E. Carter Ashley L. Dudinsky Ashley L. Giusti Ashley M. Finch Ashley M. Mendenhall Ashley M. Shover Ashley N. Bais Ashley P. Easton Ashley P. Easton Ashley R. Woods Ashley S. Fasolino Athena M. Midvag Audra R. Nabinger Audrey E. Rogers Aurora Agee Austen D. Mersereau* Austen D. Mersereau* Austin A. Stewart Austin J. Glos Austin M. Steward** Autumn B. Hadley Autumn C. Pudge Autumn S. Giordiano Avery M. Martyn Avidan B. Degross** Ayse P. Demir

Banner M. Romenesko* Bao Vang Barbara A. Mongar Barbara M. Olsen Barbara W. Wiley Barrett H. Mielke Bartosz Zuralski Belinda A. Sessions Benjamin A. Dolgner Benjamin B. McCormack Benjamin C. Couturier Benjamin C. Holmstrom Benjamin D. Ortez Benjamin D. Rindner Benjamin G. Woodland*** Benjamin G. Woodland*** Benjamin G. Woodland***† Benjamin G. Woodland***† Benjamin L. Anderson Benjamin R. Ferguson Benjamin R. Hansen Benjamin R. Moore Bernard B. Grieve Bernice L. Oyagak Bessareen S. Gonzalez Bethany Brokaw Bethany K. Sliwa Betsy Chivers Betty M. Odgers Billijo A. Mills Billy R. Thurman

Blaine W. Shillington Blaise E. Bucsko Bonita R. Mohan Brad L. Nelson Bradley D. Craig Bradley L. Ray** Bradley M. Gorham Bradley W. Smith Brady J. Byers Brady J. Byers** Brady J. Byers** Branden E. Forst Brandon A. Maloney* Brandon J. Maxwell Brandon P. Browning Brandon R. Mann** Breanna D. Klann Brendan W. Hafele* Brendon W. Moran Brett J. Frazer Brett M. Normandin* Brett T. Laichak Brian A. Beardsley Brian A. Mitchell Brian A. Quinlan*** Brian A. Quinlan*** Brian C. Lowther Brian D. Helmso Brian G. Endsley Brian J. Franklin*** Brian J. Franklin*** Brian J. Oliver Brian K. Yim Brian W. McCall Brian W. McCall Brian W. Smith Briana K. Pedersen Brianna C. Dowdy Brianna M. Dym* Brianna M. O’Neil* Brianna R. Phillips** Brianne R. Heimbuch Bridget M. Partain Brigette A. Worthington Britni A. Brown Brittani P. Chu Brittany D. Mahoney** Brittany M. Cave Brittany N. Murrell Brittney R. Miller Brittny Raye Brody K. Bessire Brons W. Olanna Bronson B. Koscielski Bruce J. Hendricks Bruce K. Bell Bryan D. Haugstad Bryan J. TalbottClark Bryan J. TalbottClark Bryan M. Baynard Bryan M. Lee* Bryanna L. Madriaga* Bryce J. Robinson Bryce R. Markey Bud A. Lo

Caitlin E. Burr* Caitlin E. Pendergrast* Caitlin G. Baker* Caitlin J. Parrent* Caitlin N. Chapman Cal Y. Craig Cal Y. Craig Caleb Kreuzenstein Caleb L. Kresl Cali J. Swatlowski Calley N. Dehn* Calley N. Dehn* Calley N. Dehn* Calli A. Rabe Callie M. Morgigno* Camerin L. Bogard

Cameron Barrows Camille A. Sanford Camille McIver Dau Camron M. Wyatt CamTu T. Nguyen Candice M. Ferguson Candice M. McCollum* Candice M. Perfect** Candis S. Moore Carey A. Thissen Carey J. Gray* Cari M. Leyva Carissa L. Frisbie Carl E. Strid Carl J. Arts Carlo G. Sipin Carlos A. Arias Carlos R. Caceres Carlos S. Tarin Carly A. Tuchscherer Carly R. Schreck Carmel A. Sergio*** Carmela Ramirez* Carol A. Smith** Carol C. Wilson Carol E. Arnett Carol J. Tucker Carol L. Smith Caroline M. Bischel Caroline Wright* Carolyn C. Choate** Carolyn M. Schneidewent Carolyn M. Tix Carolyn R. George Carrie Collins Carrie F. Hafele Carrie F. Hafele Carson J. Tippit Casandra F. Cruz Casey A. Harmon Casey M. Whetham Casey P. Boyle Casey R. Ayers** Cassandra A. Espinoza Cassandra E. Burton* Cassandra H. Anibas Cassandra S. Brooks* Catherine C. Truemper Catherine L. Steward Caton D. Callinsky Cecelia M. Malemute Cecelia P. Maher Cha’Sae D. Harris Chad A. Nesteby Chad A. Risinger Chad A. Risinger Chad D. Harpel* Chad E. Jensen Chandra L. Lewis** Chanel C. Moesh Chanel C. Moesh Chang D. Xiong Chang Woo You Charlene B. Di Ramos Charlene M. Burns Charles A. Jacobs, Jr. Charles B. Kindstrand* Charles D. Benson Charles D. Benson Charles E. Chapman, Jr.** Charles E. Hart* Charles G. Mohl Charles W. Bon Charlotte A. Nicolet* Chasity N. Baker** Chelsea H. Witt Chelsea M. Asmus Chelsea M. Belieu Chelsea S. Malstrom Chelsey C. Anderson Chelsey J. Nichols Chelsie L. Saxe Cheniah M. Yamoto* Cherry J. Seime* Cheryl E. Swiantek Cheryl M. Grove

Cheyenne A. Alabanzas Cheyenne C. Tiedje Chloe R. Palmeri Chris S. Barnett Christa J. Chadwell Christel R. Wagle*** Christian F. Barrero* Christian J. Dougherty* Christina A. Anderson Christina D. Weber** Christina L. Gilleland* Christina L. Hopkins Christina M. Glorioso Christina M. Roper Christina M. Stewart Christina N. Worland Christine A. Sherman Christine Anne A. Lumba Christine E. Ray Christine K. Mojica** Christine N. Ewing Christon P. Petersen* Christopher A. Hanson Christopher B. Barry Christopher E. Gunderson Christopher G. Albert Christopher G. Branche* Christopher H. Dunaway Christopher H. Logan Christopher H. Ruge Christopher J. Bryant Christopher J. Sharp Christopher L. Abbott Christopher L. Carter Christopher N. Hayes Christopher R. Johnson Christopher R. Lallish Christopher R. McGinty Christopher R. Merrill Christopher S. Coon Christopher S. Sis** Christopher S. Terry* Christopher T. Sonnabend* Christy A. Coovert Christy L. Haughey Christy L. Haughey Christy L. Lingenfelter Christy W. McWaters Chrystal R. Van Sky Chyvonne E. Suzuki Chyvonne E. Suzuki Ciara J. Nicholson Cindy A. Miller** Cindy G. Marble Cindy L. Bedingfield Cindy S. CarlsonDavis Claire A. Goldsmith Claire L. Siekaniec Clark Bihag Clifton E. Fox Coby A. Gibson Cody A. Troseth Cody J. Kreitel Cody T. Russell Cody W. Kubitz Cody W. Kubitz Coleman J. Alguire Colin R. Walker* Colin Y. Yamauchi Colleen M. Larson** Collette James Connie R. Dougherty Connor J. Murray* Connor M. Wall* Connor T. Dunham Conny J. Vandegriff Conor D. Daugharty Constance J. Bradford Cora S. Bosshart*

201

Corey D. Cowgill Corinne C. Nakashima Corissa L. Bailey Cornelious K. Sigei Cornelius C. Tolbert Corrine G. Hewitt* Corrinna R. Bailey** Corrinna R. Bailey** Cortney M. Corbet* Cortney M. Krismer Cortni M. Hostetler Cory A. Carpenter* Cory J. Shell Cory J. Stantorf Cory Shouse* Courtney A. Bohan Courtney A. Rust Courtney L. Westberg Courtney M. Brannon Courtney M. Forbes Courtnie M. Husmann Craig L. Parkinson Craig M. Bisgard Craig M. Bisgard Cristina Gaina* Cristine M. Conner*** Crystal D. Labrecque Crystal L. Hayes Crystal L. Hayes Crystal L. Hayes Crystal L. Hayes Crystal L. Hayes Curtis J. Leinweber Curtis J. Leinweber Curtis M. Huenefeld Cy Xiong Cyle T. Webb Cynthia G. Jones Cynthia G. Petterson

TNL

Commencement| 2012

Daisy VanSlyke Dale M. Lewis Dana A. Collins** Dana A. Gray* Dana L. WebsterSmith Dana M. Jenski Dana M. Mason* Dana-Chantil G. Nidoy Danica Mary C. Manaois Danica Z. Recustodio Daniel A. Oben Daniel A. Ruehle Daniel Alvarez-Lemp* Daniel D. Merrill Daniel E. Allen** Daniel E. Allen** Daniel G. Khokhorin Daniel J. Gallagher Daniel J. Hoffman Daniel J. Hoffman Daniel J. Prince Daniel J. Ribuffo Daniel Miceli Daniel P. Gese* Daniel T. King* Daniel V. Harper Daniel W. Zeiger Daniel W. Zeiger Danielle C. Jabaay Danielle D. Nelson Danielle L. Allen Danielle L. Guenther Danielle M. Caswell Danielle M. Giles Danielle M. Haley Danielle N. Hutka Danielle P. Baham Danielle P. Johnson Danielle R. Schinn Danika J. Alexander* Danika J. Alexander* Danna M. Hoellering Dannie E. Hallin** Danny R. Canlas Danyelle R. Johnson Dara Lively Daria Basova Daria E. Furs Daria E. Furs Daria N. Shanogina Darrin R. Swain Daryl J. Carson David A. Crozier*

David A. Freese David A. Phipps David B. Hoisington David C. Gauvreau David D. Tollerud David D. Vogel* David J. Janzen David J. Nathanson David J. Stransky David Kiplagat David L. Brown David L. Chronister David N. Cuffel* David N. Tuttle David P. Brown David R. Frederiksen David R. Frederiksen David S. Eguires David W. Beiswenger Dawn E. Boullion Dawn M. Brantley Daysha L. Anderson* Deanna L. Blazejewski Deanna L. Harris* DeAnna M. Roering Deanne S. Shiroma Debbie Kivi Deborah L. Golden* Debra J. Syvertson* Debra K. Blouin* Debra K. Williams Deirdre V. Hall Delaney O. Scott Delenora M. Grey** DeLys Y. Hendrix Dena S. Buck Denali S. Brothers Denise M. Ashman** Denise M. Riley Dennis L. Twaddle Dennis L. Twaddle Dennis L. Twaddle Dennis S. Schilling, Sr. Derek J. Chivers Derek P. Alley Deserai M. Romig Deseree M. Baker Desiree A. Dubisar** Desiree L. Novotny Desiree L. Novotny Desiree M. Baxter Devki D. White Devon J. Jones Devonna L. Weister Dezarae A. Bascome* Dia J. Matteson Diana Faye R. Patterson Diana L. Haywood Diane S. Maples Dianne S. Collins Dmitriy N. Mozalevskiy Dmitry A. Stramilov Doanh T. Tran Domika N. Tomm Dominic N. Plasencia Don I. Chon Don Y. Chon Donald C. Wilburn Donald E. Brink** Donald J. Lacy Donald J. McKay Donald J. Richardson Donald McSherry Donniece Hoskins Doris F. HugoShavings Dorothy A. Draughn** Dorothy N. Melambianakis Douglas C. McManis Drew A. Von Lindern Drew J. Allison Drina E. Guest Duane D. Farring Duane P. Hunte Dusan Sidor** Dusan Sidor** Dusten C. Voehl Dustin J. Hanson Dustin J. Hanson Dustin J. Hanson Dustin J. Hanson Dustin N. Madden Dwight R. Laporte Dylan M. Hickey Dylan T. Langfitt Dylan T. Sanders-

Richards

Eden E. Barrington Edna F. Maxwell Edna S. Abella Edward A. Pekar Ekaterina K. Golin Ekaterina K. Golin Elaine R. Squier Eli C. Wray Elisabette F. Abellera Elise D. McCarter Elisiva T. Maka Elizabeth A. Edwards Elizabeth A. Fogel Elizabeth A. McCleer Elizabeth A. MerrillBauer Elizabeth A. Pohjola Elizabeth A. Shea Elizabeth A. Sparks Elizabeth C. Dickeson Elizabeth E. Root Elizabeth J. Vollstedt Elizabeth M. Leach Elizabeth M. Rohloff Ella R. Morris Ellen A. Franklin Ellen A. Franklin Ellen C. Crosson** Ellen T. Meiser Elliott M. Larsen Elvira A. Holland Emily A. Tallman Emily J. Apke* Emily J. Renner*** Emily K. Christofferson Emily L. Waters* Emily N. Tyrrell Emily R. Hedum Emma J. Bohman Emma J. Halsey** Emmali J. Peters Enrique B. Cruz Eric A. Gardner Eric B. Regan Eric D. Griffin Eric D. Hernandez Eric E. Wohlforth Eric J. Bonnes Eric J. Nilan* Eric J. Rodgers Eric J. Zimmermann Eric M. Hansen Eric M. Larsen Eric M. Larson Eric N. Abbott Eric N. Holzschuh* Eric N. Joseph Eric P. Waltenbaugh Eric W. Emerton Erica J. Jones Erica L. Hostetler** Erica N. Mitchell* Erich H. Kuball Erich V. Luhrs Erick K. Romig** Erik A. Frampton Erik A. Nerland Erik G. Swanson Erik J. Chronister Erika A. Grant Erika L. Chernikoff Erin A. Campbell Erin E. Anders Erin J. Frolander Erin M. Aitcheson* Erin M. Downey Erin M. Downey Erin M. Sullivan* Erin N. LeBon-Stark Erin R. Wade Erin S. Scott Erin Williams Eryn R. Dorsey Eun Jin Bang* Eun Jin Bang* Eva A. Hansmeyer Evelyna B. Kuhr Ezekiel J. Kaufman** Ezekiel J. Kaufman**â&#x20AC;

Fabienne C. Smith Fabrice E. Evengue

Felicia L. Smart Finn E. Oestgaard Francesca F. May* Francis A. KuntzTadda Frank A. Grubbs Frank J. Lahr Frantiska Matteos** Frederick Williams Fritz J. Yasay

Gabe W. Miessner Gabrielle J. Sage** Gaelen K. Dwyer** Gaelen K. Dwyer** Garrett C. Yager Garrett W. McMullen Gates C. Kesler Gena M. Marks Geneva E. Weaver Genevieve R. Canete Genoveva D. Taganahan Geoffrey L. Crouse George A. Anderson George A. Anderson George A. Anderson George A. Anderson George A. Anderson** George J. Hyde Gerald S. Curtis Giaana C. Eckenweiler Giancarlo R. Chuquichanca Gilbert T. McIntyre Gina L. Gregoire* Gina L. Lapekas Gina M. Mauro** Glenn Ayala Godeaver Y. Kufuor* Gor R. Galstyan Grace A. Beaujean** Grace A. Olendorff Grace L. Yocom Graham D. Gablehouse Grant A. Niver Grant C. Goulet Grant L. Foote Grant R. Hill Grant R. Hill Greg J. Stocker Gregory A. Joubert Greta Holzheimer Gretchen F. Sumabat Gretchen M. Rickard Gwendellin M. Bradshaw Gwendolynn M. Gabbert

Halfdan S. FalkumHansen Halfdan S. FalkumHansen Halley C. Trodden Hallidie M. Wilt Hanna G. Johnson Hannah E. Ekstrom* Hannah E. Pennell Hannah L. Scott Hannah M. Gauthier Hannah R. Kelley Hans G. Hjort* Harmanjot K. Guglani Harmony R. Poulson Harrison Bedell Hattie E. Schmidlkofer Hayatte S. Obeidi Heather Ann Heusser Heather C. Benton Heather I. Mayo Heather K. DeLoach Heather K. Gatti Heather K. Weber Heather L. Archer Heather L. Bailey Heather L. Childress Heather L. Dearing Heather L. Grella Heather L. Sollenberger* Heather M. Freistone* Heather M. Fulford Heather M. Kelahan*

Heather MacAlpine* Heather R. Engstrom Heather R. Robinson Heather V. Lende Hee Y. Kim Heide M. Provencher Helen A. Riemer* Henry E. Ferguson Herman J. Gerving Hilary C. Vincent Hilary J. Upicksoun Hilary L. Garney Hillary J. Haslip Hiroki Deguchi Hiu Tin Kwan Hollie A. Hammonds Holly A. Thorssin* Holly D. Odegard Holly E. Wichorek Holly E. Wichorek Holly I. Esping Holly M. Morris Holly Ramey Hope M. Young* Howard J. Goodrich Hyung Hyun Ahn

Iain C. Brown Iain M. Connolly** Ian M. Hanna Ibionna M. Wemark Ilya S. Stadnik Inna V. Worrall Inna V. Worrall Inna V. Worrall Interdisciplinary Studies International Studies Irene S. Turletes Irina V. Toporovskaya Iris Daly Iris E. Crook Isaac A. Rachlin Isaac M. Waldrop, IV Isabel C. Vesely Isatou B. Njie Ivan H. Hodes

Jacie M. Anderson Jack D. Pearce Jack Little Jaclyn M. Donoho Jaclyn R. Zeznock* Jacob A. Masog Jacob A. Nicoll** Jacob A. Treptow Jacob B. Taylor Jacob C. Tracy Jacob D. Boulden Jacob D. Boulden Jacob L. Hartman Jacob R. Chapman Jacob S. Dee* Jacqueline D. Shirley Jacqueline N. Thomas Jacquelyn H. Empleo Jacquelyn M. Bell Jade L. Portwood Jade L. Portwood Jade S. Devens Jade S. Devens Jake Feasel James A. Lindh, II James A. McDonald James B. Benedict James D. Church James J. Buckingham James J. Hyun James J. Hyun James J. Walker*** James M. Cortez James M. Miracle* James O. West James W. Parkin, IV James W. Sursa Jamie A. Neel Jamie A. Smith Jamie E. Condio Jamie E. Durkop* Jamie E. Kunkler** Jamie L. Hamilton Jamie M. Abordonado Jamie O. Darden Jan R. Jorgensen

Janeen A. Russell Janelle C. Crowe Janelle M. Johnson Janelle S. Hyatt Janet L. Copping Janet L. Keplinger Janet L. NelsonDormady Janet M. Murray Janice C. Agulay Janice L. Crawford Janie R. Ferguson Janis M. Maltos Janna L. Bare Janna P. Christen* Janna P. Christen* Jared C. Tee Jared C. Tuton Jared J. Brown Jared W. Sarten Jaron M. Carlson Jasen K. Johansen Jasen S. Perkins* Jasmine A. Akalaonu Jasmine Crandall Jasmine D. Hennings Jasmine J. Hatton** Jasmine M. Cho Jason C. Kewin Jason D. Stariwat* Jason E. Fox Jason E. Pfeifer Jason M. Martin Jason N. Murphy Jason P. Seger* Jason R. Cappelletty Jason Rice Jason W. Richards Jathan E. Day** Jathan E. Day** Jaymee R. Wheeler JC M. Griffin** Jean C. Lauer Jeanell J. Hubbard Jeanene Walker Jeannette A. Shelton Jeannette O. Reddington Jeannette R. Russell* Jeff A. Shelton Jeffery A. Patterson Jeffery R. Harris Jeffrey A. Levin* Jeffrey C. Bugh* Jeffrey C. Eide Jeffrey D. Warner Jeffrey L. Wheeler Jeffrey M. Gryga Jeffrey R. Mayrand Jeffrey W. Crompton** Jenna A. Mayra Jenna L. Alatalo Jennifer A. Gehrke Jennifer A. McDonald Jennifer A. Meier Jennifer A. Ungerecht Jennifer C. Hauth* Jennifer Coffey Jennifer D. Particini Jennifer E. Allen Jennifer E. Gilhuly Jennifer E. Grindrod Jennifer E. Jenkins Jennifer E. Morales Jennifer G. Johnson Jennifer H. Gunter Jennifer J. Serjeant Jennifer J. Wenzel Jennifer L. Carver* Jennifer L. Cruz Jennifer L. Hanford Jennifer L. Kenison Jennifer L. Petersen* Jennifer M. Aklestad Jennifer M. Drew Jennifer M. Huseman Jennifer M. Kelly* Jennifer M. Mills Jennifer M. Neal* Jennifer M. Piper Jennifer M. Tollerud Jennifer M. Ungerecht* Jennifer N. Ayers Jennifer N. Maligaya Jennifer R. Ball Jennifer R. Chapa** Jennifer R. Montgomery Jennifer S. Schultz**

TNL Jennifer V. MacKenzie Jenny M. Boles Jenny M. Schwartz Jeremiah B. Olson Jeremiah D. Smith Jeremy A. Bon Jeremy A. Maxie* Jeremy B. McClurg Jeremy M. Allen Jerry T. Roys* Jeryck F. Mendoza Jesse C. Archer** Jesse D. Carlstrom Jesse D. Warner Jesse L. Moe Jesse R. Richardson* Jesse R. Richardson* Jessica A. Duston Jessica D. Reza Jessica E. Young Jessica J. Pervier Jessica J. Schwartz Jessica K. Armstrong Jessica K. Boyden Jessica L. Aho Jessica L. Crisp Jessica L. Paden* Jessica L. Paden* Jessica L. Sanchez Jessica L. Yuill Jessica M. Cole* Jessica M. Ross Jessica M. Sedlacek Jessica M. Warne Jessica M. Warne Jessica R. Hunt Jessica R. Tufts* Jessica T. Gatewood Jessica T. Rose Jessica Wheelhouse Jessie L. Ford Jessie L. Merkley Jheri J. Kuramoto Jia J. Xue Jihae Park Jill E. Rogers Jill M. Montague Jill S. Garnet Jillian A. Caswell Jillian I. Lozanoff** Jillian K. Vlahovich* Jillian M. Lees Jin T. Chong Jo A. Ryder Joan M. Wilson Joanna J. Lende** Joanne B. Cornelio Joanne D. Samson Jodi K. Hodgson Jodie S. Banks Jody A. Schuyler Joel A. Rivera Joel J. Perez Joel M. Thomas Johanna J. Doner John A. Hendrick John B. Periman John C. Driscoll John C. Morgan John C. Morgan John C. Morgan John C. Mushett John C. Whipple John F. Smart John L. Bertilson* John L. Dupier John L. Montgomery, III John P. Budnik John R. Forbes John W. Laws John W. Lewis Jolene R. Janigo Jon F. Wehde Jonathan A. Huettl Jonathan A. Soverns Jonathan D. Cason* Jonathan D. Wilcox Jonathan N. Buckingham Jonathan P. Martin* Jonathan P. Skovbo Jonathan R. Gardner Jonathan W. Jones Jonathan W. Knowles Jordan C. Cummings Jordan D. Skan Jordan H. Reed Jordan K. Love* Jordan M. Rausa

2012 | Commencement Joscelyn E. Vanduren Jose A. Contreras Jose Denrie P. Enriquez, Jr. Josef S. Emmerson Joseph A. Wichorek Joseph C. Pelton Joseph D. Dolan Joseph D. Dolan Joseph E. Sparaga Joseph M. Trekell Joseph S. Jensen Joseph W. Cosgriff Josh W. Beckham Joshua A. Ray Joshua A. Spring Joshua D. Geibe* Joshua D. Schultz Joshua E. Benson Joshua E. Cohen Joshua I. McKennett Joshua J. Baker Joshua M. Ellis Joshua M. Ellis Joshua M. Toombs Joshua N. Kopp* Joshua R. Cronan Joshua Tucker Josiah Wynn Josiah Wynn Josie P. Boggs Joy L. Smith* Joy N. Demmert Joycelynn C. DeCourte Judi A. Hegerberg* Judith M. Lacher* Julia A. DelSignore Julia D. Baker Julia D. Morozov Julia L. Baker** Julia L. Mouritsen Julian A. Harder Juliana B. Wassillie Julie A. Blake* Julie C. Arness* Julie C. Vogler* Julie K. Palm* Julie L. Egelus Julie L. Egelus Julie L. Selves Julie W. McKim Julie W. Yadon* Justin Clark Justin I. Weaver Justin M. Salberg Justin R. Carr* Justin R. Fulkerson Justin T. Carr Justin Z. Stantorf

Katherine C. Hostetler Katherine D. Robinson* Katherine D. Watkins Katherine E. Sprott Katherine F. Worthington Katherine J. Osborne Katherine M. Brickley Katherine R. Buchinger Katherine R. Hoppe* Katherine R. Rhoades Kathleen A. Dowling Kathleen A. Galligan* Kathleen A. Hite* Kathleen A. Parker Kathleen L. Behnke Kathleen L. Williams Kathleen M. Mantell Kathleen R. Torpy* Kathlyn Mae C. Ferandez Kathryn A. Moffitt Kathryn C. Rabung Kathryn G. Brehm* Kathy K. Powers Kathy S. Nussbaum Katie E. Blakeslee Katie E. Rowell* Katie J. Dickeson Katie N. Sears Katie O. Kahlenbeck Katria J. Strauch Katrielle L. Bruce* Katrina C. Frazier Katrina L. Bragg Katrina T. Kearney* Kattrina M. Crouch* Katy A. Hewitt** Katy C. Dahlquist Katy M. Sanders Kaustav Kakati Kaya K. Suppayosamorn Kayla N. Johnson Kayla R. Paulsen Kaylee I. Hoffner Kazuko A. McMullan* Keely R. AglerHanson** Keith P. Underwood** Keith R. Hoffmann** Keith R. Masker, Jr. Keith R. Masker, Jr. Kelli A. Cassidy Kelli L. Brown Kellie N. Graham Kelly A. Erickson Kelly C. Thibodeau Kelly Day Kelly K. Sandlin* Kelly K. Sandlin* Kelly L. Sullivan Kelly L. Wingster Kelly-Sue L. DaSilva Kelsea M. Akerelrea Kelsey Coolidge Kelsey R. Appleton Kelsey Y. Williamson Kelsie A. Burgman Ken E. Schultz** Ken Yazaki Kendell M. Meekins Kendra Awad Kendrick Brooks Kennedy C. Towne** Kenneth A. Bracewell Kenneth C. Widmer* Kenneth D. Ealy, Jr. Kenneth J. Kelley* Kenneth L. Moss Kenneth M. Roullier Kenneth P. Siebels** Kensey L. McIntosh Kent G. Spiers Keriann M. Shine Kern P. McGinley Kerri L. Whittecar Kerrie A. Mascarelli Kevin A. Shedlarski Kevin C. Green Kevin D. Murphy Kevin E. Mann Kevin E. Newcity Kevin Halvorsen Kevin J. Bridge Kevin J. Geese Kevin S. Riggan Keziahlyn Marie L.

12 K

Kaelei M. Spoor Kaitlin M. Wells Kaitlin R. McBride Kaitlin Walker Kaleigh M. Magnus Kamaree K. Altaffer Kandice H. Kasten Kaori A. Jaime Kara C. Barnett Kara D. McGee Kara L. Baker Kara L. Baker Karen E. Courtney Karen E. Hock* Karen G. Moore Karen R. Kelly Karen R. Kelly Karenth L. Dworsky Kari A. Bustamante Kari L. Ronning Karin L. Sandberg Karin M. Rasmus Karin M. Wagner Karl M. Wamsley Karl R. Wing Karma J. Brown Karol E. Malone Karri C. VanDeventer Katarzyna B. PacynaBundy* Kate M. Galbreath** Katelyn R. McClelland Katelyne P. Sonido Katherine A. Hegland Katherine B. Corwin Katherine C. Hostetler

Gustilo Killian R. Trammell Kim A. Doss Kim N. Trevino Kimberly A. Hewitt*** Kimberly A. Hewitt***† Kimberly A. Stephens Kimberly C. Bealer* Kimberly C. Lamson* Kimberly L. Vinegar Kimberly L. Vinegar Kimberly M. Johnson** Kimberly P. Fairbank Kimberly R. Victors** Kimberlyn D. Arellano Kirsten A. Henrickson Kirsten D. Larson Kirsten L. Hunley Kirsten M. Svejnoha Kirstie A. James Kirstin B. Karsunky Kirstin T. Howell** Kjell R. Mack Kluonie E. Frey Kong S. Xiong Konstantinos Manolakakis Krista L. Howard* Kristal R. Upchurch Kristan D. Rodriguez* Kristan D. Rodriguez* Kristan E. Meyers Kristen E. Pedersen Kristen R. Barr Kristie L. Calvin Kristin E. Howard Kristin N. Cross Kristin R. Ohler Kristina A. Jones Kristina A. Jones Kristina Goolsby Kristina L. Skoog Kristina M. Kvernplassen Kristine B. Sy Kristine M. Durant Kristofer R. Homerding Kristopher D. VanWingerden Krystal S. Lunda Krystle L. Vargas Kyle D. Easterly Kyle D. Mirka Kyle E. Hatch Kyle L. Thompson Kyle P. Hoover Kyle P. Yan Kyle W. Samber Kylie C. Frazier Kylie J. King* Kyra D. Sherwood Kyung A. Park

Lacey L. Southern Lacey M. Centeno Lacey R. Bulla Lacey R. Burnham* Lacy Saugstad Laina Andrew LaLaunie R. Whisenhant Lanice M. Drake Lara N. Madden Larissa R. Matlock Larry D. Jones LaTosha M. Kalolo Latoya F. Myers Laura D. Carter** Laura D. Lewis* Laura E. Zamborsky Laura J. Cole Laura K. Vogel Laura L. Knapp Laura M. Boomershine* Laura M. Rosen Laura R. Bowman Laura S. Vidic Laura T. Rombach** Laura T. Rombach** Laurel G. Renkert* Lauren A. Ernst* Lauren C. Olendorff

Lauren E. Laichak* Lauren F. Vallespir Lauren M. Bradley Lea R. Merritt Leah A. Kenney Leah L. Wilson Leah L. Wilson Leah M. Coffman Leanne F. Dapcevich Lee A. Reynolds Lee M. Saunders Leigh A. Keefer Leighann H. Seaman Leighton A. Tukaya Leighton A. Tukaya Lennon L. Zmuda Leon R. Galbraith Leona L. Schroeder Leonee D. May Leroy S. Polk Leslie D. Tolliver Leslie H. Hall Leslie K. Breest Leslie M. Anders Leslie R. Bjorn Leslie S. Williams Lester E. Parks Levi M. Hohl Levi M. Sutton Lezlie L. Tackett Lilly K. Conducy Lily C. Kjelstad Linda D. Ketchum Linda J. Harter Linda L. Adams Linda M. Anderton Linda M. Roe* Lindsay D. Hall Lindsay L. Yassick Lindsay M. Benolkin Lindsay M. Johnson* Lindsey K. Shelley** Lindsey L. Sanders* Lindsey M. Orange Lindsy F. Swing Lindsy F. Swing Lisa A. Rockwell Lisa J. Brayton Lisa J. Dahlseng Lisa K. Ratner Lisa M. Ebbs Lisa M. Stanley Lisa M. Von Bargen Lisa M. Wangberg Lisa R. Triplett Lisa R. Watts Lloyd N. Snow Logan I. Hubert Logan I. Hubert Logan I. Hubert Logan I. Hubert Logan I. Hubert Logan R. Smith*** Lolitta D. LaPriel Loralie O. Baus Loren A. Atti LoRetta D. McClain Lori A. Morgan Louie J. Lavigueure Louis R. Velasco Louise Kangas Lovell W. Jackson Lovette I. Isolokwu Lu-Anne M. Haukaas Lopez* Lucas Ellis Lucy N. Toridamari Luemma J. Balise Luke A. Beaverson Luke E. Segarra Lura B. Herbrecht Lyla S. Marey Lynda B. Barnes Lynda M. Mitchell* Lyndsey K. Sloper Lynette R. Young Lynn H. Wages Lynsey M. Clowers Mabel A. BaldwinSchaeffer

Mack F. Pennington Maggie R. Tuazon Magnum L. Fernandes Magnum L. Fernandes Maia K. Aspinwall Maija E. Vilce

Maile Cay Maishel Lau Makaela D. Du Pree’ Malaika T. Durbin Mallory E. Wetherington Mandukhai B. Munie Mandy G. Cross Mandy L. Wiese Marc J. Long Marcel A. Bischof** Marche M. Newman Marcus D. Fausett** Marcy A. True Marcy L. Johnson* Margaret A. Brady Margaret E. Barber Margaret J. McGuire Margaret L. Brawley Margaret L. McClane Margaret M. Gilman Margaret M. Nye Margaret S. Read Margarita Zembzycka Mari L. Haefka* Maria A. Humecky Maria H. O’Rourke Maria K. Greenlee Maria R. Hegener Maria V. Cortinamatos Marian W. Green Marie Shela L. Salonga Marie Shela L. Salonga Marilyn J. Payne Marina A. Courson* Marina N. Haynes Mario A. Ayerdis Mario A. Ayerdis Marissa R. Baker Marjan W. Kahakua Mark A. Meinen Mark Iannicelli Mark R. Ince Mark T. Samaniego Mark W. Spindler Marla L. Sanders Marlene A. Schmitt Marnie Kaler Marscleite M. Smith Marshall J. Brothers Martha S. Fleming Marti A. Guzman Marti M. Erickson Mary A. Harriss Mary C. Sullivan Mary E. Anger* Mary J. Thomas Mary L. Lokanin Mary M. Ramirez Mathematics Matt P. Doogan Matthew C. McCauley Matthew D. Johnson Matthew E. Ness* Matthew J. Davis Matthew J. Spence Matthew P. Balzarini Matthew R. Kanzig Matthew R. Newcombe Matthew S. Nore Matthew T. Birdsall Matthew W. Churchill* Matthew W. Oba Maureen D. Brown* Maxim A. Bogomolov Maxwell C. Treinen** Maxwell C. Treinen** Maxwell C. Treinen** Maxwell C. Treinen** Maxwell O. Greenstein May M. Roberts May Y. Madsen Mayerly A. Fischer Meagan M. Friess Meg U. Mapili Megan C. Byers Megan C. Metcalf* Megan C. Metcalf* Megan C. Wiedel Megan G. McClaren Megan J. Schneider** Megan K. Rodgers* Megan L. Kusz Megan M. Morse Megan M. Piper Megan N. Couch

2012

Jr.

TNL

Commencement| 2012

Meghan A. Vaughan Meghan M. McClain* Meivelling E. Rosales Melanie A. Clark* Melanie Arnolds Melanie M. Wright* Melia L. Renfer** Melisa R. Hodge Melissa A. Hill Melissa D. Kahler** Melissa J. Blommer Melissa J. Politsch Melissa J. Shaginoff Melissa K. Fellows Melissa M. Tourtillott Melissa N. Wilson Melissa R. Dusenbery Melissa R. Dusenbery Meneka G. Thiru** Meneka G. Thiru** Merriam H. Senarillos Mi’chelle E. McCoy* Micah F. Peter* Micah W. Miller Michael A. Benson Michael A. Francisco Michael A. Lamb Michael A. Preskitt,

Michael A. Sabato Michael A. Smith Michael C. Munoz Michael D. Duckstein Michael D. Rhodes Michael E. Maryjanowski Michael G. Bodziony Michael G. Patz* Michael H. Manuel Michael I. Akee Michael J. Hunsicker Michael J. Schmidt Michael J. Schmidt Michael M. Franklin* Michael N. Andrew* Michael P. Lloyd Michael R. Noble Michael S. Howell Michael W. Sheu Michaela R. Florio Micheal J. Reed Michele M. Bucho Michele M. Dunn Michelle A. Curtiss Michelle D. Belisle Michelle D. Clark Michelle G. Torres Michelle Ganoza Michelle Ganoza Michelle L. Kanosh Michelle M. Wicker*** Michelle R. Collins* Michon M. Johnson Mie Z. Moua Mikaela E. Mulder** Mikaela E. Mulder** Mikaela M. Deitz Mikhail A. Gorshunov Miles M. Glynn Milidi A. Truesdale Min Huang Mina H. Yang Mindy K. Cason Mindy L. Goorchenko Miranda B. Musich Miranda L. Breaux* Miranda L. Breaux* Miranda M. Harmon** Mistee M. Hansbraugh Misty R. Eisel* Mitchell C. Casteel Molly M. Blair Molly M. Kincaid Mona R. Hundrup* Monica J. Velasco Monica P. Emerton Monica S. Kookesh Monique D. Marron Monique D. Marron Morgan H. Welker Moriah E. Miles Munkh-Erdene TsendOchir, II Muriel A. Lewis Muriel A. Lewis Mutale P. Bingley

Mydzung T. Nguyen Mydzung T. Nguyen Myla M. Sculley

Nancy A. Mason Nancy L. Dillman Nancy L. Dillman Nancy L. Dillman Nancy L. Dillman Nancy L. Dillman Nancy L. Stallings** Narangerel Luvsandagva NaShonda’ L. Stokes Natalia Balandina Natalia Napoleon Natalie A. Rife* Natalie A. Rife* Natasha M. Haines Natasha M. Latta Natasha N. Mongar Nathan A. Kowalczk Nathan B. Gabriel Nathan C. Cousineau Nathan C. Cousineau Nathan C. Cousineau Nathan C. Cousineau Nathan C. Cousineau Nathan D. Bentley* Nathan H. Henshey Nathanael J. Van Nortwick** Nathanael P. Ray Nathaniel B. Holland Nathaniel K. Moore Neil A. Dickeson Neil A. Nardini* Nicholas A. Bradford Nicholas A. Branche* Nicholas A. Branche* Nicholas C. Phelps Nicholas J. Weyrick Nicholas R. Case Nicholas W. Barnes Nicholas W. Peltola Nichole E. Tovar Nichole G. Bostic Nichole R. Dojka Nicholle S. Mills Nickolas C. Ricketts Nickolaus G. DaSantos Nickole D. Lyon Nicole A. Sola Nicole D. Horton Nicole J. Fidler Nicole K. Erickson Nicole L. Stuemke Nicole M. Nelson Nicole S. Zonzel* Nicole Y. Kopacz Nikita R. Shield Nikita R. Silverstruk Nikki M. McDermott Nina L. BowersMarkossian Noelle M. Fenton Noura S. Obeidi

Olga A. Panitch Olga S. Fontaine Olga Y. Lopatina Olga Y. Persinger Olin T. Raidmae Olivia S. Stone** Olivia T. Slayton Orion I. Allen

Pamela A. Simmons Pamela L. DeVito Pamela L. Kearney Pamela M. Sieghart Pancho F. Decrito, Jr. Pancho F. Decrito, Jr. Pang Juan Lim Paolina N. Hernandez Paree D. James Patricia A. Peshel Patricia D. Elliott Patricia E. Vink Patricia L. Johnson

Patrick A. Jones Patrick A. McAnally Patrick A. McAnally Patrick R. Blood Patrina A. Callahan Paul D. Russell Paul M. Ingram Paul R. Davidson Paul S. Curtis Paul T. Dunham Paula B. Deschamps Paula H. Valdez Paula J. Gray** Pauline V. Bustillo Peder G. Terland Pedro A. Morron Pedro A. Morron Pedro A. Morron Pedro A. Morron Peregrina Roberson* Perlita F. Alcaide Perrian B. Windhausen Peter A. Finn Peter C. Clemens Peter E. Clements Peter J. Feld Philip G. Lindeke* Philip G. Peterson Philip R. Obermarck* Phillip J. Selanoff Phillip K. Bunker Phillip M. Hearn Pierrette M. Jenkins Pieter W. McDonald* Pieter W. McDonald* Praveen K. C. Priscilla L. Lema

Rachael A. Mendow* Rachael C. Ridge Rachael D. Carlson Racheal S. Maryott Rachel A. Bennett Rachel C. Schafer Rachel E. Clingman Rachel E. Walker** Rachel F. Kemp Rachel F. Marchegiani Rachel L. Colvard Rachel L. Grieme Rachel L. Kozlowski Rachel L. Osborn Rachel Lowe* Rachel M. Banning Rachel M. Casperson Rachel M. Pohll Rachel M. Pohll Rachel M. Savary Rachel M. Walker Rachel S. Wahto Rada V. Khadjinova Rae A. Posey Rae Ellen L. Kurzendoerfer Raiza Janselle G. Ting Ramona S. Rivers Randall S. Dowd* Randee Pascall Randi M. Shrider Randy C. Watson Randy Cone* Randy M. Wright Randy S. Bienia Raymond B. Moeller Reba M. Trani* Rebecca A. Hoyman Rebecca C. Mahar* Rebecca C. Mahar* Rebecca D. Conver Rebecca G. Houston Rebecca L. Berg Rebecca L. Hayes Rebecca L. Roehm** Rebekah D. Tee Rebekah L. Booth Rebekah L. Burket Rebekah N. Franklin Rebekah V. Khachadoorian Reid C. Dihle Reid F. Fenton* Rex B. Gonzalez Rhesa J. Holzheimer Rhiannon N. Brown Rhiannon R. Wolford

Richard A. Smith Richard E. Bolender Richard G. Kamitchis Richard J. Ullrich Richard L. Mason Richard O. Bender Richard S. Bartolowits Richard S. Wooten Richard T. Tresner Richele D. Johnston Ricky J. Peshel Riley O. Worthley Riley O. Worthley Riza L. Parsons* Riza L. Parsons* Robert Boyce Robert C. Litwack Robert E. Bailie Robert E. Hawkins* Robert E. McMahon Robert E. McMahon Robert J. James Robert K. Bailey Robert L. Jeffrey, Jr. * Robert L. O’Neal Robert M. Armbrust* Robert M. Brymer* Robert P. Halcomb Robert T. Banicki Robert W. Fridinger Robert W. Timmins Robin F. Morales Robin M. George* Robin N. Phillips Robin R. Pekrul Robin S. Klinger Robyn C. Ellison Rochelle Tarbert* Roger S. Nelsen Rolan P. Baguyos, Sr.** Roman Bylkov Romanie L. Roach Ronny A. Parayno, Jr. Rosalyn J. Thompson** Rosalyn J. Thompson** Ross Bonnes Russell G. Butler Russell J. Darling Rusty N. Hayes Ruth C. Wooten*** Ruth Joy S. Ballon Ruth L. Johnson* Ruth M. Geraghty Ryan A. Coffey Ryan A. McGlohn Ryan A. Nolan Ryan C. Buchholdt Ryan C. Chapman Ryan C. Malevich Ryan C. Stafford Ryan D. Van Ausdal** Ryan I. Sarte Ryan J. Brown Ryan J. Coon Ryan John J. Paneda Ryan K. Belnap Ryan L. Allen Ryan M. Gilchrist Ryan M. Hanson Ryan M. Ledonne Ryan M. Rencehausen Ryan T. Wolosyn Rylan J. Whilden Ryohei Toridamari Ryohei Toridamari Rysa Lock

Saigen M. Feece Salina J. Bearden Sam G. Peterson Samantha J. Wagner** Samantha K. Davis* Samantha R. Jones Samuel A. Reynolds Samuel A. Sullivan Samuel D. Oh Samuel E. Hancock Samuel J. Tilly Samuel K. Soloy Samuel R. Peters Samuel W. Tappen Sandra C. Cummings*

Sandra C. Gravley Sandra H. Previde Sandra J. Bair Sandra J. Scrase* Sandra L. DeHartMayor Sandra L. Summitt** Sandy L. Packo Sara C. LoewenDanelski Sara E. Mooney Sara E. Petty Sara J. Carmen* Sara K. Adriaenssens Sara M. Hansen* Sara M. Hottinger Sara T. Diamond Sarah A. Brenner Sarah A. Kalis Sarah A. Stimson Sarah C. Frick Sarah D. Glaser** Sarah E. Aiken* Sarah E. Dobbins Sarah E. Duvall* Sarah E. Ott Sarah H. Lawrence Sarah J. Dahlen Sarah J. Tegeler* Sarah J. Van Abel Sarah J. Welty*** Sarah J. Welty*** Sarah L. Ferrency Sarah M. Alvarez Sarah M. Coe Sarah M. Cullers Sarah P. Merrill Sarah R. Winston* Sarah R. Wood Sarah W. Craft Sarah W. Craft SarahJean Korthuis Sarena E. Hackenmiller Sasha D. Jones Schuyler E. Reid* Scott D. McClure Scott D. Smith Scott M. Jelich Scott P. Rhode* Scott W. Morgan* Sean D. Blanquart Sean L. Katz Sean R. Hawkinson Sean R. Mallonee Sean T. Glasheen* Selma N. Khan Seong K. Kim Serena L. Williams Sergey A. Konyshev Sergey A. Konyshev Seth J. Peterson** Seth S. Weingarten Seth T. Loosli Shamai K. Thacker* Shana M. Roberson** Shane C. Ling Shane M. Lopez Shanna V. Courson** Shannon A. Greig Shannon E. Hale Shannon L. Blackshear Shannon L. Bridwell Shannon L. Williams* Sharisse M. Stroud Sharisse M. Stroud Sharlee A. Oeder Sharon D. Paredes Sharon F. Oyao Sharon H. Crawford Sharon R. Canadine Shasta A. Miller Shaun A. Ward* Shaun A. Ward* Shawn D. Roys* Shawn L. Robinson Shawn M. Frost Shawn M. Hansen Shawna A. Gravelle Shawna M. Rider Shawna R. Amsden Shawndean Hutchison Shea C. Simasko Shea D. Lowery** Sheena M. Mills Sheila M. Sine** Sheila M. Sine** Shelby D. Sonnentag*

Shelby L. Warren Shelia E. Reintjes Shelley A. Christopherson Shelley Giraldo** Shelley Giraldo** Shelley M. Turner Shelly D. Bogenrife Shenshakea L. Sanders Sherilyn M. Soots Sherrie C. Wilson Sherron A. Bostic Sheryl C. Saturnino Sheryl D. Thurston Shiona S. Melovidov Shirlene D. Cotenas Shqipe Greva* Shqipe Lena* Shyan T. Ely Sigvold I. Juliussen, Jr. Simon C. Gilliland Simona Lobontiu** Siting Feng** Siu Cheung Moy** Siu Cheung Moy** Sloane G. Unwin Soh-Min Nee Sonia R. Herford Sonja S. Mackey Sonya M. Levin* Sonya R. Hood Sophia G. Wright Sophia H. Lee Sophia V. Gary Souriya Kittivong Spencer D. Raidmae Stacey A. Finley Stacey N. Aughe Staci L. Kruger Stacy L. Jeffrey Stanislav S. Che Stefania Burke Stefanie R. Moiles Stephan M. Blount Stephanie A. Cullers Stephanie D. Perley Stephanie J. Hanson Stephanie K. Hiemer* Stephanie K. Sager Stephanie M. Bugh* Stephanie M. Cornwell-George Stephanie M. Masten Stephanie O. Cronin Stephanie R. Huycke* Stephanie S. Coyle Stephanie S. Dush Stephanie S. Dush Stephanie S. Yim Stephanie T. Goens Stephen A. Wilmeth Stephen B. Spencer Stephen G. Brum Stephen M. Taylor Stephen R. Startz, III Stephenita A. Apokedak Steven C. White Steven E. Farring Steven J. Cotter Steven M. Andersen* Steven M. Betzner Steven M. Halcomb Steven R. Thomas Stuart T. Smith Summer A. Slack Summer B. Yancey Summer R. Kottsick Sunday A. Stinson* Sung H. Chang Sunny A. Offong Susan M. Lilly Susanna M. Gaines Susanna M. Kelly Susynn M. Snyder Suzanna Miller Suzette N. Blaser Svetlana Kolomeychuk Sy P. Bulaong Ramirez Sylvia S. Roberts**

Tabatha M. Perry Tabitha M. Anderson* Tabitha R. Bailar** Tadeusz Musielewicz

TNL

2012 | Commencement

Talisa M. Rodrigues Tamah J. Haynes Tamar R. Gruwell Tamara A. Evans* Tamara C. Wilson Tamara M. Douglas Tammy N. Murray* Tammy R. Christin** Tamra S. Kornfield Tania O. EricksonGrant Tanya M. Lindeen Tanya R. Totemoff Taryn M. Byrd* Tasha T. Thomas Tatum M. Vincent Taylor J. Gress Taylor J. Gress Taylor J. Gress Taylor J. Gress Taylor J. Gress Taylor K. WmsCornelius Taylor M. Karnikis Teagan J. Collins Tebany Yune Temujin K. Ching Tenishia B. Seay Teresa J. Williams Teresa M. Ebert Teresa S. Scarsella* Terra J. Abbott Terra L. Schwin** Terrence K. Thompson Terrence K. Thompson Thaxter J. Hall

Theo P. Evon Theresa A. Ross* Theresa G. Jehle Theresa M. Hubb Thomas C. Crandall Thomas E. Barnett Thomas J. Bassler Thomas J. McGloin Thomas J. Salamat Thomas J. Schulz Thomas L. Batch Thomas L. Bursch Thomas N. Van Thiel Thomas S. Kozak, Jr. Thomas W. Bredin Tiffany A. Stonke Tiffany L. Ramelb Tiffany R. Chenery Tiffany R. Marable Tija L. Ozols Timothy J. Helvey Timothy J. Whip Timothy P. Shull Timothy S. Menard Tina M. Sisson* Tina T. Kuo Ting Yang Todd M. Walker Tom W. Phillips Toni M. Todd Tonie M. Quaintance Tonja M. Whitney Tor A. Christopherson Torle Nenbee Tovi J. Newman* Tracey L. Wiese

Tracey M. Gerrard* Traci D. Paige Traci N. Sickich Tracy L. Hartless* Tracy R. Clement*Stephanie S. Coyle Tram Anh H. Nguyen Tram Anh H. Nguyen Travis D. Machida Travis M. Bradshaw Travis R. Robotkay Travis R. Robotkay Travis S. Acol Travis S. White* Travis W. McMahon Trent C. Semmens** Trenton M. Millar Trevor D. Strait Trevor G. Hudson Trevor J. Sandberg Trevor J. Sandberg Tricialyn Marie M. Gogue Trina M. Beagley Trina M. Beagley Trina M. Marvin Trisha D. Whisman Trisha L. Torres Tristan Y. Leal Troy E. Hodge Troy V. Blatchford* Truman Y. Edin* Tumenkhishig Goolio Ty M. Bate Tyler J. Peter

Tyler R. Corey Tyson D. Haag

U V

Ulises Gomez

Valeria S. Butakova Valerie M. Dawson Valerie M. Heinrichs Valerie M. Heinrichs Valeriya A. Brand Vallie G. Malone Vanessa C. Vongphrachanh Vanessa M. Melarvie** Vanessa N. Stebbins* Vanessa Y. Peterson Vasillios Blanas* Venek A. Piekarski Vicki R. Hewitt Vicky A. Charlie Victoria R. Persinger* Vincent G. Lawyer Virginia A. Mongeau Vivian F. Martindale

Walker J. Haken Wayne L. Armstead Wayne L. Phillips Wendy G. Parsons

Jr.

Wesley A. Little Wesley K. March Whitney G. Just Whitney M. Bennett Whitney N. Kellie Whitney P. Powell William B. Skinner* William C. Hutchings William D. Zagrocki, William F. Cox William F. Dupre William F. Dupre William F. Rannals William G. Beaudoin William H. Reeder Willis C. Ferenbaugh Windy G. Perkins Winston A. Montecillo Wyatt T. Morgan Wyatt T. Morgan

X Y

Xianli Wang* Xianli Wang*

Yana V. Kuzenko Yaroslav P. Ivanitskiy Yi L. Hau Yi L. Hau Yi L. Hau Ylli Ferati

Yulonda R. Hollis Yuriy P. Maslovskiy Yuriy P. Maslovskiy Yvette L. Dempsey Yvette M. Kiehl Yvonne L. Denmon

Zachariah W. Erickson** Zachary A. Barrickman* Zachary H. Johnson** Zachary L. Owen Zachary M. Cloward Zachary S. Beegle Zachary S. Dillon Zachary T. Johnson Zachary W. Lasiter* Zackery C. Dorman Zaid S. Hussein Zebadiah R. Kraft** Zelda C. Swain Zen M. Armitstead** Zen M. Armitstead** Zephria M. Ridgway Zephria M. Ridgway Zoe M. Tollefsrud

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve earned your

VA Education Benefits - now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to take control of them. New for Fall 2012! Online Request for Certification for VA Education Benefits Watch your UAA email and your mail box for complete details or go to: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/financialaid/Veterans/contstudents.cfm

TNL

Commencement| 2012

Top Albums

- Lionel Richie, “Tuskegee” - Jason Mraz, “Love is a Four Letter Word” - Adele, “21” - Train, “California”

Top Movies

- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

Top Books

- “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach

- The Hunger Games

- “11/22/63” by Stephen King

- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn

- “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel

Part I

Kahneman

- One Direction, “Up All Night”

- Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

- “Arguably” by Christopher Hitchens

- Nicki Minaj, “Pink Friday:

- Dr. Suess’s The Lorax

- “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson

- The Hangover Part II

Roman Reloaded” - Gotye, “Making Mirrors” - Future, “Pluto”

- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

-Bonnie Raitt, “Slipstream”

- Cars 2

- Luke Bryan, “Tailgates and

- Fast Five

Tanlines”

- Thor

“The

Swerve”

Stephen

Greenblatt -

“The

Night

Circus”

Erin

Morgenstern - “The Hunger Games Trilogy” by Suzanne Collins - “Confidence Men” by Ron Suskind - “The Submission” by Amy Waldman

Top Trends

- Ridiculously Photogenic Guy -Is ridiculously good looking - “Coning” -Confusing the hell out of drive through workers since 2011 - Draw Something - Enough said - “Linsanity” - Giving Fox News the chance to show how racist they are - Honeybadger Video -For when you just don’t give a… - Facebook Timeline -The Internet’s most hated update…ever - Pottermore - For the Harry Potter fan that just won’t quit - Occupy Memes -One does not simply “occupy” everything - Hungers Games Mania -Not the new Twilight -Hipster Glasses - Not cool unless you have a prescription

Top Events -Occupy Movement

-Death of Osama Bin Laden -Jerry Sandusky Scandal -Death of Moammar Gaghafi -Kony 2012 Online Movement -Casey Anthony Trial -9/11 Memorial -Death of Kim Jong-il -Internet “Hacktivism” -Russian Election Protests

TNL

2012 | Commencement

FRESH VALUE ME A L

Y ONL 0

ich w d n a S h c in 6 arinara

$ 5.0

• Meatball M ombo • Cold Cut C ed Chicken • Oven Roast

nce D u o 1 2 & s ip Bag of Ch Offer valid until

5/15/12

rink

r Not good with othe coupon per visit. as. e. Not for sale. One al charge for extr s only. No cash valu Doctor’s Associates Inc. Addition che dwi san ch 6-in of tball Marinara ed trademark WAY® is a register Cut Combo and Mea Associates Inc. SUB sted Chicken, Cold . ©2012 Doctor’s Valid on Oven Roa stitutions allowed restaurants only. g sub No atin . icip only part time at Valid limited discount cards. For coupon offers or

Cater your next meeting, study session or party with SUBWAY® Restaurants. Call Matt at 907-562-8222.

Student Union SUBWAY restaurant Hours of Operation ®

Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wolf Bucks accepted at Student Union SUBWAY®

restaurant & E. Tudor SUBWAY® restaurant locations.

Don’t forget you can now use unlimited Dining at the Student Union SUBWAY® restaurant.

Dollars

TNL

Commencement| 2012

Former Seawolf athletes overtime leaving their mark at UAA 50

By Taylor Hall Sports Editor

Ever wonder where the former stars of the various UAA sports have wound up now that their days in the green and gold are over? We did a little bit of digging and were able to find out where they are now and what they have been up to. Jay Beagle: As this is written, this former Seawolf forward is in pursuit of the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in the NHL. After making his way through the minor leagues, he has found a home on the Caps third line and is a principal penalty killer. Beagle and the rest of his team have made it through to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they will take on the topseeded New York Rangers as their next foe. Carl Arts: It’s been quite the year for this former 2-time Men’s Basketball MVP. He had his number “34” retired at the 2011 Shootout and starred for the new upstart Alaska Quake semipro basketball team. Before coming back to Alaska to play, the Valdez native played three seasons over in Australia and Germany.

Rebecca Kielpinski: The all-time leader in UAA Women’s Basketball for rebounds, blocks, and games played and started has taken her talents overseas. She has played for Lemvig in the Danish league since she left Anchorage and has fared very well in the pro ranks, even landing on the AllLeague Second Team. This past season she also helped her club to the semifinals in the playoffs and ranked second on her team in both points (15.2) and rebounds (11.4). Peter Bullock: Here’s another former standout hoopster who has gone to Europe to join the professional ranks. Bullock averaged 15.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game this past season for Froya Basket in Norway. These numbers helped the Anchorage native claim First Team honors in the league, as well as net him the Center of the Year award. To top it all off, his team wound up winning the championship. Justin Bourne: After a stint in the minor leagues, even playing for a brief time with the Alaska Aces in the ECHL, Bourne suffered a serious jaw injury after taking a puck to the face. The injury may

have forced his retirement from the game, but it instead opened a door to a new career: hockey writer. A frequent blogger and contributor to sites such as USA Today, The Hockey News, and Yahoo’s Puck Daddy blog, Bourne now is the Web Editor for the blog “Backhand Shelf.” Lauren Maigera: If this name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen her on KTUU Channel 2. This former Seawolf gymnast has made a name for herself as a sports journalist and is quickly rising up the ranks. Just recently she just accepted a job as the Sports Director at WAOW Channel 9 in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Of course, this is only a small sample size, as there have been plenty of Seawolves to move on to pro ranks, both athletically and professionally. With the class of

2012 soon to be unleashed on the world, we only anticipate this list growing even more. Best of luck to all graduating Seawolves!

tnl archives

Former UAA forward Jay Beagle now plays in the NHL for the Washington Capitals.

TNL

2012 | Commencement

Join thousands of happy students from around the world

WE OFFER ONLINE COURSES IN: BUSINESS • ACCOUNTING • ANTHROPOLOGY ART • COMPUTERS • EDUCATION ENGLISH • HEALTH • HISTORY FILM • GEOGRAPHY • JUSTICE LANGUAGE • MATH • MUSIC PHILOSOPHY • PSYCHOLOGY SCIENCE • THEATER AND MANY MORE!

Your place. Your time.

Your education!

Serving Students and Leading Distance Education and Innovation for 25 Years

Find us at: http://distance.uaf.edu

Commencement | 2012

TNL

2012 | Commencement

TNL

Commencement| 2012

Top 5 UAA Sports

Photo courtesy of Linnea johansson

1. Seawolves are the West Region Champions:

The pre-season favorites did not disappoint, as the UAA Women won the GNAC and West Region Championships to clinch a berth in the Elite Eight in San Antonio. Led by Senior All-American Hanna Johansson, the Seawolves finished the season 30-5 and ranked seventh in the nation.

2. Back-to-back Region titles for XC teams:

Led by individual winners Ruth Keino and Micah Chelimo, the UAA men’s and women’s cross-country teams both repeated as West Region Champions. UAA went on to be undefeated in their season up until the NCAA National Championships.

Photo Courtesy of Michael dinneen

3. Hockey wins pair of seasonopening tournaments: It took a Mickey Spencer

game-winner in overtime to give UAA their first Kendall Classic title since 2006 in a 4-3 win over St. Cloud State on Oct. 8, 2011. For an encore, the ‘Wolves invaded Fairbanks and took home the Brice Alaska Goal Rush Title by taking down Nebraska-Omaha 3-0 and Mercyhurst 6-2 in UAF’s annual tourney.

4. Superb Men’s Basketball Season:

The UAA men started the season with a 10-game winning streak lasting from the final game of the Shootout on November 26 to their loss on Seattle Pacific’s home court on January 7. At the end of their regular season the Seawolves were ranked 15th nationally, earned the No. 2 seed into the GNAC Championships and attained a berth into the NCAA Championships. The men were led by a consistent driving force from senior and league player of the year Taylor Rohde and a defensive spark from sophomore Travis Thompson.

5. Track and Field athletes rule the GNAC: UAA’s track and field athletes wasted no time

warming up to start breaking records. Led by Micah Chelimo, Shaun Ward and Alfred Kangogo, the men’s track team has been posting new records since the first races and recently jumped to No. 10 nationally in week 4’s poll. Ivy O’Guinn and Haleigh Lloyd led the women’s track team times and the team was recently ranked at No. 11. Cody Parker consistently set new UAA records for throwing javelin, and Micah Johnson set UAA’s record for men’s pole vault. The Seawolves will continue competing until May 26.

photo from tnl archives

TNL

2012 | Commencement

Achievements

Honorable Mentions:

Seawolves place 2nd in GNAC, making the NCAA’s for the third year in a row: In their final game at the NCAA’s against the nation’s top-ranked team Cal State San Bernardino, the UAA volleyball team became only the seventh team this season to take a set from the Coyotes. Senior and GNAC Player of the Year Jackie Matthisen earned 14 kills that night and was later a contender for the Bill MacKay Athlete of the Year award. Hockey team slays #1 Minnesota Duluth 3-2: Powered by three points from sophomore Matt Bailey and 27 saves from sophomore goalie Rob Gunderson, the Seawolves slayed the nation’s top-ranked team and defending national champs Minnesota Duluth at the Sullivan Arena on Feb. 3. Jaime Bronga: This fourtime All-American senior from Anchorage’s East High School led the women’s Nordic ski team with five podium finishes throughout the year and was nominated as the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association’s Nordic MVP. photo from tnl archives

photo from tnl archives

Photo courtesy of Kelley L. Cox

photo from tnl archives

TNL

Commencement| 2012

UAA’s Athlete of the Year Taylor Rhode taken aback for a second and then become very appreciative.

What is it like to have all this notoriety?

It’s definitely crazy, because then you have all these people who haven’t talked to in like, 10 years calling you. And I mean it’s just a crazy time, and it’s just a good way to finish off my college career.

Did you ever imagine that you would have this much success playing basketball?

By Ashley Smith TNL: Where were you when you heard the announcement for the Bill MacKay Athlete of the Year award?

Rhode: I actually got it the morning of the banquet from Nate; he texted me, just saying that I got it and congratulations. It was a pretty surprising text message to receive.

Before that award, you were deemed the National Player-of-the-Year from Division II Bulletin; did you think you would get that?

I had hoped that I would — but I mean, when it becomes a reality, you just kind of get

I mean, it was definitely a goal. I mean, I think that everybody goes in hoping that they can get the accolades that I’ve been blessed to get. It was just kind of a feeling of achievement, knowing that all the hard work I put in was accommodated for.

What made you decide to move from Arizona State to UAA?

(laughs) I mean, a lot of people ask me that question. I can’t really give a definitive answer. Just talking to the coaching staff and talking to people close to me, I figured it was truly one of the best moves for me. Kind of a life experience going from one extreme to another.

You are from New Hamp-

shire, right? I was born in New Hampshire, but I left there when I was really young, so I don’t really recollect what the cold was like.

When did you first start playing basketball?

Probably sixth grade — sixth or seventh grade. Started playing, basically just started playing because I was taller than everyone else. So I decided to get into the sport and realized I was pretty decent and just kind of stuck to it.

What does basketball mean to you?

I mean, right now I’m trying to make a career out of it, so I’m looking at it as my means of income for the future. It’s definitely become a little more serious, now that college is over, to kind of making my hobby a job now.

Are you graduating this semester, or do you have a few more classes to go?

I’ll have like, 15 more credits after this semester, so I’m going to just try to knock them out whenever I can — some summer school, some online classes, and hopefully I’ll get it within the next year or so.

Are you planning on doing anything with your Natural

Sciences major after your graduate? I was planning on, maybe after my basketball career is over, attending a physical therapy school with that degree and trying to get into that field and just try to stay around the sport as long as I can. But maybe sportsspecific physical therapy after my basketball career is over.

Do you plan on coming back to Alaska any time after you graduate or after your basketball career?

I mean, I might come up here for a vacation here and there, but I can’t see myself coming back here to live anytime soon.

Do you have any fun summer plans?

Yeah, got a little job training little kids and got a vacation planned — gonna go to Cancun. So looking forward to that, just get away from stuff for a little bit and sit on the beach. But other than that, it’s pretty much all training and getting ready to go play wherever I end up.

What kind of work with kids are you doing?

Just a basketball training program, and then I might be able to coach a 15-and-under AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team — just for the experience, being on

the other end of the coach-player relationship, trying to get both points of views.

Do you think that will make you a better player, wherever you do end up?

Yeah, definitely a better player, definitely understand the methods that coaches put forward and all that stuff. I mean, I’m doing it for the experience, and also I get a bunch of gym time with it too, so I can work out between everything. So it’s kind of a win-win situation.

Do you have a goal of where you think you want to play at?

I’m aiming to go to Europe, but if the opportunity arises somewhere else where I feel like it’s a good fit, I’m definitely not going to turn it down. With it being my first year, I feel like I should definitely keep my options open and kind of take the best offer that’s put on the table.

Do you have anything else to add about being the Athlete of the Year and all these accolades?

I mean, I’m definitely highly appreciative and definitely happy that I came up to Alaska. I appreciate the community and everyone up here, and I’m definitely going to miss it.

photos from tnl archives

TNL

2012 | Commencement

Dunch Prunk By Alden Lee

CRYPTOQUOTE

Solutions from 04/24 issue “I shall call him Squishy. And he shall be mine. And he shall be MY Squishy.” — Finding Nemo

SODUKU

C L A S S

O F

UAA congratulates

Kent Spiers

2012 Student Commencement Speaker B.A. Sociology, Minor in Environmental Studies Hometown: Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada The want to pursue a college education varies for everyone, but for Canadian Kent Spiers the inspiration came after seeing the film “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore. He asked himself, “How am I making a positive contribution to the world?” That’s when he decided he needed to get a college degree to do something with more impact. Since first stepping foot on UAA’s campus, Kent has been involved with the International Student Association, UAA National Coalition Building Institute, UAA Sociology Club, The Family—the campus LGBT group, the Office of Sustainability and the Institute of Social and Economic Research, among other things. He says that UAA is a great place to begin advocating for the things you believe in or to serve the community. Through his student experience at UAA, Kent has found that you can challenge the status quo and exceed your expectations for success and community engagement. Read Kent’s full story online at greenandgold.uaa.alaska.edu under “I Am UAA.”

UAA is proud of the 2,172 graduating students of the Class of 2012. These Seawolves will receive their hard-earned diplomas at the Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 6, at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.

Congratulations, graduates!

.u www UAA is an EEO/AA employer and educational institution.

la a . a a

ed . a k