December 10, 2019

DECEMBER 10, 2019 - JANUARY 13, 2020

FEATURES

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

SPORTS

PAGE 4

UAA fall 2019 graduates discuss the next step in their lives as they prepare for diplomas and graduation on Dec. 15.

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

PAGE 8

As commencement approaches, 30 talented Seawolves are set to graduate during the 20192020 academic year.

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BY MICHAELINE MICHAELINE COLLINS COLLINS

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NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

02

Remembering the 7.1: How to prepare for an earthquake

By Christina Swayney features2@thenorthernlight.org

On Nov. 30, 2018, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook Anchorage and its residents to the core. The epicenter was seven miles north of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, according to the Alaska Earthquake Center. ‌ The earthquake tore up roads, including Minnesota Drive and Vine Road, and caused damage to homes, but no deaths occurred, according to the Alaska Earthquake Center’s 2018 Year in Review.‌ Many UAA students remember their exact location at the time of the event. Kiara Vincente said it was hard to forget.‌ “[I woke up to] the best alarm in the world,” Vicente said. “When I went into my living room, every single mug I owned was destroyed. The worst part for me that day was not getting coffee,” Vicente said.‌ Yeng Hang, a UAA student and Taco Bell manager, was at work prepping food for the day. She and her employees didn’t know what to make of the initial sound until the earthquake actually hit.‌ “We heard the train

PHOTO BY JAMES EVANS AND COURTESY OF UAA GREEN & GOLD

Subcontractors replace ceiling tiles in the UAA/APU Consortium Library exactly one week after the Nov. 30 earthquake that shook the campus in 2018.

sound and it just kept getting louder and louder.

There is a lot of heavy kitchen equipment at work and it all started moving like crazy,” Hang said.‌ Zoya Hang, Yeng’s family member, is also a student at UAA and was at home at the time of the earthquake. She was surprised at the magnitude of the earthquake, saying she

waited for it to stop, but it just kept going.‌ “I was at home, changing my clothes and the room started shaking. I thought ‘oh, it’s just another earthquake,’ but then it just got bigger and bigger, and I realized this was a huge earthquake,” Zoya Hang said.‌ There were a multitude of aftershocks following

the initial earthquake. The Alaska Earthquake Center recorded “3,000 aftershocks in the first week, and around 6,000 by the end of the year. Out of these, six had magnitudes of 5 or greater,” according to its 2018 Year in Review.‌ The Municipality of Anchorage website has a full list of recommendations of what to do in the

event of an earthquake.

One essential for earthquake preparedness is a disaster supply kit, with items such as water, food and basic first aid materials.‌ Another essential, according to the Municipality of Anchorage, is a Family Emergency Plan.

In this plan, the municipality advises that groups

agree on a set location to converge in the event of an emergency, especially if members of the group don’t have access to phone or internet communication.‌ During an earthquake, “drop, cover and hold on,” according to the Municipality of Anchorage website. Those inside during the event are advised to take cover under a heavy desk or against an inside wall, away from windows or objects that may fall. If outside, it is recommended to find a clear area away from power lines and buildings and sit down for stability. For people driving, try to avoid underpasses and overpasses.‌ After an earthquake, there are several more recommended steps to take, including checking for hazards such as gas leaks, water leaks, broken glass and sewage breaks and evacuate if the building might be unsafe.‌ Updates on earthquake activity, tsunami information and general public safety can be found at KFQD 750 AM. For more information about earthquake preparedness, visit the USGS Municipality of Anchorage website or The Alaska Earthquake Center Facebook page.‌

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA SWAYNEY

The top of a glass stove is left destroyed after the Nov. 30, 2018 earthquake.

An Anchorage home after the Nov. 30, 2018 earthquake shows broken items and damage caused by the quake.

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

03

Discounted, non-alcoholic student activities to bring holiday cheer

By Krizelle Solidum marketing@thenorthernlight.org

Kick-off winter break and help fight Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, with these non-alcoholic activities located around Anchorage at discounted student prices.‌ Off-Campus:‌ ‌Alaska Escape Rooms Inc. Alaska Escape Rooms, nationally ranked as one of the top 100 escape rooms in the country in 2019 by customer vote, is owned and operated by Graeme Deishl. The father of two daughters developed the idea as a way to keep his girls active, engaged and to create memories while developing their imaginations, he said. ‌ This multiroom facility allows attendees to highlight their strengths through a series of challenging clues and puzzles, such as solving a riddle, that leads to a key to unlock the next room. Groups of up to 10 have a time limit of one hour to get through three rooms to complete the “mission” of escaping. There is also the bonus addition of the Virtual Reality Rooms, where participants can play games in an imaginary world.‌ Alaska Escape Rooms Inc. is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at 737 W. Fifth Ave. Ste. G. ‌ Escape Room cost per person: $35 Group cost of eight or more people: $31.50 Virtual Reality Room cost: $60 per 30 minutes Student discount: 25% off class trips with a professor‌ Full Curl Archery‌ Full Curl Archery, owned by David and Laura Stoddard, opened in 2010. The shop offers a full indoor archery range experience equipped with a variety of bow and arrow sizes. Handcrafted targets are made by Laura Stoddard, a UAA professor in the dental assisting program, “challenges even the most seasoned of archers,” David Stoddard said. ‌ Full Curl Archery offers beginner to advanced level classes for archers with little or no experience, as well as group lessons of up to five people. ‌ Aside from the traditional bow and arrow archery, Full Curl also offers “Techno Hunts,” or a simulated experience of hunting a real animal via a virtual reality headset. ‌ Participants can use their own bows and arrows or rent from the facility. The Stoddards also offer bow and arrow tuneups. ‌ Full Curl Archery is open TuesdayFriday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and 10 a.m7 p.m. on the weekends at 12501 Old Seward Highway #4331.‌ Cost per person: $10 Techno Hunt cost: $30 Lesson cost: $35 Student discount: 10% off‌ Putters Wild‌ Putters Wild is the only indoor, 3D, blacklight mini-golf course in Anchorage. Groups of up to 10 people can partic-

PHOTOS BY KRIZELLE SOLIDUM

Alaska Escape Rooms Inc. offers a fun combination of puzzle-solving, adventure and teamwork to participants.

ipate at a time through the single 18-hole course. The use of 3D glasses is recommended by the establishment to enhance the experience. Along with golfing, owners Chris and Sophia Coskey also offer numerous single and multiplayer virtual reality games in three booths. ‌ Attendees can enjoy the blaster-air cannons, jump shot trampoline basketball and coin-operated arcade games. ‌ “[It’s] fun, a challenge and creative with beautiful murals and interactive obstacles, aided by 3D glasses,” Coskey said. ‌ Putters Wild is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 3-8:30 p.m. On Saturday, it operates from noon-5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon7:30 p.m. at 1230 E. 68th Ave. #109‌ Single 18-hole round per person over the age of 3 cost: $9 Unlimited cost per person: $12 Virtual Reality Room cost: $10 per 10 minutes Fun pass: $15-$22 Student discount: 10%‌

Full Curl Archery contains an archery range and offers lessons for beginners.

On-Campus: ‌ UAA Cycling Amy Klink is studying for her master’s degree in biology at UAA and teaching cycling classes on the side.‌ “I look forward to cycling because it’s a great workout that fits with my busy schedule. The instructor is full of energy to push your limits. Lastly, it’s a great stress reliever from school,” UAA nursing student Kate Alversado said.‌ Klink strives to make her classes fun, interactive and different from a typical cycling class.‌ “Other cycling classes can be repetitive. All you do is sprints and hills. However, I try to incorporate more exercises that will strengthen muscles,” Klink said.‌ Klink offers classes every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Seawolf Sports Complex. ‌

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUTTERS WILD

Putters Wild is the only indoor, 3D, blacklight mini-golf course in Anchorage, providing fun for the whole family.

Cost per student: Free for students enrolled in six or more credits‌ For more information and resources on how to combat SAD visit “Winter is coming and so is Seasonal Affective Disorder.”‌

Students have on-campus activity options to help fight Seasonal Affective Disorder, such as the cycling class taught

by Amy Klink, a UAA student.

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

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Graduates plan for their futures and reflect on their time at UAA

By Christina Swayney features2@thenorthernlight.org

Graduation is right around the corner at UAA. The commencement ceremony will include the chancellor’s address, the student speaker, the ceremonial presentation of degrees and students receiving their diplomas on

stage.‌ Throughout their time at UAA, nearly every student faced challenges at some point on their academic journey. Some changed majors, others faced financial strains. ‌ Gina Hays is graduating with a degree in journalism and public communications, and said her UAA experience sur-

prised her in many ways.‌ “I have met some of the greatest people and some of the greatest professors at the university. I have learned so much about Alaska and it has given so much respect for where I live, and it has inspired me to stay in my state,” Hays said. ‌ Hays hopes to return to Alaska after continuing her studies out of state.‌ “I really want to go into political communications in graduate school. It’s something I really look forward to doing,” Hays said.‌ Veronica Hoxie, also a journalism major, is excited to graduate as well.

She said her overall college experience was great, but wishes that there were more options in class schedules for students who are also working and/ or parents.‌ “[Class schedule times are] not extremely accommodating for working parents. It would be great if there were more class options for working parents, especially since it is one of the only university options in the state. That would be great so that they can work, be a parent and

pursue an education at the same time,” Hoxie said. ‌ Hoxie plans to move into a communications role with a local company after graduating.‌ Tammalivis Salanoa, a digital art major, is the public relations director for the Union of Students at UAA, or USUAA. Salanoa is very active in the UAA and Anchorage communities and is looking forward to staying present in the state.‌ “My plans for after college are to stay active in the local community through volunteerism. I also am currently working at the Anchorage Museum as an intern in their education department. I plan to build up my art portfolio and refine my style as an artist,” Salanoa said.‌ The 2019 fall commencement will take place on Dec. 15 from 1-3 p.m. at the Alaska Airlines Center. Tickets are not required for the ceremony, although each graduating student is allotted five tickets.‌ For more information about tickets or the ceremony, visit the UAA Commencement webpage.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA SWAYNEY

Senior Gina Hays, journalism and public communications major, plans to complete her graduate studies out of state, then return to Alaska to find a career.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERONICA HOXIE

Senior Veronica Hoxie, a journalism and public communications major, is looking forward to exploring communications roles and careers with local companies after graduation.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TAMMALIVIS SALANOA

Senior Tammalivis Salanoa, a digital arts major, plans to continue her work as a volunteer in the Anchorage community after graduation through completing an internship at the Anchorage Museum.

A Pacific Island tradition livens up commencement season

By Gabby Vance arts1@thenorthernlight.org

Alaska livens up graduation ceremonies with Hawaiian garments.‌ Leis, often associated with Hawaiian culture, are wreaths of flowers worn around a person’s neck. In the Pacific Islands and Polynesian cultures, leis symbolize love and celebration.

They also embody the meaning of “aloha,” according to the Hawaiian Lei Company.‌ “We use [aloha] in greetings and farewells and in expressing love,” according to huna.org, a website that offers articles, videos, and information on Hawaiian practices. ‌ Wearing leis on graduation can be a fun way for graduates to say farewell to their classmates and teachers while welcoming a new chapter of their lives. Being draped in dozens of leis while flinging a cap into the air to celebrate graduation has become a tradition at both high school and college graduations.‌ People from many different backgrounds and cultures have begun to wear leis at graduation. Given the close distance, Alaskans often feel a connection to Hawaii. In a 2013 article, the Anchorage Daily News wrote

that most lei stands began establishing themselves in Anchorage in the early 2000s. ‌ “[The graduation lei] tradition has spread past the Pacific [Islands] and into many corners of the world,” according to flowerleis.com. “Getting in on the fun and festivity that comes from bestowing a lei on a graduate is for anyone who wants to add to the graduate’s special day.” ‌ During the UAA fall and spring commencement seasons, dozens of vendors span Anchorage ready to sell leis. When looking for a graduation lei, students and family members can either buy one from a local florist, lei stand or make their own. Leis range from $20-$100 depending on the vendor and the quality of the materials. ‌ There are many types of leis you can gift to a graduate:‌ Flowers leis‌ The most traditional type of lei gifted to graduates is the flower lei. Some of the common flowers used in leis include orchids, carnations and plumerias.

These leis are a perfect sentimental gift since they can be dried and kept for years. ‌ Candy Leis‌ Candy leis are perfect to gift

to a graduates with a sweet tooth.

Graduates can enjoy their sweet treats after commencement or share with friends. These leis are usually made with about 10– 20 pieces of fun size candies.

After the hours of preparation and waiting for commencement to begin, this lei could be a great post-graduation snack. ‌ What you’ll need: • 10-20 pieces of wrapped fun-size candy • Ribbon • Scissors • Tubing, netting or polytube ‌ Directions: 1. Measure the tubing to the length you would like the lei to be and cut the tubing.

2. On one end of the tubing, tie a ribbon about an inch from the end.

3. Place a piece of candy into the tubing and tie a ribbon after each piece.

4. When the tubing is fully filled, tie a ribbon to the open end to secure the lei.‌ Money Leis‌ Graduates are often gifted money by family members and friends in celebration of their academic achievements. Some individuals fold dollar bills into flowers and string them along to

GRAPHIC BY JIAN BAUTISTA

Decorative leis of several types can be seen at the UAA fall commencement ceremony.

make a money lei. This can be a fun and unique way to give money to graduates.‌ What you’ll need: • Ribbon • Scissors • 10-15 dollar bills • Beads ‌ Directions: 1. Measure the ribbon to the length you would like the

lei to be and tie a knot at the end.

2. Fold the dollar bills into paper fans or flowers.

3. Place a dollar bill on the ribbon and carefully tie a knot around the middle of the folded dollar bill. Place a bead between bills.

4. Repeat step three for all the dollar bills. Tie the to the ends of the ribbon together. ‌

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

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Project Mary’s Rose: The kid from Texas who fell in love with Anchorage

By Joey Carreon events@thenorthernlight.org

Texans claim that everything’s bigger in Texas, and that has sparked somewhat of a friendly (or not so friendly) rivalry between Texans and Alaskans over state pride.‌ This is not the case for 20-year-old UAA journalism major Joey Barranco, the San Antonio-born, former college hooper that fell head over heels for the Anchorage community.‌ Barranco came to Anchorage in 2015 as part of his mother’s military move. Initially, like most kids who move to Alaska, Barranco had his doubts. ‌ “I can remember crying on the plane coming up here, actually, just thinking like ‘my life is over,’” Barranco said. ‌ However, Barranco was met with a “pleasant surprise” upon learning of Anchorage’s diversity and seeing how welcoming everyone was. ‌ Barranco spent his sophomore and junior years at West High School and his senior year at East High School, and was a point guard at both schools — nabbing all-state honors his senior year.‌ After graduating high school in 2018, Barranco played basketball at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington for a

year before returning to Alaska this fall to attend UAA. ‌ “College basketball is a business, and although I could play at that level, it didn’t intrigue me anymore — the business side of it. Just that kind of lifestyle wasn’t for me,” Barranco said. ‌ Barranco’s knack for storytelling laid dormant within him until November of 2018, when he watched a documentary by rapper J. Cole that inspired him to ask his mother for a camera for Christmas that year. ‌ “My family hadn’t even opened any presents yet, and as soon as I opened [my camera] up, I just went outside, and I just started making videos instantly,” Barranco said. “It was kind of like I found myself. Ever since then, making videos has been my passion and how I express myself.”‌ This August, Barranco began to take up video editing as a hobby, teaching himself the ins and outs of his camera and editing software.‌ Alongside his friend and former East High teammate Simeon Bearden, Barranco’s newfound passion led him to start the Mary’s Rose Project this August as well— a social media movement named after his mother to give “a voice to creators, entrepreneurs and community leaders in Anchorage” and works to bring “sustainable changes for the city’s youth,” according to Mary’s Rose’s Twit-

ter account. ‌ Despite having only been around since the beginning of this fall, Mary’s Rose has made an immediate impact on social media and local youth, hosting three successful events with large turnouts, thanks to support from Barranco’s social media following. With each event, Barranco released self-edited video coverage on his personal Twitter account, his Instagram and the Mary’s Rose Project’s Twitter account. ‌ The Mary’s Rose Project’s first event was Positive Expressions, an open gym basketball session and teen night held in partnership with the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club on Aug. 23. During the Positive Expressions event, Barranco and the Mary’s Rose team entertained the youth with basketball, music and dancing — all while Barranco filmed and documented the night. ‌ “[Barranco is] just one of those guys where he’s just naturally a good dude. His mom and his family have done a great job of helping him develop and mature into the person that he is,” Demietrius Preston, a mentor to Barranco and former UAA track and field athlete, said. “He’s always had a heart for wanting to impact people.”‌ Barranco’s next event came in the form of another Positive Expressions night on Sept. 13 — this time with guest speaker

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY BARRANCO’S INSTAGRAM

Joey Barranco’s weapons of choice: the Lumix G7 (in hand) and Canon T5i (left, on table).

Donteh Devoe, a life coach who spoke to attendees about creating and achieving life goals. ‌ Barranco’s most recent event on Oct. 18 was another open gym basketball session titled “Ball for Breast Cancer Awareness” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All proceeds for the event were donated to Providence Hospital’s Cancer Research Program and the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club’s Keystone Club. ‌ Along with community events, Barranco has created mini-documentaries titled “Voices Never Heard,” which highlight various members of the community, such as high school athletes, and their stories of growing up in Anchorage. ‌ “I just wanted to shine a light [on] people [who] just maybe aren’t heard often and people that may be mistaken for being something else. It really just allows me to tell other people’s

stories through video,” Barranco said. “[Bearden and I] just want to use our skills to help the community as best we can.”‌ Alongside Barranco’s video projects, Project Mary’s Rose’s next venture comes in the form of a partnership with Service High School, where Mary’s Rose will help donate clothing to children in need via the proceeds from Service High’s talent show on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the school. ‌ Next January, Barranco and Mary’s Rose embark on their biggest project yet: Wealthy Rose’s Academy. In partnership again with Boys and Girls Club Alaska, the academy will host various workshops every other week on video editing, photography, financial literacy and more. ‌ To stay up to date with Mary’s Rose and upcoming next events, tune in to its Twitter for more information.‌

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEY BARRANCO’S TWITTER

Joey Barranco (center, in pink hoodie) poses with attendees of his first Positive Expressions open gym at the Mountain View Boys and Girls Club on Aug. 23.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

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UAA | University Art Analysis — ‘Stellar Mitosis’ sheds light on the sciences

GRAPHIC BY MICHAELINE COLLINS

By Gabby Vance arts1@thenorthernlight.org

University of Alaska Anchorage students may want to stop by the ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building, or CPISB, to marvel at a two-story stained glass art piece that plays with light. ‌ “Stellar Mitosis” is an abstract stained glass window that features geometrically shaped amber, green, gold, blue and clear panels. Artist Jack Archibald and his assistant Larry Bach installed the 36 panels in July of 2014 using an aerial lift.

The glass panes were sourced

from Archibald’s favorite Seattle based glassblower, Jim Flanagan of Fremont Antique Glass. The 35-foot-tall window mural can be seen in the entryway of the CPISB.‌ “One of the things I like about glass, the windows change with the seasons, light [and] clouds,” Archibald said in an interview on July 30, 2014, with UAA’s Green & Gold News. ‌ Archibald, famous for his public glass art installations, lives in Camano Island, Washington. He became partial to glass as a medium after taking a night class, falling in love with the way light bent when working with the panels. ‌

“‘Stellar Mitosis’ is an abstract design that crosses all the scientific disciplines at the University Science Center, hopefully connoting organic biometrics to astrophysical symbology,” Archibald said in the description of “Stellar Mitosis” on Culture Now’s website. “It was intended to be a meditation on micro and macro spaces. To me, the universe is equally vast on the microscopic level as it is on the astronomical.”‌ “Stellar Mitosis” was commissioned by the Percent for Art program, a legislation passed in 1975 requiring 1% of the capital construction costs for public buildings to be used for art installation. The CPISB art selection committee wanted a window that had a lot of light transmissions, according to UAA’s Green & Gold News. Archibald designed the piece to refract light in unique ways depending on how much light enters it.‌ “When somebody asks me what it is, I give them a title and that’s about as far as I’m going to go,” Archibald said in an interview on July 30, 2014, with UAA’s Green & Gold News. “I figure we’re both working on this. What it looks like to someone else is just as valid as what it looks like to me.”‌ Archibald intended for the

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK ARCHIBALD

“Stellar Mitosis” is a glasswork installation in the entryway of the ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building.

design to be interpretational so that viewers can decide for themselves what they are looking at. UAA students interpreted the art piece in many different ways.‌ “It’s very pretty,” freshman nursing major Emily Dulski said. “The colors are bright and warming.”‌ Ashley Hansen, a freshman journalism major, appreciates the glasswork in the piece.‌ “It has an interesting color scheme, and I like all the different types of glass textures and patterns they used,” Hansen

said.‌ Some students appreciated the abstract nature and uniqueness of “Stellar Mitosis.”‌ “I think it’s an interesting concept,” freshman real estate major John Anderson said. “It’s interpretive.”‌ For more information on “Stellar Mitosis” and other sculptures by Archibald, visit his profile on Artist Trust’s website.‌ Have you seen art at UAA you want to know more about?

Contact Gabby Vance at arts1@ thenorthernlight.org.‌

PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK ARCHIBALD

An aerial crane is used by artist Jack Archibald to install “Stellar Mitosis” in 2014.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TED KINKAID

“Stellar Mitosis” highlights the Alaska light through colored panels.

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THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

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Hitbox’s video games of the year

GRAPHIC BY MICHAELINE COLLINS

By John Novotny arts@thenorthernlight.org

As we once again find ourselves in December, let’s look back at what video games released this year. As I’ve mentioned before, game awards should celebrate what noteworthy games have accomplished this year.

With these awards, I wanted to highlight some of the most memorable games for me this year.

This isn’t meant to be The Game Awards, but hopefully, it will bring you some entertainment or create discussion before we inevitably dive headfirst into a new year of video games. Here are three games that defined my 2019.

Embodiment of Scrooge McDuck: Red Dead Redemption 2 Red Dead Redemption 2’s scope screams excess in the way that Donald Duck’s uncle, Scrooge McDuck, hoarding and bathing in gold coins is excessive. It’s the outlaw cowboy simulator that comes the closest to what an open-world game actually promises. Playing as Arthur Morgan and living life robbing banks, running from the law and hunting legendary animals in turn-of-the-20th century America fulfills the desire to live truly free.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is packed with minute details that I’m sure only one in 100,000 people will even pay attention to. After about 30 hours of game time, I only just discovered that Arthur’s eyes dilate. Who even thinks to implement that in a game?

The character animations are also on an entirely different level compared to anything I’ve ever seen.

Everything from how a horse gallops, to how the player dismounts or draws their gun is smoothly animated. The tradeoff is that this does lead to some unresponsiveness in the controls. It takes several seconds to aim and prepare to shoot, mount a horse or simply come to a complete stop after walking a few feet.

Although the stories about developers working 100-hour weeks really underscore exactly how much sacrifice is required to create a game of this scale, it also forces us to question if a fully-realized, open-world game is worth the human cost. Red Dead Redemption 2 is excessive, but it’s only a nagging thought while I enjoy the intricately-detailed American frontier Rockstar Games has crafted.

Best World-building: Control I can’t say enough good things about Control’s mysterious setting, the Oldest House, home to the “Men-in-Black”-like Federal Bureau of Control.

There’s a heap of terminology to become familiar with, but it still intrigues the player with snippets here and there about what exactly is going on in the constantly-shifting building.

The player character Jesse Faden’s journey to discovering what exactly happened to her abducted brother provides just the right motivation to kickstart the adventure and then the enemy Hiss’ invasion of the Oldest House takes it away. Before long, the player is completely engrossed in discovering every little detail through the Bureau of Control documents and training videos.

Control gives the player a few neat tools along the way, like the formchanging Service Weapon and paranormal abilities.

The abilities take combat to the next level. Switching between telekinetically launching an object while levitating and firing off a few rounds with the Service Weapon feels incredibly natural thanks to how ammo and ability energy recharge. No game this year came close to matching Control’s sense of mystery. It always left me craving to learn more.

Childhood Dream Fulfilled: Ace Combat 7 Ever since I went to my first airshow as a child, I’ve been fascinated with fighter jets. It was mostly the amazing aerial ma-

SCREENSHOT COURTESY OF IGDB

Sometimes it’s nice to just take a ride and enjoy the stunning scenery of Red Dead Redemption 2.

SCREENSHOT COURTESY OF REMEDY ENTERTAINMENT

One of the Hitbox reviewer’s favorite moments in Control was exploring the winding Ashtray Maze while heavy metal music blasts in the background.

SCREENSHOT COURTESY OF IGDB

Ace Combat 7 features volumetric clouds that can help the player avoid enemy heat-seeking missiles.

neuvers they’re able to accomplish, such as falling through the air like a leaf, but I also liked how they looked. I especially loved the streamlined look of the F-22 Raptor. Imagine my joy when the arcade fighter jet game, Ace Combat 7, brought the main series to PC for the first time.

I was also delighted to discover that Ace Combat 7 includes a few near-future, science-fiction laser weapons and aircraft. The

story of the Ace Combat series is impenetrably complicated, with a fictional country starting a proxy war here or some elite fighter squadron going rogue there.

That didn’t matter to me though, because all I knew was that I was flying at supersonic speeds, launching missiles at enemy aircraft or ground targets all around me, watching the explosions as I flashed past the resulting debris.

Looking to the future There were a few games that I couldn’t include in this list because it would go on forever, such as the disappointing drugtrip, side-scrolling shooter game My Friend Pedro, and the childhood-ruining revelation that Pokemon games might not be good that I received from Pokemon Sword. Maybe I’ll find time to write about them someday. For now,

I’m looking forward to finally being able to finish Red Dead Redemption 2 and maybe check out Outer Wilds. I also can’t help but be excited about what 2020 will bring, such as the dystopian Night City of Cyberpunk 2077 and the ultimate power fantasy of Doom Eternal. I can’t wait for another great year of video games.

SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

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Seawolf athletics set to lose many talented student-athletes as 2019-2020 graduates

By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org

With the fall semester of the 2019-2020 school year coming to a close, many UAA student-athletes are finding themselves in the final competition season of their collegiate careers. After years of hard work and dedication, student-athletes often put all they have into their senior season.

Jack Macdonald, guard, spent three seasons with the Seawolves after transferring before his sophomore year from Ohlone College. He has contributed career-highs of 24 points, five rebounds and six assists during his time at UAA. During his junior year, he earned Google Cloud Academic All-District 8 honors as one of the top six athletic/academic performers in the Div. II West Region. He has also earned GNAC All-Academic each year he has played. Macdonald will be graduating with a degree in accounting.

VOLLEYBALL

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SKIP HICKEY

After four years of playing volleyball for the Seawolves, senior Vanessa Hayes is set to graduate during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Vanessa Hayes played for the Seawolves as a top contributor for four years. Hayes played in nearly every set of every match since her freshman year, first starting as a middle blocker and then transitioning into outside hitter during her junior year. She made GNAC All-Academic Team with the overall best GPA for the Seawolves during both her sophomore and junior years. Hayes will be graduating with a degree in psychology.

HOCKEY Nolan Nicholas, defenseman, played for the Seawolves for all four years of his college career. He earned a team-high 57 blocks during his freshman year and was named Dean Larson Rookie of the Year. Nicholas then served as an assistant captain during both his sophomore and junior seasons, earning WCHA All-Academic Team and WCHA Scholar-Athlete honors during both years. He also earned GNAC FAR Scholar-Athlete Award in his sophomore season. He has made 32 blocks so far this season. Nicholas will graduate with a degree in criminal justice.

Tomi Hiekkavirta, defenseman, played for the Seawolves for all four years as well.

He played in 10 games during his freshman season, 22 during his sophomore season and 28 games during his junior season. In both his sophomore and junior seasons, he was named to WCHA Academic team and also earned the WCHA Scholar-Athlete honors during his junior year. Hiekkavirta has scored nine points so far during his senior year.

Corey Renwick also played as a forward for the Seawolves for all four years. He played in 20 games during his freshman year, 29 during sophomore year and was one of two players to play in all 34 games during his junior year. He was named to WCHA Academic Team during his sophomore and junior seasons and also given WCHA Scholar-Athlete Honors during his junior year. Renwick will be graduating with a degree in business management.

Carmine Buono, defenseman, transferred to the Seawolves for the 2018-19 season after competing for the Powell River Kings, B.C, Canada. During his early seasons, he earned 26 points in 48 games total. Last year, Buono played 29 games for the Seawolves and tied as the third-highest scorer, with a total of nine points. He will be graduating with a degree in business.

Luc Brown, forward, transferred to UAA for his senior season, having previously played for Union College in New York, appearing in 66 games, scoring nine goals and 14 assists to earn 23 points. He will be graduating with a degree in economics.

David Trinkerberger played for the Seawolves for all four years. He started his freshman year off by playing in 33 of the 34 total games, earning a team-high of 36 blocks as the highest in freshman history. He was awarded WCHA All-Academic and WCHA Scholar-Athlete Awards for both his sophomore and junior years, also earning GNAC FAR Scholar-Athlete in his sophomore year. Trinkerberger will be graduating with a degree in business management.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Tyler Brimhall, forward, spent two years at UAA after transferring from North Idaho College. He contributed to the Seawolves significantly, earning career-high 34 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and three steals. Brimhall earned First Team All-GNAC during his junior year. So far this season, Brimhall has contributed 199 minutes of playtime and 87 points for the Seawolves. He will be graduating with a degree in management.

Tyrus Hosley, guard, spent only one season with the Seawolves for his final senior year of eligibility. He transferred from previously playing at both North Idaho College and Northwest Christian, in Eugene, OR. During the current season, Hosley has contributed 256 minutes of playtime and 105 points, averaging 10.5 per game. He will be graduating with a degree in journalism and public communications.

Niko Bevens, a senior guard for the men’s basketball team, will graduate with a degree in journalism and public communications this spring.

Niko Bevens, guard, spent two years at UAA after spending two years playing for University of Montana. Last year, Bevens contributed career-highs of 28 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks for the Seawolves. During the current season, he has played 272 minutes, earning 138 points for the Seawolves. Bevens will be graduating with a degree in journalism and public communications.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Yazmeen Goo has played for the Seawolves all four years, producing one of the top seasons in history during her freshman year as a point guard and continuing on to earn honorable mention All-GNAC during both her sophomore and junior years. Goo also earned GNAC All-Academic Team every year she played. She will be graduating with a degree in justice.

Safiyyah Yasin, guard, joined the Seawolves as a sophomore, transferring from Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, CA, but redshirted. During her junior season, she became the fifth leading scorer by scoring double-digits in several games to help overcome rivals. Yasin will be graduating with a degree in communications.

Victoria Langi, guard, played two seasons for Skyline College before transferring to UAA for the 2017-18 season and redshirted. During her junior year, she was able to get action in six games before her season ended early with an injury. Langi will be graduating with a degree in health sciences.

Amelia Motz joined the Seawolves for the current season, after playing three seasons at Division I. program Iona in New York. So far this season, she has played 124 minutes to earn a total of 38 points with a .800 average in free throws and a .455 in field goals. Motz previously graduated with a degree in accounting and economics and is now pursuing a master’s degree in global supply chain management.

SKIING Anna Darnell transferred to UAA during the previous year after completing two seasons at UAF. With the Nanooks, Darnell earned two top-10 finishes during her 13 event appearances. During her one season at UAA, she competed in both freestyle (24th) and classic (34th) races at the NCAA Championships. The UAA ski team will be back in action in this December for Darnell’s final season. She will be graduating with a degree in psychology.

Natalie Hynes competed on the Seawolves for all three of her years at UAA, just starting her fourth year. Hynes qualified for the NCAA Championships during both her freshman and sophomore seasons, also being recognized on the National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team during her freshman and junior year and being awarded GNAC FAR Scholar-Athlete Award during her sophomore year. Hynes will be graduating with a degree in nursing.

Michaela Keller-Miller competed for the Seawolves for all three years, just starting her fourth year at UAA. She earned a spot on National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team during her freshman season and GNAC FAR Scholar-Athlete Award during her sophomore year. During her previous, junior year season, she was named UAA’s Most Improved Skier. Keller-Miller will be graduating with a degree in accounting.

Hannah Rudd competed for the Seawolves all three years so far. During both her freshman and junior years, she earned a spot on the National Collegiate All-Academic Ski Team. In her sophomore year, she qualified for and competed in the World Junior Championships in Switzerland and also earned GNAC FAR Scholar-Athlete Award.

Rudd earned three top-10 finishes during her three seasons and nine top-20 finishes.

Rudd will be graduating with a degree in biology.

SEE SEAWOLF GRADS

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THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

Seawolf grads: Continued from Page 8 CROSS-COUNTRY/TRACK AND FIELD

09

Green has earned MPSF All-Academic honors for each year she has competed. She will graduate with a degree in accounting.

Sophia Hyderally has been competing for the Seawolves for four years, including this year, being a top contributor in bars, beam and floor. She accumulated career highs of 9.825 on bars, 9.925 on beam (school record) and 9.85 on floor. Her school record on beam was earned during her freshman year when she won the MPSF championships in beam. She then repeated her title during her junior year. Hyderally then qualified for NCAA Regionals and competed on beam to tie for fourth. She broke the UAA record for highest score and placement for a regional meet. Hyderally will be graduating this spring with a degree in international studies.

Mackenzie Miller is set to start her fourth season with the Seawolves this January as one of the teams few all-arounders. She has contributed on all events, including career highs of 9.525 on vault, 9.875 on bars, 9.75 on beam, 9.775 on floor and 38.200 on all-around. During her sophomore season, she was chosen as Team MVP while also earning Second Team All-MPSF honors and leading the MPSF All-Academic Team with a 4.0 GPA. She earned both honors again her junior year. Miller will graduate this spring with a degree in accounting.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM EBERHARDT

Senior Elena Cano, both an indoor and outdoor track athlete, will graduate with a degree in criminal justice during this academic year.

Elena Cano ran indoor and outdoor track and field for the Seawolves for three consecutive years, set to start her fourth season this January. She started off her freshman year with seventh-place finishes in both the indoor and outdoor GNAC Championships for the heptathlon. During her sophomore year, she ran the eighth-best 100-meter hurdle time in school history. During her most recent season, Cano solidified the fourth fastest 60-meter hurdle time in school history and the fourth-longest long jump in school history. She will be graduating with a degree in criminal justice in the spring.

Zennah Jepchumba has run both cross-country and track for the Seawolves for four years. During her sophomore season, Jepchumba won the 5,000-meter race at the GNAC Outdoor Championships, earning All-GNAC Honors. She also earned USTFCCAA Scholastic All-American. Jepchumba will be graduating with a degree in criminal justice this fall.

Marie Ries started her freshman year running the fourth-fastest all-time for the 60-meters and the ninth fastest for the 200-meter, improving her 200 time to be the fourth-fastest in school history during her sophomore year. Ries was also a part of the outdoor 4x100 meter relay team that won the GNAC Championships and set a new school record. Ries transitioned to primarily running the 400-meter during her junior year, to set the seventh-fastest time in school history. She was also a part of the 4x400 meter relay team that competed in the NCAA Championships. She earned All-Academic Honors every year she competed. She also earned GNAC FAR Scholar-Athlete Award as a sophomore. Ries will be graduating with a degree in journalism and public communications in the spring.

Christopher Brake set the UAA triple jump record during his freshman year season (and re-broke it each year since), also qualifying for Nationals. He was named AllWest Region in the triple jump. Brake continued on to earn USTFCCA All-Region selection in both the high jump and triple jump during his sophomore and junior seasons. He won the high jump at GNAC Championships during his sophomore season.

Brake also earned All-GNAC Academic Honors every year he competed. He will be graduating with a degree in geomatics in the spring.

Oshane Hylton competed for the Seawolves for two seasons, about to enter his third. He ran the second-fastest time in school history for the 60-meters during his sophomore season and broke the school record for both the 100-meter and 200-meter.

Hylton will be graduating with a degree in business management in the spring.

Wesley Kirui transferred to UAA with two seasons of eligibility remaining for cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track. During his one completed year at UAA, Kirui won three of the four cross-country races in the season, being named GNAC Runner of the Year and GNAC Newcomer of the Year. He won the GNAC indoor championship 5,000-meter and the GNAC outdoor championship steeplechase. Kirui also placed third in the steeplechase at the NCAA Championships. He will be graduating with a degree in mathematics in the spring.

Eduardo Orozco transferred to UAA from Hartnell Community College in California with three seasons of eligibility remaining for cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track. During his two completed years at UAA, Orozco placed seventh in the 800-meter at the GNAC Championships during his sophomore year. He earned USTFCCCA All-Region honors in the 800-meter and distance relay during his junior year.

He was a member of the distance medley team that placed seventh at nationals during his junior year. Orozco will be graduating with a degree in kinesiology in the spring.

Jorge Sanchez also transferred to UAA from Hartnell Community College with three seasons of eligibility remaining for cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track. During his two completed years at UAA, Sanchez earned USTFCCAA AllRegion honors both years for the 5,000-meter his junior year and the 10,000-meter his sophomore year. He will be graduating with a degree in psychology.

GYMNASTICS Kennedy Green is about to enter her fourth and final season with the Seawolves after already having completed three seasons. She has contributed on vault, bars and floor, earning career highs of 9.7 on vault, 9.85 on bars and 9.725 on flood. In addition,

Honors Legend: Cum Laude *

Magna Cum Laude **

Summa Cum Laude *** GRADUATE LIST AS OF 3 P.M. ON DEC. 6, 2019.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Dr. John Petraitis, Interim Dean DOCTORATE DEGREES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Clinical-Community Psychology Christopher P. Cavanaugh Jaime L. Spatrisano Amanda L. Zold MASTER’S DEGREES

Madeline C. Stokes Skyla M. Walcott James A. L. Wilson Clinical Psychology Amber S. Frasure Jacy R. Hutchinson Natasha D. Mantz James D. McHarge Jr. GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Children’s Mental Health Alyssa A. Coogan Mariah A. Seater

MASTER OF ARTS

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

Anthropology

BACHELOR OF ARTS

Fawn A. Cropley Ashley A. Hannigan Norma M. Johnson

Anthropology

English Samuel B. Friedman Aspen J. N. Knight Nancy J. Long Uinita G. Mauigoa MASTER OF FINE ARTS Creative Writing and Literary Arts Alex Hester Virginia L. Hudson Dylan Louis Anne H. McDonnell Sarah D. Mouracade Christopher J. Pearson Mark J. Riley Jessica A. Shepherd Pamela A. Simmons MASTER OF SCIENCE Applied Geological Sciences Alexandra C. Busk Daniel M. Coffey Charles B. Rust Triffon J. Tatarin Biological Sciences Hunter A. Gravley Megan C. Gravley Brian J. Heitz Amanda M. Herbert Hillary M. Karbowski

Sarah E. Bates Pakak Sophie S. Boerner Alexandra G. Derrera Kayla P. Duston Shelby M. Lawson* Kimberly E. Parsley Margaret M. Wilcox

Rose A. Kruger* Charlee E. Laurie Leah B. Meixner Makayla F. Newman Everett G. Pierce Michelle J. Sharpe Kristina T. Stalcup* Jacob D. A. Straub Anthony M. Taylor* Erin M. Ward* Jaina Willahan* Kaitlyn R. C. Wolfe History Reif B. Andrews Ileta V. Caraghar Carvell P. Chaperon Jesse S. Eichenlaub Brittnee Housner Katelyn T. Lanier Moylan** Christopher Lewald Joseph L. Maxwell Wyatt W. Slater Michelle M. Strange Amy Vang Interdisciplinary Studies Lorrene F. Chiklak UAF Marissa S. Ridgley Mariah S. Simpkins

Art

International Studies

Brian C. Adams Rowvhel Jian R. Bautista Lana K. Carse Nikita Ditmer Alexis S. Erikson* Arianna E. N. Ferguson Carrie E. Guilford Josephine M. Lamere Jacqui L. Lockman Kiara M. S. Miller* Tammalivis S. Salanoa Tiffany R. Sams Erin Soellers Anya W. Toelle Rebecca A. Vaughan Brooke N. Vencill

Ashlyn B. Dorn** Mitchell A. Jones II Sue Y. Lee Jeffrey Lin Robin C. Spaulding** Amy Vang Violet M. White**

Biological Sciences Anthony P. Adams Adam W. Huls Kimberly M. McGrath English Alexandria G. Bako** Austin R. Bartlett** Frances B. Basketfield Adriane N. Clark Kathryn E. DuFresne Katherine L. Harvey Joseph D. S. Kang

Journalism and Public Communications Chase W. Burnett Gina E. Hays* Veronica M. Hoxie Neomi W. Lastimoza Ellen D. Nufer** Franklin M. Stanley Languages Janel N. Abo Pakak Sophie S. Boerner Jillian L. Castoe-Voltura* Casey R. Eichhorn Cady M. Foster Emily E. Hatley Rainier Q. Herczeg** Rose A. Kruger* Katelyn G. Saft Haeun Shim Philosophy

Devin M. Higbee** Political Science Ryan J. Binder** Jada A. J. Caudel Sarah N. Dompier Angelina R. Ervin Erik W. Gunderson Robert B. Hockema Connor J. McKay Robin J. ODonoghue Robin C. Spaulding** Garett B. Tree Psychology Rowvhel Jian R. Bautista Zeb Bewak Samantha J. Bouasri Elizaveta M. Brotherton Jillian L. Castoe-Voltura* Charity B. Christensen Ashley N. Davis Colin S. Ely Robert J. Gauthier Jr. Anna M. Jarvis* Sarah A. Jennische Meagan B. Kern Rebekah A. Kiester* Barbara A. Lohr Molly C. McQueen* Kendra L. Montgomery Katelyn G. Saft Melissa D. Sanchez Courtney Stephenson Candice M. Thomas Sheerabel A. Trinidad Kayla Payge S. Verango Sarah E. Whealy Caroline Young Sociology Olivia F. Lewis Shirley J. McCaa** Heather S. Ridge Theatre Addoris J. Davis Casey R. Eichhorn Richard M. Fulton Carrie E. Guilford James P. Kendall Isaac W. McElwee* Courtney A. Meneses Petra J. Murray BACHELOR OF MUSIC Nicole M. Niemann* Jenifer B. Yun BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Anthropology Lydia L. Hale*** Biological Sciences

Emily B. Leak Tara A. Moskiewicz Alexander G. Phillips Jessica D. Rice Kelsey Y. F. West

Monica E. Ague* Riley G. Barber Lauren K. Cuddihy* Quinn E. Davis Alexzandrea DePue Brittney DePue Tyler J. Fox Randall J. Friendly Dalton S. Hendricks Karla S. Llaneza Pauline L. Malathip Brandon L. Maniaci Bryce A. Solin Jeffrey A. Wagner*

Psychology

Chemistry

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Lauren K. Cuddihy* Lauren N. Syrup Elizabeth A. Whisenhant Environment and Society Thomas A. Baye Brooks R. Furlong Shaun M. Hanley Kaitlyn M. Miracle Youngmi S. Reid** Skylar L. Shaw* Geological Sciences Kelsey M. Anderson Alex M. Brown Monika S. Fleming Stephen J. Kempinski Jeffrey M. Minsch Heather M. Watson Interdisciplinary Studies Monika S. Fleming Isaac A. B. Yep Mathematics Saad Bin Zubaeir Crystal D. Bruns Esther G. Huh Alyssa D. Thern Natural Sciences Gabrielle P. Bejarano Charles C. Cowley Tyler J. Fox Kestrel J. Gilliam Karmen M. Gomez Shaun M. Hanley Rachel N. Jockisch Jennica J. Kilcher*

Quinn S. Bailey Alexzandrea DePue Brittney DePue Roslyn J. P. Hermes Jacob Christian d. A. Lim Megan N. Pyles Jonathan F. Yuquimpo*** Sociology Sierra Foltz Jolene D. Lyon

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS General Program Jessica M. Adler Abigail E. Alborn Gloria L. Alsworth Brandi C. Army Camilla G. Atti Seunghoon Back Myranda P. Bailey Tayler R. Ballantine Kerrigan P. Beagley Heather D. Beaty Bakari Bishop Donalen R. Bowers* Terry W. Bramer II Mariah L. Branson* Mary R. Brickley Ashley J. Brothers Amanda J. Burnell Alyssa R. Bushey Kriselle Leilan M. Cadiz Ian M. Cady Anne V. Calder Sabrina M. Carlson Jailene D. Carrasco Therese Y. Carroll* Courtney G. Chapman Gabriella S. Cocom Rebekah J. Coe* Samantha M. E. Contreras Adrian D. Coombs Genece D. Cooper Adrianna Cormier Robert D. Curtis Jr. Turner S. Dailey Esther D. Dale Michele J. Danner Clarissa M. Davis* Raymond Delgado Jr.* Jenna M. DiFolco* Erik J. Dougherty Talesha M. Duffy

GRADUATES Andrea Erkins Nicole A. Evans** Maxine G. Fekete David C. Ferriera Melinda C. Foster Marie E. Francis Gary A. Gearhart Aleya G. Gile** Jeanne M. Glaister Dewberry Ella P. Gonzalez* Kayla Gonzalez Naomi R. Gourdin Camryn J. Graham Paul M. Griffin Maggie E. Grimes Courtney C. Guerra Hayley E. Hagen* Mitchell A. Hansen Vaughndelee G. Hart Hunter N. Harwood Brittany M. Hatcher Tia E. Hendrickson Nikki L. Hunter*** Natalie Imeshev Stefanie E. Isla Galvez* Brandon N. Jackson Grayson D. Jackson Mary L. Joe Emma C. Johnson Hayly M. Johnson Travis C. Johnson Bertina J. Johnston** Rachel M. Jones Amanda A. Kapsner Artur Kavaliov* Morrigan J. Kellen John W. Kenyon* Sabrina N. Kessakorn* Erin J. Kim** Hayoung Kim Camille J. Klancher** Keith W. Koehler Julia E. Kruljac Lilia K. Kue Christianne T. R. Lacy Kezia Grace G. Laganson Tanya B. Lange Kaylee M. LaTocha* Adriana A. Latonio* Alyssa M. Leon Michael J. Lewis Hattie S. Little-Burgener Jacob A. Livingston Kelsey R. Logan*** Caroline A. Long Austin Jon C. Magalong Agak A. Makoi Catherine T. Manka* Niconie J. K. Manske Katherine L. Massong** Shelbi E. Matthews Seamus K. McCarty* JaeLeine McCullough David J. McCune* Catherine G. A. McKoy Amy L. McPherren* Maria Meduga Annika M. Meehleis Chloe P. Mendoza Matthew W. Meyer Tiffany R. Michels** Dawson L. Miller Leland C. Miller Nathaniel L. Mitchell Jennifer A. Morris Sarah L. Munro* Josephine K. Neal Tierra D. Nettles Jacob H. Newbold* Halcyon B. Nicholas Patrick W. G. Nieuwland Taeya L. Nolan Zoryana S. Opanasevyech* RaeAnn R. K. Patkotak Ingrid E. Pavlock Erik D. Penfold Jason C. Pirtle** Ross N. Purkis Leah R. Quinlan* Daniel E. Rhoten** Mya D. Rivera* Aaron Seif Gina M. Senko Tekla E. Shaw*** Kristy A. Simon Charles J. Simons Olivia M. Sims Amanda N. Smith Lydia D. Smith* Stephenie J. Smith Moses Sohn

11 Janelle H. Solbos Antonia F. Soto Michael W. Squartsoff Chardonnay E. Stone Helen K. Suh Jake Swenson Michael R. Swetnam Hudson R. Taylor*** Ariel leu A. Timo Megan H. Tracy Dakota J. Tucker Taya L. VanBlaricum Jennifer R. Vaughn Britni L. Ward Bryana R. Ward Alex C. Watts Ashley R. Werts Keziah R. Whipple** Brittany E. Winningham Quinn T. Worthington SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF EDUCATION Early Childhood Special Education Austin L. Crossman Kayla R. Guerrero Jennifer L. Hately Whitney Sauer Monica A. Turrentine Special Education Jessica J. Nix Melanee A. Stinnett-Voss Teaching and Learning Olivia A. Evans Kaylee I. Hoffner Annemarie Mattacchione Kevin M. Neyhard Valerie Svancara Shamai K. Thacker GRADUATE CERTIFICATES Language Education Caitlin Marine Joshua W. Pheley Amiee K. Rinehart Principal Natalie R. Cowley Shannon A. Hudson Teresa M. Kress Tracie A. Weisz Special Education Geri R. Arndt Danika K. Neuner Nicole D. Sherman POSTBACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES Early Childhood Molly J. Hillis Speech Language Pathology Kathryn C. Barber Rebecca C. Brooks Jennifer L. Hancock Jessica B. Lutton BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Early Childhood Education Ashley M. Bales Blake O. Bautista* Elizabeth A. Hancock Stevie M. Herbert* Elaine D. Merando

Elementary Education Brandon W. Bauer UAF Kayla B. Beaulieu* UAS Rebecca D. Cyr UAF Sean M. Hagensieker** UAS Ivory R. Hudon UAS Emily M. Johnson** UAF Xaviera Lee* UAS Taylor A. Murphy* UAS Katelin T. Robertson UAF Tully N. Sandbom UAS Marjourie A. Solano UAS Allison E. Weinzirl UAS ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Early Childhood Development Melinda S. Barr Jessica L. Beers** Somar L. B. Bruner Katrina N. Cajimat Andrea L. Dixon Emily E. French* Sandra E. Gomez* Elizabeth A. Hancock Stacey J. Haren** Stevie M. Herbert* Amy K. Kaylor Chelsea K. Knoph* Stojanka A. Lynch Shayla R. M. Pedersen* Nagjije A. Rifati Katelin T. Robertson** Sharon R. Terry Amethyst M. Wilson COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC POLICY Dr. Karen Markel, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION General Management Cameron M. Amantea Allison P. Baker Robert Calhoon Jasper Dial Taylor R. Fernandez Nam K. Kim Tanya B. Lauscher Random J. Reamey MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Grace A. Beaujean Micah K. Chelimo Camilla K. Hussein Scott Alyssa N. Hutchins Tanya L. Komakhuk Alexander R. Pifer BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Economics Hary Czar L. Elizarde Jodie M. Gatti Megan A. Johnson Josiah A. Leigh** Gavin W. Triplett BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Accounting Launne K. Ankney Jenny Rose R. Banaga* Daniel A. R. Beasley Maria R. Chace Rolando Cosio Caleb R. Dirks

Ciara M. Goodman Kang Her See Her Briana N. Holtz Dawn R. Jensen Brandon A. Jordan Jason W. Keuma Justin J. Klump Christina E. Kulakevich Robert A. Lewis* Mafel P. Mago Kinh-kha V. Mai Cole C. Marsteller Golda Pannor Brown* Krystalynn F. Parker Jourdan L. Robertson* Anita M. Samuel*** Mukum H. Subba Kong B. Thao Choua Xiong ShanShan Zhao** Economics Ry E. Pengilly Cole M. Warren Finance Jenny Rose R. Banaga* Daniel A. Bleier Jinho Choi** Joseph M. Diaz Richard L. Hefner Alfonso J. Hernandez Aviles Raymond M. Kim Fredrick Kuusisto* Jessie L. B. Merkley Ry E. Pengilly Tommy C. Rademaker Kathryn M. Sauve Allison R. Stapleford** Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management Harley E. Davis Aaron M. Frick Mutjarin Glimchit** Inhyeok Yeo* Management Amanda J. Allard Candice Araiza Marvin J. Argueta* Dawn R. Autry Jordan E. Baldwin Eva M. Bell-Gleason Stephanie L. Beltz Perla M. Cruz Jorge Roman C. Daniel Ismael R. El Moussa Harrison E. Ford* Katherine E. Galang Cleonik M. Hammer Tabitha A. Hobson Madeline M. Hogarth** Chidiebere M. Iwuoha Jr. Adam L. Jacobson Katherine E. Kley Carolyn R. Layne Jennica M. Lenamond Jennifer C. Ludwig Chandler L. McClain Alec McDaniel Anastasiia S. Morozova Skyler Nuss Rian P. Phillips Tran D. Phu Grace Pleasant Mason P. Rafter Chad M. Richey Leigh K. Ripke Helena M. Riske Kimberly O. Sigman Augustus Simmers Dustin D. Slinker Andrew H. Smith Zane A. Speegle Bradley R. Talbert Michael W. Taylor Luke E. Thomas Samantha Tillman* Kalani F. Tucker Leah M. Winter Rachael A. Yatchmeneff Management Information Systems

David M. Counts* Ah Her Kenneth J. Hood Forest R. Masters Lagi J. Salevi Trisha A. Van Dusen Gizelle P. Wells Marketing Amanda J. Allard Candice Araiza Marvin J. Argueta* Eva M. Bell-Gleason Woon S. Choi Hannah M. Coyne* Perla M. Cruz Jorge Alexander S. Dudick Harrison E. Ford* Cleonik M. Hammer Kang Her Dominic A. Johnson* Won Gi Kim Carolyn R. Layne Chandler L. McClain Kaylin J. Smith Marielle E. Valdez ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Accounting Mario De Jesus Sanchez Thi M. Pham Tania S. Richey Jane A. Salas Gabriel C. Salita Chue Thao Tou Thao Christine J. Uribe-Koivisto Jovani D. Villanueva Business Computer Information Systems Olin Marrera-Castro Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Deborah Gutierrez Douglas C. Rawls Crystal R. Tingook Small Business Administration Johannah M. Dehoop Aidan M. Green Madison Y. Hartwig Sr. Carson S. Klever Dennis M. McDonnell Dulce M. Sanchez-Pulido Cheryl A. Williams CERTIFICATES Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Donal Biggerstaff COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Dr. Kenrick Mock, Interim Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Arctic Engineering Donal Biggerstaff Civil Engineering Jonathan Capua David S. Eguires-Lee Andrew N. Lean John H. Street Julie N. Tibor Holly Trisch Mechanical Engineering Kelsey A. Frazier Kaitlin A. McCloud

Tanner B. Penrod Robin T. Robbins Project Management Jessica E. Jacobsen Irene S. Malto Thomas J. Mason Melissa L. Metzger BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Computer Science Jonathan B. Chronister Benjamin D. Fiskeaux BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Civil Engineering Jordan J. Clark* Stephen M. Erdman Walker R. Harris Jonathan T. Horst Rostislav O. Martynyuk Aaron T. Murph Renee M. Newman* Charles C. Pappas Danielle L. Perkins Computer Science Jella An Rafael R. Dos Reis Jon M. Rendulic Computer Systems Engineering Arthur O. Acuna* Electrical Engineering Gwendolyn G. Francis Dustin R. Horton* Brian K. Neal* Trevor T. Sprague* Tyler W. Stevens Kyle B. Wilson Geomatics Caressa Barton Mechanical Engineering Michael L. Anagick John V. Baldauf Brant A. Bennett Luke F. Cooley Tyler J. Cushman** Cooper L. Danner Kelsey A. Frazier Steven W. Glasheen* Lowen Guzman Reese L. Hanneman* Duncan A. Harris Aaron A. P. Inks Samuel G. Kirchenschlager Toomas Kollo* Kenneth C. Lebo Luis F. Marroquin Mantilla Luke D. McCue Elliott M. Morris Seth D. Nicholas Morgan Osborne Kyle S. Pealatere Erik M. Pursell* Stanley R. Seegars Forrest L. Simpson Forest H. Sparks Antonio H. Won Daniel B. Zimmer ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Geomatics Andrew J. Brennan* David V. Durst

12 COLLEGE OF HEALTH Jeff Jessee, Dean MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH Public Health Practice Jimael H. Johnson Heather A. Massart Brittney C. Ramert Tara C. Schmidt POSTBACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATES Paralegal Studies Dijana Dosen Paul A. Durfee Cindy R. Hayner Lydia Mahnesmith BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Justice Latoya M. Arreola-Ontiveros Matthew D. Brun Laura A. Cruceta Joshawa Edwards Kelsey R. Kroon* Anastasia J. LaVern Tatiana A. Lee Cheyenne H. S. Maitland Adriana M. Munoz Joppa J. Smith Madeline C. TschappatLarson Bradie M. Tucker Dakota J. White Nicholas Wulf Legal Studies Jordan D. Duplessis Desislava R. Gotsova Kathrine L. Her Corisa M. Herd Kyla M. Jones Brandy C. Myslivec Cheyanne M. Smallwood** BACHELOR OF HUMAN SERVICES April D. Madison Davon L. Miller Lindsey M. Sullivan BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Dental Hygiene Silvia M. De Santiago Amanda Roberts* Nicole N. Schulz Taylor K. Teeling Health Sciences Kierra L. Abraham D’Rhema A. Alston Haley R. Andrews Cecelia A. Angasan II Rosario A. F. Aranda Borders* Ian R. Ashley* Ashley L. J. Boucher Crystal M. Brown Ronell S. Corral Kelsey A. Cunningham Estie M. Dawson Katrina M. Domnick Kayse D. Duncan Erin N. Flinn* Gibson T. Gamel* Nyabony W. Gat* Jonathan X. Gonzalez Chantel B. Hartle Tristan W. Heil Joshua B. Hufana

GRADUATES Megan E. Junge Katarina E. Leonard* Sara J. Ludwig Stephanie C. Mathew* Keith D. McCormick* Teagan K. Mergen Madison A. Miller Angela N. Moua Laird G. Newgent Kirsten A. Nyquist McKenzie M. Peckham Stephanie A. Rader Samantha L. Rice Matthew A. Ritter Cassandra L. Snelson Justine Soller John E. StaInes Melanie A. Thelen Saraiah M. Turnbull Liliane S. Ulukivaiola Laura M. Valencia Jamie M. Van Hoomissen* Jessa S. Villasenor* Kamuela F. Williams Medical Laboratory Science Sarah L. Ballard Courtney E. Bennetts* Susan A. Brown Chloe D. Cayabyab Marissa D. Davidson* Steven J. Fowler Anna Y. Ha Lila M. L. Hamming*** Annalisa D. Haywood* Sarah K. Henningsen* Mariah A. Jackson Soo H. Kim Benjamin D. Linschoten Alec Justin Magalong Guadalupe S. R. Mendoza* Kelsey M. Olmstead Madison R. Orth** Injoo Rue* Cameron Shofner* Alexis M. Sonnenschein Cody Torrez Kaitlyn W. Trantham Physical Education Jordyn E. Block Thea L. Dowling Alexander F. Flores Michael S. Freestone Benjamin D. Griffith Jamie C. Haines Lane N. Hodson Yvonne Jeschke*** Ryan P. Judd* Cullen L. Lachance James F. Marchlinski Patrick J. Newman III* Coby J. Smith Logan J. Thomas Casey R. Wright*** ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Dental Assisting Bria M. Anderson Megan A. Arnes Joshua M. D. Fernandez Mariah R. Fox Sarah Y. Hassan Joana A. Martinez Ruby M. Mueller Erika N. Romo Alvarado*

Joseph S. Brady Jeffrey M. Briggs Carson M. Cavner Colter A. Deville Ashley J. Logan William E. Parry Kaitlin S. Rush Garrett J. Sey Human Services Grace O. Denney Blake W. Fisher** George M. Grays Stephen P. Holmstock* Brooke N. Kennedy Krystle M. Postma Medical Assisting Lexi C. Adams Casey A. Albanese Alyssa N. Allen Star A. Anania Rachel M. Cady Chadburn D. Campbell* Bao Chang** Marguerite B. Ela*** Madison S. Hutchings Sara R. Imm Houa L. Khang Gillian Martiny Hayley S. Mattingley Elishama Moody Annie Q. Ngo Teresa Perez* Cynthia L. Steele Mabeth F. Villaflores Alyssa Vitale Jennifer S. Xiong** Paralegal Studies Anne-Marie L. Droege Laura A. Eagle Jetanja B. Hartvigson* Kathrine L. Her Physical Therapist Assistant Kelsey Coolidge Megan D. Hurley* Rachel A. Klancher Brittany Z. Larsen* Tabitha J. Lorentzen* Shoshana Lee P. Marrero* Katelyn M. Meza Camille J. Miyaoka Francesca I. Panzeca David G. Pilon Raymond J. Scherer* Radiologic Technology Patrick W. Hall** Surgical Technology Raphael L. Baluyut Renee E. Corvalan Skyler M. Hunt Jessica L. Johnson Albiona Lena Taylor A. Malnarick** Caleb O. Martineau Sallee R. McClure* Michelle A. Murray Carol E. Taylor CERTIFICATES Dental Assisting

Fiona J. Teilborg

Ninoshka A. Ellis Sarah Y. Hassan Hannah M. Manasco Joana A. Martinez Alberto Reyes-Vazquez Wilmarie Wegner

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

SCHOOL OF NURSING

Konstantin I. Bartnitski** Kara A. B. Gustafson** Icie M. Killian Brynn S. O’Hara Kaylee A. Thein

DOCTORATE DEGREES

Fire and Emergency Services Technology

Nursing Science

Dental Hygiene

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE

Cecelia P. Maher Amber L. Virden Virginia Walker Mary E. Woodring MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Ganiyat Adegbola Claudia C. Miracle Yvette-Marie G. Pace Elizabeth A. Ryan BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Nursing Science Vina Zipporah E. Abalos Eric L. Aga Darcy S. Ahern* Kristen Alcorn Noemi K. Alversado Luz A. Aragon Yonatan M. Ben Shabat James F. Berkenbush* Rachel L. Blossom* Hannah E. Bolin* Candace M. Boyles Sydney A. Burns* Katie C. Caldwell* Laura J. Carpenter Megan J. Christy* Stephanie L. Clay Erika Z. Costello Diana F. Durant Savannah L. Edwards* Catherine L. Ek Kristen K. Englund Marisa K. Escher Rachel M. Evans* Mar Argel E. Fernandez* Daniella J. Fincher Brenda M. Gabbert** Chelsea M. Gatson Kari A. Glass Nathan D. Gorski* Sarah L. Gray* Stephanie L. Grimes Shaun A. Groshong Lila M. L. Hamming*** Vanessa J. Hartley Heather A. Hays Hannah P. Hill* Tristina T. Hintz Ginger C. Houghton Emily G. Hughes* Kelly E. Hughes* Amy J. Johnson Hannah K. Kahahawai* Haley D. Kelley Tiffany J. Kemp Amanda K. Kenny* Kathryn F. Kline* Taylor M. Koltes Yamah N. Kone Kaytlyn R. Kontess Hailey R. Kruse* Caroline Kurgat Kerri L. Laskowski Anna T. Lewald Rachel J. Lund Orlando-Magic Mapili Destina K. Minaya Donna M. Mong Banu L. Mufale Derek R. F. Murphy Noah J. Nelsen Bryce R. Niver Marica A. Ong* Amy E. Otte Kaitlyn R. Phillipps** Jennifer L. Pinard Therese A. Price Maria Randle* Diana Y. Reyes* Daisy M. Richmond Adelaine M. Rivera Liberty N. Ronan Victoria K. Ross* Elizabeth Rus* Choron J. Ryan** Angelina M. Seigneur Katharina R. Shoffner Hollyn C. Smith Jhiddle Mae B. Sugabo* Laurel K. Sullivan

Molly R. Swanson** Sydny V. Taylor Lammers Erika H. Teel Brandon Thompson Rachel A. Thomson Kiecel Rose R. Tungul* Kelsey C. Turney Sarah C. Walker** Nathanael J. Warta** Caitlin C. Weeks* Gretchen M. Weinzirl* Nicole M. Wetstein Jacqueline M. Yi ASSOCIATE DEGREES ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE Nursing Tanya M. Antonsen Shahmeer Azmat Natalia E. Benavidez* Ali Bennett* Tonna D. Blackwell Devin D. Boling Caitlin Brady Annette R. Burlison* Sydney F. Carle Nubia M. Cipres Laura E. Coulombe Kristine M. Crump Jay N. Cuff Tristin C. Davis Jenny L. Dunaway Corbin W. Duxbury Amber M. Enns Cydnie J. Etterley-Crown Heather M. Ferguson Lindsey Ferguson Marie B. Forster Danielle P. Galeon Jayleene M. Garrett Aby G. Gifford Michelle B. Gookin Suzanne L. Grogan Ellen R. Groseclose Shelby L. Gudgell Naomi R. Hamilton Sydney J. Hansen* Mary J. Hillberry Amanda L. Hotchkiss Colby L. Howarth India P. Hudson* Andrew S. M. Jones Kassandra A. Klose Min J. Kwon Janyce R. Larrick* Cyndee LaVonne Elizabeth A. LeBlanc Zora S. Lesueur Amber Grace M. Makua* Alan V. Markus Ashley N. Marshall Bailey Marshall** Robin A. Mayer Beatrice L. McCarty April McLamb Andrea N. Meliton Margaret P. Miller Taylor E. Moitoso Valery C. Myers* Karly S. Norton Bridgett C. Pedersen Therese M. Pierce Joy Pryor Amanda P. Rogerson Catherine A. Schneider* Cassi-Mae L. Septien** Thomas Sisk Molly R. Slaughter Anjelica G. Soria Michael J. Spencer Christine Starkweather Shaelyn N. Urban** Lydia I. Vance* Virginia A. Veit Crystal G. Venkov Tara G. Wade Jessica R. Weber SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK MASTER’S DEGREES MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK Camille M. Booth Jessica R. Calderon

Kevin M. Enloe Brittney C. Ramert Michael R. Van Vleet COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE Dr. Denise Runge, Dean BACCALAUREATE DEGREES BACHELOR OF ARTS Hospitality Administration Grace R. Weinfurter** Hospitality and Restaurant Management Crystal R. Hornig* Mikel A. Winkelman BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Applied Technologies Leadership Leesa M. Arnes Nathan T. Berry Steven A. Decker* Nathan R. Grilley* Tawnya A. Hightower Henry D. Hodge Jr. Marche M. Meisler Kimberley D. Pate Shantelle T. M. Phommathep Dana A. Profeta Justin F. Shoup Victoria C. Swanson Eli Van Ringelenstein* Aviation Technology Christian W. Alton* Kelly R. Brollier Caleb Z. Caldwell* Jason P. Duffy Alex R. Dupuis* Warren E. Friedman Andrew T. Gecsedi Kimberly Gonzalez Bryan A. Grant Tyler E. Hansen Neal D. Hull Matthew D. Lastimoso William P. Lyman Joseph N. Martelle* Elizabeth M. McJannetBratton Nicholas J. Mikos Douglas A. Paradise Ramon M. Ponce Brendan P. Schick Christopher D. Simmons Tawni N. Taylor* Nicole P. Trouy* Construction Management Sharayah L. Dollente Drenushe Hukali Steven J. Huston Trevor V. Jones Clinton C. Kirkman Christopher S. Kobelnyk Kenneth R. Lowney Tatiana M. Schneider Ryan M. Senko Lucas R. Seymour* Ryan C. Thorne James D. Toole Stephen A. Wilmeth Occupational Safety and Health Lovette N. Kowach Jessica M. Lipscomb Taneisha F. McComb Angel R. Taveras

GRADUATES

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ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Aviation Administration

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE

Daniel R. Guichard Jesse A. Hefely

Air Traffic Control

Aviation Maintenance Technology

Kelly R. Brollier Christopher F. Dojka Jr. Architectural and Engineering Technology Timothy R. Edwards Yu Ri Kim Alejandro Lozano Gonzalez Automotive Technology David M. Dyar Nathan T. Gandee* Ben P. Iverslie* Cesar Antonio B. Sanchez Bryan Vang

Minwoo Choe John R. Glen Larry D. Jones Hunter P. Phillips Computer and Networking Technology Czigry Z. Dumaop Ryan T. Gordon Spencer A. Halgren*** Mark W. Kruse David J. Maberry Douglas D. Ostlund Construction Management

Lauren Cuddihy Sports Editor BACHELOR OF SCIENCE — Biology BACHELOR OF SCIENCE — Chemistry

John F. Lottsfeldt Johnathon A. Storter Travis M. Weist Culinary Arts Traci Bauder Mai Y. Her Samantha N. Hokanson* Mark E. Kalashnikov Cindy Lee Geoffrey A. McNaught Grace R. Weinfurter** Nou Yang Diesel Power Technology Dalton A. Arnes Jorge R. Bausman-Alvarado Nathan T. Berry Joseph D. Boling Joshua C. Brown** David S. Croy Scott T. Larionoff Melo-

vedoff** Stone Yang* Alexander Zachry

David J. Villani*

Occupational Safety and Health

Architectural Technology

James L. Decker Amira J. Goldstein Taneisha F. McComb Eben M. McWilliams Kenneth P. A. Millard* Trever D. Walters Dawn N. Welton

Nathan L. Syvertson

Professional Piloting Martin A. Foreman Welding and Nondestructive Testing Technology Eudy J. Gomez Ramos John A. Reid Briann Steiner

CERTIFICATES

Automotive Technology Cody E. Krumanaker Jared S. Stouff Aviation Maintenance Technology, Airframe Evan Brill Johnathan Y. Dyer Jacob J. Edwards James E. Evon John R. Glen Jay D. Huvar Charles R. Jewell Larry D. Jones Caleb S. Maxwell

Nicholas A. Minster Gunnar N. Nelson Hunter P. Phillips Achiel G. Pype II Ray A. Rush Cody R. Soper Peter Vue Kevin M. Wagenfehr Trey D. Williams Aviation Maintenance Technology, Powerplant Caleb S. Maxwell Cody R. Soper Peter Vue See Y. Xiong Diesel Power Technology Michael C. Allen Dalton A. Arnes

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

Anything Helps

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Anchorage is helping the homeless, one bed and meal at a time parking lot at around 5 p.m., allowing families in need to collect frozen foods, vegetables and fruits, dairy and occasionally meats. Once all the families are given their respective portions, they are allowed to come back in a continuous rotation until all the food has been distributed, Goodrum said.‌ “St. John does quite a bit in the community, and that’s one of the reasons — probably the primary reason — that I’m here.” Goodrum said. “It’s not about personal salvation. It’s more about being involved in the community and what you can do for the community.”‌

By Radames Mercado Contributor

It is no surprise that the Anchorage Municipality has a big homelessness problem. As of January 2018, Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that 2,016 people were “experiencing homelessness on any given day.”

In Anchorage, the homelessness problem seems to only be getting worse as this number reaches 1,272.

Despite these daunting numbers, there are plenty of organizations ready and willing to help out those in need. Many of the organizations are churches, ready to share God’s grace to those who need it, while also attempting to rehabilitate those who accept their services. Other organizations get the rougher side of the homeless scene, with a less-than-jovial atmosphere for those who are too intoxicated to be allowed in their facilities. The homeless scene is not pretty, but the stories of those who are willing to help gives hope to those who are genuinely looking for a better life.‌ Doing More, Helps More The Emergency Cold Weather Shelter is one of many programs that St. John United Methodist Church offers to those in need. The program allocates room within the church facilities for women, children and families that are simply looking for a place to stay when Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis is unable to house them. The program is active once a month, but starting in January 2020, the program will be active twice a month, says Judith Goodrum, the preschool director of New Horizons Preschool. ‌ Sheltering those who need a roof is just the surface of St. John’s efforts in aiding those in the community. The Food Bank of Alaska has recently reached out to St. John to request a very interesting food donation.‌ “Another thing that this community is doing currently is they’re participating.

The Food Bank of Alaska asked them to collect a thousand cans of green beans,” Goodrum said. “The church already has a thousand cans of green beans.”‌ The Food Bank of Alaska also sends a Mobile Food Pantry to St. John, which typically serves about 40 families. St. John sets up the mobile pantry in the

Even the Less Fortunate Need Fun‌ “On Tuesday, we have bingo night,” Monica Martinez, the Shelter and Shower director of the Downtown Soup Kitchen, said. “It lasts for about two and a half hours, and the women win all kinds of stuff.”‌ The Downtown Soup Kitchen, also known as the Downtown Hope Center, is a shelter with showers for the single women of Anchorage who need a safe place to stay in times of need. This facility doesn’t operate solely as a shelter, though. It provides a place of entertainment and spirituality for those who are in desperate need to stay positive. The shelter generally has around 50 women staying there for a safe place.‌ “Out of the 50 women that we have, probably 30 play the game. More than half,” Martinez said.‌ Bingo isn’t the only event the shelter has for the needy. Every Monday, the women in the facilities get together and have a Bible study session. On Fridays, Martinez explained that they do karaoke and testimony night for the women that rely on the shelter’s grace.‌ All of these events, the food that is given to the women and the ability to fund these resources come from donations. The donations the soup kitchen receives are enough to keep the 15 people that work in the shelter on a good payroll.

The Hope Center gets roughly $20,000 every two weeks to make sure the staff can do their job properly.‌ This payroll and donations keep the center alive and well. The Harley-Davidson organization donated 25 turkeys to the Hope Center for Thanksgiving. The Downtown Hope Center plans to focus many of their endeavors to make sure that they can help those who really need help during this seasonal time of gratitude.‌ “[The] plan of action is to show these people love,” Martinez said. “They [ate] a nice, warm meal on Thanksgiving.”‌ A Soul Well Fed‌ The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission is a faith-based organization set on giving the needy in Anchorage more than just a shelter, it wants to give a better life. The shelter offers a drug and alcohol recovery program. About 30 men are typically enrolled into this program in an attempt to rehabilitate them, Shane Day, the facilities manager of the Rescue Mission, said.‌ The shelter itself is capable of hous-

PHOTOS BY RADAMES MERCADO

The Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission often provides TV and movie entertainment in the worship room.

ing 100 people a night. Every Monday and Friday night is clothing night, where about 180 people come through every week.‌ “The people that come to the Mission for help leave well fed. They are full.

They are very happy,” Rev. John LaMantia, the Rescue Mission’s executive director and pastor, said. “A lot of the folks that come to us on Thanksgiving [are] people that actually are working full time. They cannot make ends meet.”‌ 80-100 people typically attend the daily gospel services that the Rescue Mission provides, LaMantia said. He hopes that the people attending accept and take to heart what they hear so they can feel hope again in their lives. ‌ Support for the Rescue Mission’s cause isn’t limited to the state. Day stated that there are organizations and people that are out of state who donate and support the Rescue Mission. The public’s support for the Rescue Mission has allowed it to continue giving aid for over 40 years.‌ “Our mission statement is ‘a meal, a bed, a soul well fed,’” Day said. “That’s what you’re going to get here. Even if you don’t stay here, the showers are open to you. We’ll do your laundry for you. A lot of homeless guys just don’t have the means to do their laundry. I know when I was homeless, I didn’t.”‌ The Grim Reality‌ These organizations and many others around the Anchorage Municipality are doing what they can to make sure homeless citizens are getting the help they need. Unfortunately, there are those who

are harder to take care of. Bean’s Café, a food program here in Anchorage, recently started their push to help those in need with a revitalized shelter program.‌ Entering the facility shows a different, less uplifting truth. Most of the other organizations are able to refuse entry to those that were not sober, with Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission even requiring a breathalyzer test to incoming recipients.

Bean’s Café may not require a breathalyzer, but they do require a pat down. ‌ In the center of the facility were “bunk beds” lining the main floor. They were more like cots than beds, and several homeless people, men and women, occupied them. A bouncer blocked the entry into the facility, requiring that each individual be pat down to make sure no harmful substances or weapons were brought in.‌ “She can’t be on that bunk,” the speakers in the room boomed. One of the volunteers spoke to a homeless individual in the room who was intoxicated and causing a ruckus.‌ “Nobody cares” shouted one of the individuals slouching over in the dining room area.‌ The scene then escalated, as the woman was forced to leave. Her screams and shouts carried with her as she was guided out of the building. Once outside, she began to scream about finding a gun and ending her life. ‌ This is the reality in Anchorage. The community lends their support through volunteering and donations on a daily basis. Unfortunately, there is more that needs to be done.‌

Monica Martinez, director of the Downtown Soup Kitchen, incorporates fun activities as a part of the community.

At the request of the Foodbank of Alaska, St. John’s United Methodist Church collected 1,000 cans of green beans.

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019

Letter to the editor: Get paid to launch your startup

By Sam Davenport Contributor

Across the country, rates of entrepreneurship among 20-somethings are declining. Gretchen Fauske, associate director at the UAA Center for Economic Development, or CED, says Alaska is no exception.‌ “Fortunately, because of our position at UAA and focus on early state entrepreneurial development, the CED is wellpositioned to reach young Alaskans with an interest in entrepreneurship,” Fauske said.‌ With that, the CED is unveiling the Upstart Alpha Startup Accelerator, a university-based entrepreneurship engine launching in the new year. The accelerator offers intensive mentorship and experiential learning over a period of four months to a cohort of entrepreneurs.‌ Upstart Alpha will provide funding, tools and connections for participants interested in turning their idea into a startup within the span of a semester. Cohort members will learn how to test their

ideas, find the best customers, meet investors and more. And, participants will earn a cash stipend of $1,500 to work on their business.‌ “We are really excited about these programs and bridging students and startups,” Fauske said.‌ Applicants do not have to be students of the University of Alaska to apply for the accelerator, though students receive priority. The inaugural cohort will be comprised of 12 individuals and kick-off in Anchorage on Jan. 10.‌ Priority applications due by Dec. 19, 2019; late applications due Jan. 2, 2020.

Those interested can apply at upstartalpha.com.‌

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