This Sunday, the University of Alaska Anchorage will celebrate the achievements of hundreds of students at the Alaska Airlines Center.
Over 200 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony recognizing those who completed their studies during the summer and fall of 2025.
“Celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates is one of my favorite parts of serving in this role,” said UAA Interim Chancellor Cheryl Siemers. “These students will continue on to leadership positions in our community, shaping the future of our state and its economy. I’m honored that each of them chose UAA for their education.”
Graduate student speaker Stacy Brunquist came to Alaska as a travel neonatal nurse and stayed, now completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice. She works as a neonatal nurse practitioner at Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital, traveling statewide to provide specialized newborn care and training. Brunquist also mentors students as adjunct faculty, strengthening UAA’s nursing community.
The ceremony will also honor community leaders, including Steve Gordon, receiving an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, and Sophie Minich, an Alaska Native leader and UAA alumna, receiving an honorary Doctorate of Laws for her transformative work at Cook Inlet Region Inc.
Additional recognitions include Meritorious Service Awards for Tim Gravel and Bill Popp, and emeritus status, the university’s highest honor, for LeeAnn Carrothers, Alexandra Hill, and Doug Parry.
The commencement ceremony is set for 1 p.m. this Sunday at the Alaska Airlines Center, celebrating the hard work and achievements of UAA’s students, faculty, and community partners.