UAA to celebrate the Class of 2009 on Sunday, May 3

By: Staff Apr 24, 2009

Eric Wohlforth, Lynne Ballew, Peg Tileston and Eleanor Andrews will receive honorary degrees; more than 2,100 students to graduate

ANCHORAGE, AK – The University of Alaska Anchorage continues to grow and contribute to Alaska’s growing workforce with its graduating class of more than 2,100 students. A packed house of family and friends is expected at the Sullivan Arena to cheer on the hundreds who will walk across the stage during Commencement exercises beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3.

Commencement is the University of Alaska Anchorage’s capstone event celebrating the achievements of its students and the lifetime achievements of extraordinary faculty and community members. The University of Alaska Board of Regents and UAA Chancellor Fran Ulmer will confer degrees on students from the following schools and colleges: Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Policy, Health and Social Welfare, Education, the Community and Technical College and the School of Engineering. In all, UAA will confer more than 552 associate’s, 1,197 bachelor’s, 349 master’s degrees, and 109 certificates and licenses from over 180 programs and areas of study.

This year’s student speaker is Nathalia Echavarria. A 1998 graduate of A.J. Dimond High School, Nathalia began her collegiate journey at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon and transferred to the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2005. She is graduating from UAA with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Nathalia has built an outstanding academic record during her time at UAA. She has earned Dean’s list for the last five consecutive semesters and has been inducted into the Golden Key Honour Society as well as Psi Chi, the national psychology honor society. In addition to her academic pursuits, Nathalia is also a member of the UAA Track and Field team. For the last two years, she has competed in the individual hurdle events and team relay. Nathalia was awarded GNAC Academic All-Conference in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 Nathalia set a UAA record as part of the 4x100 relay team. Off the track, Nathalia has represented all UAA athletes as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council. Following graduation Nathalia plans to pursue a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.

Four prominent people will be recognized for their many achievements and contributions in service to Alaska, to learning and to humankind.

Eric Wohlforth will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his civil engagement dedication, achievements and contributions in Alaska. Dr. Lynne Ballew will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of her persistent dedication to fighting for social justice and reducing the impact of poverty. Peg Tileston will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of her dedication to conserving the beauty and resources of this Great Land, as well as encouraging all Alaskans to engage in respectful dialogue on issues of importance to them. Eleanor Andrews will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of her distinguished career as a community leader and a dedicated community-service volunteer.

Many years of outstanding service to the University and its students will be gratefully recognized with the conferring of Emeriti status on three faculty members and one staff member: Dr. Cheryl Mann, Professor Emerita of Human Services, College of Health and Social Welfare; Dr. Nancy Andes, Professor Emerita of Sociology, College of Health and Social Welfare; Dr. Lesley Heasley, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Linda Lazzell, Vice Chancellor Emerita of Student Affairs.

The details of the Commencement Ceremony are as follows:

WHERE: Sullivan Arena (1600 Gambell St.). Students should check in at the mezzanine level; faculty members should go to the faculty lounge (located in the northeast corner of the arena); and deans/directors, emeriti and stage party members should go to the VIP lounge.

WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 2009, from 3 p.m. until approximately 6 p.m. Students and faculty should arrive at 2 p.m. (doors will not open until then).

MANDATORY STUDENT REHEARSAL: 10 a.m. Sunday, May 3 (the same day as Commencement), at the Sullivan Arena. An optional breakfast, hosted by UAA’s Alumni Association, will be held from 9-10 a.m. in the lobby of the Sullivan Arena. Students should enter through the security doors between the NW and SW main entrances.

COST: None. All family, guests and media members are welcome to attend.

PARKING/SHUTTLE BUS: There is no charge for parking. UAA will provide continuous shuttle service from the University Center (3901 Old Seward Hwy. – UAA South Entrance) to the Sullivan Arena and back every 15 minutes, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. The shuttle will be available to take people back to the University Center at any point during the ceremony.

BROADCAST: DVDs of the ceremony can be purchased for $20 after May 15. For more information call (907) 786-6177 or (907) 786-4486, or e-mail distance@uaa.alaska.edu.

SPECIAL NEEDS: American Sign Language interpreters will attend the rehearsal and ceremony. Attendees with other special requests are encouraged to call Annie Route at (907) 786-1215.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR MEDIA ABOUT COMMENCEMENT

All members of the media are welcome to attend both the event and the rehearsal.

The rehearsal is a good time to interview individual students.
To set up interviews or make other arrangements, contact:

Jessica Hamlin
Office (M-F): 786-1288, anjmh6@uaa.alaska.edu
Cell (Sa-Su): 242-3416

Kristin DeSmith
Office (M-F): 786-1263, afkad@uaa.alaska.edu
Cell (Sa-Su): 250-1825