The Alumni of Distinction awards provide the UAA Alumni Association the opportunity to recognize and celebrate alumni who have made important contributions in their communities and whose actions honor the legacy of excellence at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

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Congratulations to the most recent recipients, who were honored at the Green & Gold Gala on Oct. 1, 2016.

Beth Stuart — 2016 Alumni of Achievement Award
B.B.A. Accounting '94
Managing Partner, KPMG - Anchorage

Stuart has built relationships and gained respect statewide in her career at KPMG. Now partner at the international auditing company, she’s firmly committed to helping Alaska students find similar career success in their hometown, too. Read about Beth Stuart.

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Sammye Pokryfki — 2016 Alumni Humanitarian Award
B.S.W. '98, M.S.W. '99, B.A. English '06
Senior Vice President, Rasmuson Foundation

Pokryfki leads Rasmuson Foundation’s grant making initiatives, which invested $28 million in 53 communities just last year. She exemplifies the Foundation’s mission—”To promote a better life for Alaskans”—in her personal volunteering and outreach as well. Read about Sammye Pokryfki.

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Michael Rose — 2016 Alumni Emerging Leader Award
B.A. Political Science '09
Associate Attorney, Law Office of Ralph Ertz

Rose, a committed mentor to the Seawolf Debate program, distinguished himself early in his young Alaska law career. He plans to continue connecting the state’s law community and mentoring the next generation of Alaska’s lawyers into the future. Read about Michael Rose.