In a previous interview with UAA, you discussed hiring UAA graduates. Is this something that you still proactively do? Or is it a by-product of the smaller Alaskan Community? 

"We proactively covet UAA grads, because someone who lives here understands the industries that drive the economy. It is very likely they will work on a resource client if they work here at MSI Communications. As such, they need to understand mining, oil and gas, timber, fishing, etc., and someone who grew up here is just naturally exposed to those factors. When they produce communication tools, they have a sense of the big picture that helps them design more strategic communications or advertising. Secondly, the university has a proven track record - in our agency - of producing well-rounded, talented students that are ready for the workforce."

For those students or even potential employers, what is the benefit of UAA and an education from UAA? 

"I think it is the exposure with the students at the university and the connection to the community. One of the biggest benefits is you get to live in this great state, and Anchorage is a healthy community so just the quality of life here is good. Between the state, proximity to jobs and internships, it's a phenomenal school and it's a phenomenal career launcher to go right into the workforce."

You yourself are a UAA grad. Why did you pick UAA? 

"I am from Alaska, but I was enrolled at another university, in Wisconsin. At that university, I made the shift from a focus in natural resources to communications. Following that shift, I decided to re-look at Alaska and ended up staying. I am really proud of our state and that I grew up here."

You donated to the CAS Celebration of Students, and to the College of Arts and Sciences following that, what draws you to donate to CAS, in particular to the students?

"Part of being a student is learning how to deal with a hectic schedule, balancing a lot of demands in life, being on top of your game. That doesn’t always leave a lot of time for working the traditional hours. It does build up your resilience, but if a little donation could help with the students? I know it would have been meaningful for me at the time."

One final question. How do you stay connected and involved with the UAA community? 

"Mostly through my workplace. Almost 30% of our employees are UAA grads - we even had a professor here who taught a web training course at the university twice a week. The corporate culture of a workplace is driven by the top management and it filters down. It's just as important for employees to want to work here, perhaps more important that they want to work here. Part of that as an employer, I have to find things that they connect with and the university is a big part of that. It's a part of our community and a part of our clients. We represent clients that are very generous donors, supporters of the university."

 

Thank you for sharing with us, Laurie!