Student Spotlight: Sarah Baktuit
Sarah Baktuit is a CAS Student in the Art Department. Sarah is a life-long Alaskan, who grew up in Soldotna, Alaska. She transferred from Kenai Peninsula College to the University of Alaska Anchorage in Fall 2020 to start taking art classes. Sarah is pursuing her Bachelors in Fine Arts with a concentration in illustration and drawing. In the spring of 2021, Sarah started working as a student employee at the Graphics and Publicity Service department as a graphic designer. This work experience, when combined with the education and relationships she’s developing at UAA, is setting her up for a career in the arts right after graduation. Sarah has benefitted from the generosity of donors to UAA as the recipient of the Muriel Hannah Scholarship, the Paul G. Landis Art Endowed Scholarship, the David Forbes Memorial Scholarship, and the KPC/Brockel Family Scholarship.
Sarah Baktuit sat down with us to talk about her time at the University of Alaska Anchorage, her educational pursuits, and how the financial support of the scholarships has impacted her education.
What led to your decision to transfer from Kenai Peninsula College to the University of Alaska Anchorage? How has your experience at UAA been?
“The University of Alaska Anchorage offered me all the art classes that I was searching for, including illustration and drawing, which is what I chose for my BFA concentration.
I have developed amazing relationships with friends as well as professors at UAA. I also got my student position with Graphics and Publicity Services in the Student Union. This on-campus position lets me build up my portfolio, while also developing new friendships. It is the relationships with my classmates, my coworkers, and my professors that has made attending UAA one of the best decisions I could have made.”
You have received a variety of scholarships over the past four years. Most recently, you were awarded the Paul G. Landis Art Endowed Scholarship. How have these scholarships impacted you and your time at the University of Alaska Anchorage?
“The scholarships, and the financial aid that I have received, definitely help me attend school. I had savings, but the support I have gotten over the years made going to college a possibility for me. Because of the scholarships, I am confident that I will finish my education as well as be set up for success as a professional artist in Alaska.”
What would you say to the individuals who have given to the university and to the scholarships you have received?
“The support, the donations to scholarships, made my dreams a reality. People who donate to scholarships should know that their donations are really helping people. I am super grateful that the people who gave to the university decided to give directly to the students.
For those who gave to the scholarships I received, I would say thank you for supporting me and enabling me to take advantage of many opportunities that I wouldn't be able to without your financial assistance. I wish I could show them the work I have accomplished while here. I think it would be impactful for them to see that their support, their scholarships are directly helping me improve in my art.”
How has receiving these scholarships impacted your views on philanthropy and giving back?
“Yes. Absolutely. As an alumni, I believe that it would be nice to create scholarships for students. These types of donations, the ones directly for students, can have such an impact. Even smaller scholarships or financial awards can help a struggling student finish their academic journey.
After I graduate in 2023, I plan on working in Alaska. I absolutely love Alaska and never plan on moving out of state. I believe if you have a talent and enjoy it, you should pursue goals to better yourself every day in those incredible talents and use them to contribute to your community and the world you live in. I want to give back to my community, use what I have gained at UAA to give back, just like those who provided the scholarships did for me.”
Thank you, and keep up the good work Sarah!