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On Wednesday, May 1, UAA honored individuals with emeritus status, Meritorious Service Awards and Honorary Degrees during the 2024 Spring Commencement Awards ceremony.

When political science major and Spanish and legal studies minor Katie Scoggin first enrolled at UAA in fall 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, everything was online. Looking for a way to connect with fellow students, she joined the sorority Alpha Sigma Alpha. That first foray into campus life led to more connections and opportunities than she ever imagined.

Suspicious ads on Craigslist don’t usually lead to life-changing opportunities, but accounting alumna and spring 2024 graduate student commencement speaker Barbara Kahula is the exception.

Accomplished artist and educator Alvin Amason (Sugpaiq/Alutiiq) was born and raised in the rural village of Old Harbor on Kodiak Island. He grew up slogging through alder thickets, following his grandfather, bear guide Eli Metrokin, up mountainsides, and hauling in salmon-filled nets as a deckhand. These early experiences and the island's cultural traditions inspire his art.

In 2023, Diane Kaplan retired from her role as president and CEO of the Rasmuson Foundation, a position she has held since 2001. Under her leadership, the foundation became the largest philanthropy in Alaska, with assets growing from $5 million to an estimated $800 million today and annual donations of $25-30 million to nonprofits, tribes, artists and local governments.

Ira Perman is a dedicated professional with over four decades of experience in supporting the arts, humanities and community development in Alaska, embodying the spirit of selflessness and service.

For 52 years, Cathy Rasmuson has demonstrated her love and commitment to Alaska through her generosity and community service. Since 1997, she has served on the board of directors of the Rasmuson Foundation, the mission of which is, "To promote a better life for Alaskans," and is something she embodies every day.