Celebrating the spring 2021 Honorary Degree and Meritorious Service Award recipients

by Green & Gold News  |   

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On Sunday, May 2, the University of Alaska Anchorage will honor individuals with the Meritorious Service Award and Honorary Degree at their spring commencement ceremony. 

Meritorious Service Award

The Meritorious Service Award is bestowed to an individual who has demonstrated significant work in the areas of public, academic, volunteer or philanthropic service to UAA, one of the community campuses or an Alaska community. It is UAA's honor and privilege to award Doug Pope, Gary Turner and Lila Vogt the Meritorious Service Award.

Doug Pope

For decades, Doug Pope fought in courts of law for the basic rights of many Alaskans. He is widely respected among his peers in Alaska’s legal community and has argued many cases that have had a profound impact on the lives of Alaskans and the interpretation of state and federal law. In addition to his contributions to the practice of law, Pope has served in many government offices. In Alaska’s legal communities and beyond, Pope is widely considered a man of integrity who values hard work and the stewardship of Alaska’s resources. Read Doug Pope's full story.

Gary Turner

Last fall, longtime Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) director and CEO Gary Turner announced he would retire in summer 2021. For 19 years Turner has helmed KPC, which includes the Kenai River Campus in Soldotna, the Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer, the Resurrection Bay Extension Site in Seward and the Anchorage Extension Site. Throughout his tenure as director, he ushered in many changes, pioneered distance learning in higher education and advocated for building improvements at KPC campuses. Read Gary Turner's full story.

Lila Vogt

Lila Vogt’s career has been as a business consultant, tax preparer and accountant, but for more than 30 years she has moonlighted as a driving force in Alaska’s literary arts scene. Through her unflagging volunteerism, she has fostered a rich and thriving community of Alaska writers. Vogt has served as a member of the board of directors of the all-volunteer Alaska Center of the Book since 1991, and her leadership has been crucial to the success of a wide range of related programs. Read Lila Vogt's full story.

Honorary Degree

The criterion for individuals to receive an honorary degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage is evidence of a significant and lasting contribution to the university, the state of Alaska or to the individuals' discipline or profession. It is UAA's honor and privilege to award Heather Flynn and Susan Malutin an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the spring 2021 commencement ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 15.

Heather Flynn

Heather Flynn has dedicated her time and energy to public service in Anchorage and across the state for more than 50 years. She is known for her fiery spirit, tenacity and unwavering commitment to the betterment of her community. Throughout her career of service, she has led many organizations, from nonprofits to government, has become a generous philanthropist committing 50% of her income to charities across Alaska and expanded her work globally to educate communities around the world on the importance of immunization. Flynn continues to be active and engaged within the community serving many organizations and has been recognized by numerous organizations for her public service and philanthropic efforts. Read Heather Flynn's full story.

Susan Malutin

For more than 30 years, Susan Malutin, master skin sewer, has been at the forefront of revitalizing Alutiiq culture and art in Alaska. Her journey into animal skin sewing came from her husband’s request for a fur hat after bringing home a sea otter pelt. Her first garment sent her on a decades-long journey to study the history, craft and art of sewing animal skins and fur to design heritage pieces in the style and tradition of the Alutiiq people. Malutin’s dedication to learning and sharing her craft has rekindled the tradition of Alutiiq animal skin sewing in Kodiak. Read Susan Malutin's full story.

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