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All-American, World Cup medalist and two-time Olympian preps for another season

Male athlete skiing

Natural sciences alumnus J.C. Schoonmaker was an All-American skier for UAA, a World Cup medalist and, most recently, an Olympian (for the second time) at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. He says UAA taught him the importance of working on a team, both in and out of the classroom.

Making sense of ‘place’

Hunter Thomas presenting his research

How does a sense of place impact how we view and understand the world around us? Philosophy major Hunter Thomas has spent a substantial amount of time thinking about these kinds of questions.

Best summer ever: Top activities and events on UAA's Anchorage campus

Seawolf logo surrounded by flowers in the UAA 50th Anniversary Garden.

Longer days mean more time to enjoy the abundance of activities on UAA's Anchorage campus. From nature walks to multiplayer gaming, check out our roundup of the best ways to celebrate summer on campus in any weather.

From runner to rocket scientist

Smiling man with rocket in background

When Artemis II launched for its flyby of the Moon in April 2026, UAA project management graduate student and cross country runner Drew Johnson played a role in the mission. As an arms and umbilicals engineer at NASA, he helps oversee everything connected to the rocket while it's sitting on the launch pad.

Begin again

Woman in graduation gown delivering speech

After decades of service, motherhood and reinvention, Trisha Jean Davis graduated from Kenai Peninsula College’s Kachemak Bay Campus as valedictorian at 79, proving it’s never too late to pursue an education.

From supporting students to supporting legislators

Smiling woman in blue dress in front of white background

As communications director for the Anchorage Assembly, Master of Public Administration alumna Allie Hartman strives to make local government accessible by inviting people into the business of the city.

Spring/summer 2026 edition of Alumni Spirit magazine now available

Dancer on magazine cover

Themed around creativity, the latest issue of UAA’s premier alumni publication showcases stories that explore how UAA grads harness imagination to shape their careers, strengthen their communities and reimagine the possibilities.

Curiosity and passion drive UAA's youngest graduate

UAA 2026 Spring Commencement student speaker Rainey Spurlock.

Rainey Spurlock first enrolled at UAA when she was 13, taking classes at Mat-Su College alongside her grandmother. Now, at 17, the communications major and undergraduate commencement speaker for the spring Class of 2026 is likely UAA's youngest-ever graduate.

Security through synthesis

Man wearing lavender shirt in front of trees

One of the most enduring metaphors for America is the melting pot — where different experiences come together to create something stronger. For Lt. Cmdr. Sam Krakower, interdisciplinary studies alumnus and graduate student hooding ceremony speaker for the spring Class of 2026, that metaphor reflects both his academic journey and professional path.

Celebrate UAA's spring Class of 2026

Commencement student speaker Maisha Chowdhury, HLSC BS, at UAA's Fall 2025 Commencement in the Alaska Airlines Center.

Congratulations to the spring Class of 2026! From UAA's grand graduation ceremonies to smaller gatherings, don't miss these opportunities to celebrate the newest Seawolf alumni this spring.

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