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UAA 2026 Spring Commencement student speaker Rainey Spurlock. Read More

Curiosity and passion drive UAA's youngest graduate

 |  Michelle Saport  |  ,

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.

Man wearing lavender shirt in front of trees Read More

Security through synthesis

 |  Matt Jardin  |  ,

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.

Man sitting at desk with laptop computer Read More

The keeper of Anchorage’s history

 |  Jordan Oldenburg  |  ,

Anchorage’s history is unique. From a stop on the gold rush route, a tent city, a military town and now a hub for the state’s transportation, tourism and government, the city has gone through many iterations, and history alumnus David Reamer is something of an expert on the topic.

Man holding skis and silver Olympic medal Read More

Seawolf wins Olympic silver

 |  Jordan Oldenburg  |  ,

At the ripe age of 25, civil engineering alumnus Gus Schumacher has already competed in two Winter Olympic Games: first in Beijing in 2022, then in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games where he walked away with a silver medal.

Woman feeding tiger in cage Read More

Celebrate National Zoo Lovers Day with two wild alumni

 |  Jordan Oldenburg  |  ,

April 8 is National Zoo Lovers Day, and what better way to celebrate than by getting to know alumni Sam Lavin and Erica Quiett, who serve as the curator and husbandry assistant at the ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓÆµ Zoo in Anchorage?

Bobbie Perkins Read More

Keeping the lights on with a UAA degree

 |  Jordan Oldenburg  |  ,

As a safety specialist at Golden Valley Electric Association, occupational safety and health alumna Bobbie Perkins’ job keeps her on her toes. After all, how many people can say they make sure thousands of households are getting their electricity and heat?

Josef Rutz Read More

Called to connect: Alumnus builds homeless advocacy nonprofit focused on friendship

 |  Matt Jardin  |  ,

Through his nonprofit Urban Hearts, journalism and public communications alumnus Josef Rutz is redefining homelessness outreach in Anchorage by prioritizing human connection alongside essential services.

Jessica Ross holding a microphone Read More

Alumna and professor wins national Future Leaders Award

 |  Matt Jardin  |  ,

Recognized with the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award, dental hygiene alumna and professor Jessica Ross integrates Indigenous perspectives and clinical experience to transform health education.

Deborah Morton Read More

Alumni of Distinction: Deborah Morton

 |  Matt Jardin  |  ,

Counseling and guidance alumna and 2025-26 Alumni of Achievement Deborah Morton is the recruiting, placement and mentor section supervisor at the ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓÆµ Military Youth Academy, where she guides families with teenagers who have struggled in traditional school environments.

Maile Johnston Read More

Alumni of Distinction: Maile Johnston

 |  Matt Jardin  |  ,

Biological sciences alumna and 2025-26 Alumni Humanitarian Maile Johnston is a law clerk at the ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓÆµ Supreme Court and former Miss ÐÜèÔÚÏßÊÓÆµ whose advocacy work focuses on children in the foster care system and survivors of domestic violence.