By Sentinel Staff
University of Alaska Southeast will celebrate student achievement and success with more than 400 graduates at commencement activities this weekend on its three campuses in Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.
Although traditional ceremonies are not taking place in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each campus has created a “virtual commencement” in which students can be celebrated.
All three community ceremony videos can be accessed at uas.alaska.edu/commencement 5 p.m. Friday, April 30. As the ceremonies are pre-recorded, viewers can tune in at a time it is convenient.
The UAS-Sitka Campus plans to post a virtual commencement video presentation that will be shared on its social media pages and campus webpage. The video will open with remarks from Campus Director Paul Kraft.
The commencement address will be given by Sitka resident Pauline Kookesh Duncan, honorary doctorate of education recipient. Duncan will deliver a speech which will be part of both the Juneau and Sitka commencement videos.
‘‘A greatly respected teacher and culture bearer, she created an invaluable legacy of teaching materials that merge Tlingit culture and language with Alaska educational standards,’’ UAS said. ‘‘Ms. Duncan’s achievements reflect her dedication to the exchange of cultural knowledge and her considerable talent and expertise in the field of elementary education.’’
UAS Sitka faculty member Joel Markis will deliver the faculty reflection, UAS Sitka staff member Randy Nutting will deliver the staff reflection, and UAS-Sitka associate of arts graduate Jade Nodes will deliver the student reflection.
Other notable speakers will be Chancellor Karen Carey, President Jim Johnsen, and Regent Sheri Buretta.
Sitka Campus Learning Center manager Audrey Beam will read the names of graduates, and Alaska Languages adjunct faculty Roby Littlefield will read heritage names. A slideshow presentation will present photos of graduates along with a list of those whom they would like to thank for helping them achieve their educational goals.
The video presentation also will recognize graduating students of distinction in the fields of Fisheries Technology, Health Information Management, Medical Assisting, and General Associate of Arts. These students are chosen by their grade point average, their volunteerism, and willingness to go above and beyond.
This year’s Students of Distinction are: David Carroll, Fisheries Technology; Jaime Bucatcat, Health Information Management; April McDougall, Medical Assisting; and Jade Nodes, Associates of Arts.
