UAS Reaches Record for Number of Graduates

“This is the largest and most diverse class in UAS history in terms of ethnicity and types of degrees being awarded,” said Chancellor John Pugh.

Juneau, AK

Date of Press Release: May 5, 2008

A record number of degrees were presented at Southeast Alaska’s regional university the weekend of May 3, 2008. The University of Alaska Southeast awarded 348 degrees for the 2007-08 academic year, up from 276 degrees last year. The tally includes 125 graduate, 136 undergraduate and 87 Associate degrees.  An additional 80+ occupational endorsements and undergraduate and graduate certificates were conferred, up from 22 in 2007.

“This is the largest and most diverse class in UAS history in terms of ethnicity and types of degrees being awarded,” said Chancellor John Pugh.  The Juneau campus 37th Commencement Ceremony took place on Sunday, May 4th, 2 p.m. in the UAS Student Recreation Center Gamble-Sperl Joint Use facility.

Father Stephen Sundborg presented the commencement address. A native of Alaska, Father Sundborg has served as president of Seattle University since 1997.  Father Sundborg’s Juneau roots go back to his early education in Juneau at St. Anne’s school and Juneau-Douglas High School. He moved to Fairbanks when his father, George Sundborg, became editor of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. George Sundborg, now 95 and living in Seattle, was an at-large elected delegate to the Alaska State Constitutional Convention. Father Sundborg is strongly committed to promoting social justice, a core value of the Jesuit Catholic education.

BBA Marketing recipient Elizabeth Stickel and BS Mathematics recipient Josh Galbraith served as student speakers.

Artist, naturalist and author Ray Troll received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts for his unique ability to combine art and science.

Theatre in the Rough founders, performers and designers Katie Jensen and Aaron Elmore were honored in Juneau with a Meritorious Service Award for distinguished contributions to the performing arts.

Alaska Native students also attended Wooch.een’s Annual Native Graduation Celebration on Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m. in the UAS Egan Library.