UAS Commencement 2020

Chancellor Richard Caulfield

Dr. Richard Caulfield serves as Chancellor at the University of Alaska Southeast, providing strategic leadership in fulfilling the UAS mission. He has been a leader in advancing innovations in teacher education, arctic social sciences, higher education leadership, Alaska Native and minority student education, and online programs.

Juneau Commencement Speaker: Ms. Emily Edenshaw

Emily is the executive director of the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage.  She is from Emmonak, Alaska, and previously lived in Southeast Alaska where she worked for the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.

Juneau Commencement Student Speaker: Ms. Khrystl Brouillette

Ms. Khrystl Brouillette has served as the editor of our student newspaper, The Whalesong. She is graduating today with a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Resources, cum laude.

Campus Director Dr. Pricilla Schulte

In addition to her role as campus director, Dr. Schulte is a professor of anthropology and sociology, specializing in multicultural education, Alaska Native cultures, sociocultural change, and archaeology of Southeast Alaska.

Ketchikan Commencement Speaker: Ms. Elizabeth Nelson

As the executive artistic director for the First City Players, Ms. Elizabeth Nelson is known for using the power of theatre as an instrument to help others discover their hidden potential and best qualities. Under her leadership the theatre has grown in programs, quality, and community engagement.

Ketchikan Student Speaker: Ms. Dawn Raulwolf

Ms. Dawn Rauwolf completed both her M.A.T. and B.L.A. at UAS while working and raising a family. Ms. Rauwolf’s journey from working onboard fish tenders to pursuing her goal to become a teacher is an inspiration to many Alaskan students.

Sitka Commencement Speaker: Ms. Rachel Roy

Ms. Roy is the executive director for the greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce. Holding degrees from UAS, UAF, and Sheldon Jackson College, Ms. Roy’s favorite quote is “become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title, or position.” —Brian Tracy.

Sitka Faculty Reflection: Dr. Lauren Wild

Born and raised in Sitka, Dr. Wild spent much of her childhood in the outdoors. She attended Brandeis University, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, and is graduating with a Ph.D. in Fisheries from UAF.

Sitka Student Reflection: Ms. Victoria Wallace

Ms. Wallace was born in Massachusetts and grew up in Cape Cod. She has worked in healthcare for many years, including 22 years as a nurse practitioner in Alaska. She just completed her Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management via distance learning.

Honorary Doctor of Laws Recipient: Mr. Clark Gruening

Mr. Clark Gruening served two terms in the House of Representatives for the Alaska Legislature, and was a key instigator of the Alaska Permanent Fund. He is recognized for his many contributions to our state’s philanthropic and public service sectors.

Meritorious Service Award: Mr. William Todd Hunt

Mr. William Todd Hunt’s career as a musical conductor and instrumentalist is known nationally and internationally. Known as Maestro Hunt by local vocalists and musicians, he is dedicated to cultivating the talents of local musicians and mounting musical productions of outstanding quality.

Meritorious Service Award: Ms. Sharon Gaiptman

Since arriving in Juneau 40 years ago, Ms. Gaiptman’s vitality, intelligence, and imagination have contributed to a number of community projects and organizations, including KTOO Public Radio, the Bartlett Hospital Foundation, the Alaska Travel Industry Association and many more.