17 Outstanding Grads
1 Honoree
Ceremonies
2023 Outstanding Graduates
Olive BrendBachelor of Arts, English
Carla BrowningErnest Gruening Awards
Tumy DolanBachelor of Business Administration, Accounting
Bachelor of Science, Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Robin LockwoodMaster of Education, Educational Leadership
Alice MehalekBachelor of Science, Mathematics
Cagney RamirezBob Ellis Award
Anastasia SkonbergBachelor of Arts, Elementary Education
Elizabeth BretscherBachelor of Science, Environmental Science
Riley StadtBachelor of Arts, Environmental Studies
Michael TeilborgBachelor of Arts, Special Education
Jessica WhitakerAssociate of Applied Science, Business Administration
Kelly OverduijnMaster of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education
Shamai ThackerBachelor of Liberal Arts, Alaska Native Languages and Studies
Nicole TwitchellMaster of Education, Reading Specialist
Junnie ChupBachelor of Arts, Social Sciences
Special Honors
Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts: Anna Brown Ehlers
Anna Brown Ehlers has made significant contributions toward the landscape of traditional arts and culture of Southeast Alaska and far beyond. Anna is rooted in the traditional Tlingit art of Chilkat weaving mastery that goes far deeper than the highly technical weft and weave of mountain goat hair and cedar into exquisite clan regalia. Her expertise includes gathering and processing of traditional materials, a deep understanding of the complex social structure of Tlingit people represented by the technical and nuanced Tlingit art formline and knowledge of clan histories captured by the classic rules of design. Her work honors the dignity of Tlingit identity, status, and belonging. Anna Brown Ehlers mastery of Chilkat weaving is both classic and timeless, representing one of the exquisite foundational roots of Northwest Coast Art. This award honors Anna Brown Ehlers for her high caliber of artistic and cultural finesse, and representation of the vital role Indigenous women play in anchoring culture and traditions through art, textiles, and traditions in the past, present day, and for future generations. Her expertise in this tradition has garnered attention from the artist community, nationally and internationally and secured recognition through the National Endowment for the Arts, Rasmuson Foundation, and museums.
Student Speaker
Kali Spencer
Hailing from Eagle River, Kali Spencer graduates today with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, emphases in political science, psychology, and philosophy. She is the current President of the Student Government of the University of Alaska Southeast Juneau Campus, having served since 2020. In addition, Ms. Spencer was appointed to the University of Alaska Board of Regents as the Student Regent for service from 2021-2023 by Governor Dunleavy. She has a long history of representing students, having served as the student representative on the Anchorage School District School Board, student body president of Eagle River High School, president of the Alaska Association of Student Governments. She is joined today by her friends and family, whom she loves dearly, and hopes to pursue a career in politics or law after graduation.
