CAS Celebration of Students Program
Celebration of Students
Friday, April 28, 2023 | 3:00 PM | Fine Arts Building, Recital Hall, Room 150
Download the CAS Celebration of Students Program
View 2022 Celebration of Student Recipients
Mark Johns
Alaska Native Studies
Mark Johns is Naltisiine, Sky Clan, and he is the Language Program Director for Native
Village of Kluti-Kaah, and currently lives in Tl’aticae’e, (Copper Center). Mark is
pursuing his Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Ahtna Language. For seven years,
Mark was part of the Ahtna Heritage Dancers, where he learned from and worked with
Ahtna elders, and with school aged youth from 6 different Ahtna villages. Mark has
also served and provided services to Elders with Copper River Native Association for
six years. Mark hopes to become knowledgeable and skillful in the Ahtna Athabascan
culture. One day, he hopes to build a log home on his Ahtna land that’s less modern
and more traditional.
Rye Hendrickson
Anthropology & Geography
Anthropology & Geography
Rye Hendrickson is a "non-traditional" student, a mother, a wife, an artist, and a
food-truck co-owner enrolled as an Anthropology major at UAA. Rye is pursuing her
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Rye’s primary interests include ethnobotany and
ecology, marine research, and the conservation of culture and resources. With plans
to graduate by the fall of 2025, Rye then hopes to become part of a team that incorporates
traditional systems of knowledge and aims to improve the environmental, biological,
and cultural narratives of the future.
Maureen MeyerArt
Maureen Meyer is a freshman pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Art. Maureen is an outstanding
student whose artwork far exceeds expectations. Maureen’s passion for art making is
exceptional, and her commitment to community engagement is admirable. This year Maureen
created an ambitious mural with community participants for Filipino American History
Month. Maureen was also the first participant in the Fine Art building painting/mural
wall installation project started this year. Maureen is an exemplary student, participating
in student exhibitions and always willing to offer her artwork and time for her community.
Amber Richardson
Biological Sciences
Amber Richardson first enrolled at the University of Alaska Anchorage in the Fall
of 2020 and is currently seeking a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. Born
and raised here in Alaska, Amber has grown to love the state and enjoys going out
and seeing the natural beauty that it has to offer. During her time at UAA, Amber
has greatly appreciated the opportunity to pursue her interest and further her education.
She currently is interested in doing research involving ecotoxicology and identifying
biochemical mechanisms of environmental contaminants. She plans to work on a research
project this summer to gain experience and exposure that will hopefully help to guide
her to better identify her own career goals.
Cierra BrassfieldChemistry
Cierra Brassfield is a first-generation college student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree
in Biochemistry. After graduation next year, Cierra plans to start her career path
as a forensic scientist, specializing in fingerprint analysis, crime scene processing,
and firearms and ballistics. A major career goal for Cierra is to be a part of the
FBI Evidence Response Team that will allow her to travel to other countries. Cierra
has been the treasurer of the American Chemical Society Club and will be the president
next semester. She is also a member of the Iceberg Robotics Club. Cierra demonstrates
outstanding scholarship in the classroom, is engaged in multiple student-initiated
research projects, and is an active member and leader in our UAA community.
Micaiah Anderson-MichaudEnglish
Micaiah Anderson-Michaud is a junior pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in English with
a minor in Psychology. Micaiah spends his free time reading books, knitting, working
on miscellaneous hobbies, or watching movies with his husband. Because of his love
of literature, Micaiah decided to pursue a career focusing on that very thing. Following
his graduation, Micaiah plans to work in the publishing world. After graduation in
Spring 2024, Micaiah plans to obtain a master's degree before entering the publishing
industry.
Rachel Shiffer
Geological Sciences
Rachel Shiffer is a senior pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences.
Rachel is also a Geology Intern with the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Mining, Land, and Water. Rachel’s interest in geology and natural sciences
began at a young age, and her fascination for geosciences was further cultivated by
her experience volunteering at the Imaginarium Discovery Science Center. Rachel’s
passion for environmental and geological sciences was solidified when she circumnavigated
the Atlantic Ocean and traveled up the Amazon River while studying abroad in the “Semester
at Sea” program. In the future, she looks forward to attending field camp and continuing
her education in geological sciences.
Shelby FullerHistory
Shelby Fuller is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Art. After
graduation, Shelby’s goals include becoming a History teacher and writing and illustrating
historical children’s books and graphic novels for older readers. This is a skill
that she has already put to use in creative approaches to final research projects
in several of her history courses at UAA. Shelby is a delight to have in classes due
to her engaged participation, sharp intellect, diligence, and creativity. In her free
time, Shelby enjoys exploring all that this state has to offer.
Gavin TaylorInternational Studies
Gavin Taylor is a junior pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in both International Studies
and Political Science with Minors in Spanish and History. Gavin is a current member
of the Seawolf debate program and will be helping head the ACLU student action network
in the fall. Gavin was a part of the Alaska Middle College School, and has a great
love of school and learning. Gavin has proven to be a stand out student through his
in-depth knowledge and curiosity of international affairs. Gavin's presence elevates
every class that he is in with his intellectual curiosity, generous spirit, and civic-mindedness.
Matthew SchmitzJournalism and Public Communications
Matthew Schmitz is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Communications
from UAA, with a minor in Political Science. Matthew is originally from Anchorage,
Alaska. Matthew has been an indispensable factor in the revitalization of The Northern
Light, the student newspaper. He currently serves as the executive editor, and when
he joined TNL, he embarked on bringing the newspaper back to full staff. Matthew has
also had a vital role in the JPC Department with his leadership in the classroom and
outside it. His classmates consider him a dedicated, driven peer, and his professors
are consistently wowed by his love of learning.
Patrick WisdomLanguages
Patrick Wisdom is a German major in the Department of Languages. Patrick works hard
to help expand the intercultural horizons of the UAA campus community by co-organizing
and participating in events that introduce his peers and community members to new
concepts, different peoples and societies. Patrick serves as the German Culture Club's
President, and since 2021, Patrick has co-convened UAA's weekly German Conversation
Table. In January 2022, Patrick received UAA Chancellor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Student Appreciation Honor for being a student who makes a difference on campus. After
graduation, Patrick intends to pursue an MA degree in Translation and Interpretation
at Kent University in Ohio.
Gretchen LarsenMathematics and Statistics
Gretchen Larsen is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a planned minor
in economics. Gretchen has been included on the Chancellor's List for multiple semesters.
In addition to her academic achievement, mathematics faculty members rate her highly
for her curiosity and work ethic. Gretchen is a UA Scholar who has lived in Alaska
for nine years. She has volunteered with youth sports and as part of a civic engagement
class at UAA she volunteered last spring at Zooniverse, a crowdfunding source for
citizen research. Gretchen enjoys reading and gardening.
Apryl CardwellMusic
Apryl Cardwell is a freshman pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Performance. Apryl
is a vibrant vocalist, and she has been singing for 9 years. Apryl has sung with the
Alaska Chamber Singers for over a year and placed second in the NATs regional competition,
qualifying her for the national preliminaries. Apryl was a soloist in the Department's
Annual Symphony of Sounds competition, and received accolades for her expansive range
and purity of tone. Apryl was cast as the Stepsister in a professional production
of "Cinderella" with the Anchorage Festival of Music. She looks forward to using music
to bring peace to every troubled mind and passion to everyone who feels a little bit
lost sometimes.
Linsey CullenPhilosophy
Linsey Cullen is pursuing her degree in Philosophy with a minor in legal studies.
After graduating from UAA, Linsey plans to attend law school with the goal of becoming
an attorney practicing in Alaska. Recently, Linsey wrote a paper using John Rawls’
theory of distributive justice to support the legality of abortion. She has found
the study of philosophy to enhance and inform the work she does in legal studies,
including an independent legal research paper, examining the impacts of felony convictions
on one’s personal and social identity.
Ludek WojtkowskiPhysics and Astronomy
Ludek Wojtkowski is working towards his degree in Electrical Engineering with minors
in Physics and Mathematics. Ludek has been conducting computational research in the
UAA Plasma Physics Laboratory under the mentorship of Dr. Nathaniel Hicks since Fall
2021. Ludek has distinguished himself by receiving recognition for his research through
the Alaska Space Grant Program and the UAA Estelle J. Spatz Undergraduate Research
Award. Recently, Ludek presented his findings at the American Physical Society - Division
of Plasma Physics meeting, the world’s largest annual plasma physics conference.
Following his graduation, Ludek plans to pursue a physics-related graduate degree.
Katie ScogginPolitical Science
Katie Scoggin is a junior pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science
with minors in legal studies and Spanish. Katie serves as student body president,
working to amplify student voices. Katie is also a Resident Advisor, helping to build
a strong, safe, and engaging community on residential campus. She has also served
as diversity, equity, and inclusion chairman in her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, and
as director of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues with Model UN. After graduation,
Katie plans to pursue a JD, aiming to enact change in the immigration system through
advocacy, litigation, and legislation that prioritizes the rights of refugees and
asylum seekers in search of safety.
Janelle LaPlantePsychology
Janelle LaPlante is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Janelle previously
graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Philosophy and French in 2017. Over the past three
years, she has been employed as Medical Staff Coordinator at the Alaska Psychiatric
Institute. Janelle has enjoyed serving as a Club Officer of UAA's Psychology Club
and Psi Chi Chapter as well as her involvement with psychology and criminal justice
research. Janelle’s scholastic interests include the multi-faceted interplay between
the field of psychology and the criminal justice and healthcare systems, and how improvements
at both individual and systemic levels may more robustly serve individual and community
needs.
Albiona SelimiWomen's Studies and Gender Studies
Albiona Selimi is a junior pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with
minors in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies and Justice. Albiona is a first-generation
college student. Albiona attends classes while working for her family's business in
Wasilla. Albiona is a member of the Honors College Leadership Track, part of USUAA,
and Model United Nations. She is passionate about climate justice and immigrant rights,
and aspires to be a civil rights attorney to help those who need it the most.
2022-2023 CAS Scholarship Recipients
Over $100,000 in CAS scholarships were awarded in academic year 22-23 thanks to the generosity of our donors.
Al Bramstedt Jr. Journalism Endowed Scholarship
James Boatman
Audrey Hunt
Ardell French Memorial Endowment
Eljsa Papraniku
Aric Thompson Memorial Endowment
Hezekiah Reeder
Becky Patterson and Murphy Turner Endowed Scholarship
Bridget Cruickshank
Tristan Rude
CAS Crossing the Finish Line Completion Scholarship
Angelica Firmin
Chandler Braley Memorial Dance Scholarship
Stephanie Andrus
Christina Ezell
Clay Body Award
Colton Cherrier
Lukas Easton
Kaitlyn Lee
Edward Rollin Clinton Memorial Endowment
Braedyn Thomas
Elaine Atwood Completion Scholarship
Hailey Barnes
Feng-Ching Chang
Eric Chase
Carlee Christensen
Linnaea Gossard
Jasmine Grant
Emily Hufford
Peter Jackson
Gloria Lord
Annelies Stephens
Ava White
Avery Williamson
Lucas Wright
Mark Zimmerman
Elaine Atwood Excellence Scholarship
Desiree Hagen
Taylor Heckart
Environment and Society Excellence
Kellie Richmond
Excellence in Anthropology and Geography
Aren Rosholt
Excellence in Arts and Sciences
Gator Cagle
Cassandra Cole
Emily De Los Santos
Excellence in Arts and Sciences
Danielle DeHoyos
Mark Johns
Kellie Richmond
Excellence in Ceramics
Amy Schilling
Excellence in Creative Writing and Literary Arts
Rachael Ball
Vicki Crosby
Sara Dennison
Mary George
Sarah Mickey
Karen Nelson
Orin Pierson
Excellence in Psychology
Isis Allen
Khyla Chasse
GCI Scholarship
Eric Chase
John (Wendy) Williamson Memorial Scholarship
Alexander Soboleff
John Russell Gay Memorial Science Scholarship
Eljsa Papraniku
Kay Fanning Memorial Journalism Scholarship
Feng-Ching Chang
Kimura Scholarship
Tressa Wood
Kris Knudson Memorial Scholarship
Lauren Kohntopp
Marguerite Downey Memorial Music Scholarship
Gage Traylor
Max Llanes Behind the Camera Endowed Scholarship
Joseph Barranco
Mickey Belden Vocal Performance Endowed Scholarship
Austen Hardy
Muriel Hannah Scholarship
Sarah Baktuit
Paul G. Landis Art Endowed Scholarship
Sarah Baktuit
Roger DeSmith Creative Art in Ceramics Scholarship
Katherine Schroeder
Saradell Ard Art Endowed Scholarship
Sarah Baktuit
Talia Leauanae
UAA Brian Wick and Hilary Davies Mathematics Scholarship
Morgan Moses
*Other students in CAS received scholarships for athletics, financial aid, community scholarships, performance scholarships, etc., but are not recognized here. The scholarship recipients recognized here are because of philanthropy to CAS. Thank you!
Special thanks to our event supporter:
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