Archive

Medeia Csoba DeHass' desire to be an anthropologist ignited in the living room of her home in Hungary in the 1980s and brought her around the world to Alaska, where she studies the impact of Russian Orthodoxy on Sugpiaq and other Alaska Native cultures.

Charlie Madsen—a theater alumnus—is now house manager at iO Theater, a landmark institution on the Chicago comedy scene known for its own string of successful alumni like Farley, Fey, Poehler and Sudeikis.

When it comes to co-chairing 9 in the Spine, Rick is the rare quintuple threat—a proud alumnus, a dedicated community volunteer, a parent of a UAA student and a seasoned golfer who also served on an advisory committee for the new Student Union and Sports Complex facilities. Rick is now back on campus organizing the annual alumni mini-golf tournament through the campus he had a hand in expanding.

Students miss class for thousands of reasons, but few excuses are as memorable as Anna Berecz's. The ski team senior took off mid-semester last year to compete in the Winter Olympics for Team Hungary. Her professors, thankfully, were among her many supporters.

With an antsy 4-year-old and a newborn to distract him his first semester, this non-traditional student could have readily returned to the workforce. Instead, Duke persevered, playing an active role on campus and reaching graduation in four years.

Want some inspiration? Visit with this December graduate in business marketing for a fast survey of what one committed person can accomplish professionally and academically in just five years.

2014 was a big year for Chris—his wife had their second baby while they were selling their house... during finals week. And that’s just April. After eight years of steady effort, this Army vet and AmeriCorps alum has finally reached graduation day.

Irene Hilliard can teach us all a little something about overcoming obstacles. This December grad has gotten creative in the way she makes time to exercise and how she affords tuition. She's also made UAA her home away from home. Her advice? Engulf yourself in the college experience.

Another amazing story from ANSEP, Frazer Tee has been connected to UAA since his sophomore year of high school when he built his first computer. He'll graduate in December with an engineering degree, the third Tee brother out of four to pursue engineering at UAA through ANSEP.

December graduate Alejandra Buitrago is getting vaccinated, selling everything she owns and preparing for two years in the Peace Corps. She soaked in experiences at UAA that supported her through difficult times and will enrich the rest of her life.