UAF’s Northwest Campus celebrated its fortieth annual commencement Thursday night.
There was standing room only at Old St. Joe’s as 30 graduates from all over western Alaska accepted their diplomas. Some even took the mic for a celebratory speech.
In front of the packed pews, Diane Okleasik got the crowd chanting in Inupiaq. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Rural Development, Community Research & Indigenous Knowledge. After she got the crowd’s attention, she continued on in her traditional tongue and encouraged others to do the same.
“Inupiaq is now an official language, and you guys should probably learn it,” Okleasik joked.
Okleasik wasn’t the only graduate who spoke in support of higher education. Nearly every personal statement from this year’s graduating class shared a similar sentiment.
Tracey Buie was born and raised in Nome. She’s worked for the Alaska court system for over 25 years and was awarded her Bachelor’s in Business Administration.
“If you considered whether to quit or restart your education, continue on or start again,” Buie urged. “The time is going to pass whether you do this or not. You could be standing up here in three years or five years or ten and holding that degree in hand.”
UAF’s Northwest Campus awarded five Bachelor’s and seven Associate degrees at its 40th annual commencement. There were six Community Health Certificates and two Rural Human Services Certificates handed out. And finally, five graduated as Certified Nurse Aides, and another five received their General Education Diplomas.
