UAA to celebrate the “Class of 2008” on Sunday, May 4

By: Staff Apr 28, 2008

Hugh Fleischer, J.D. and Dr. Robert Corell will receive honorary degrees; more than 2,100 students to graduate

ANCHORAGE, AK – The University of Alaska Anchorage continues to grow and contribute to Alaska’s growing workforce with its spring graduating class of more than 2,100 students. A packed house of family and friends is expected at the Sullivan Arena to cheer on the hundreds who will walk across the stage during Commencement exercises beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 4.

Commencement is the University of Alaska Anchorage’s capstone event celebrating the achievements of its students and the lifetime achievements of extraordinary faculty and community members. UAA Chancellor Fran Ulmer will confer degrees on students from the following schools and colleges: Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Public Policy, Health and Social Welfare, Education, the Community and Technical College and the School of Engineering. In all, UAA will confer more than 550 associate’s, 1,072 bachelor’s, 363 master’s degrees, and 124 certificates and licenses from over 180 programs and areas of study.

This year’s student speaker is Umair Iqbal. He is a candidate for a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Umair has accomplished more in his 22 years than many people will in their lifetime. Umair is a recipient of the prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship, president of the UAA Pre-Med Club and an avid member of the UAA’s Honors College. When asked what he likes to do in his free time, Umair answered “civic engagement.” He has spearheaded many projects, including the Paperclips for Peace Project to help raise awareness of genocide in Darfur. After graduating from UAA, Umair will join Teach For America as a high school biology teacher. He plans to attend medical school with the goal of reducing poverty and improving access to healthcare for the poorest people in the world.

Two prominent people will be recognized for their many achievements and contributions in service to Alaska, to learning and to humankind. Dr. Robert Corell will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of the critical role of scientists in addressing the increasingly complex public policy challenges and choices facing global society. Hugh Fleischer, J.D. will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his civic engagement dedication, achievements and contributions in Alaska.

Many years of outstanding service to the University and its students will be gratefully recognized with the conferring of Emeriti status on three faculty members: Sharon Araji, Emerita Professor of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences; Stephen Jackstadt, Emeritus Professor of Economics, College of Business and Public Policy; and Michael Pajot, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences.

The details of the Commencement Ceremony are as follows:

WHERE: Sullivan Arena (1600 Gambell St.). Students should check in at the floor level; faculty members should go to the faculty lounge (located in the southeast corner of the arena); and deans/directors, emeriti and stage party members should go to the VIP lounge.

WHEN: Sunday, May 4, 2008, from 3 p.m. until approximately 6 p.m. Students and faculty should arrive at 2 p.m. (doors will not open until then).

MANDATORY STUDENT REHEARSAL: 10 a.m. Sunday, May 4 (the same day as Commencement), at the Sullivan Arena. An optional breakfast, hosted by UAA’s Alumni Association, will be held from 9-10 a.m. in the lobby of the Sullivan Arena. Students should enter through the security doors between the NW and SW main entrances.

COST: None. All family, guests and media members are welcome to attend.

PARKING/ SHUTTLE BUS: There is no charge for parking. UAA will provide continuous shuttle service from the University Center (3901 Old Seward Hwy. – UAA South Entrance) to the Sullivan Arena and back every 15 minutes, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. The shuttle will be available to take people back to the University Center at any point during the ceremony.

BROADCAST: Videotapes or DVD’s of the ceremony can be purchased for $20 after May 15. For more information call (907) 786-6177 or (907) 786-4486, or e-mail distance@uaa.alaska.edu.

SPECIAL NEEDS: American Sign Language interpreters will attend the rehearsal and ceremony. Attendees with other special requests are encouraged to call Annie Route at (907) 786-1215.