On Wednesday, May 1, UAA honored individuals with emeritus status, Meritorious Service Awards and Honorary Degrees during the 2024 Spring Commencement Awards ceremony.
Accomplished artist and educator Alvin Amason (Sugpaiq/Alutiiq) was born and raised in the rural village of Old Harbor on Kodiak Island. He grew up slogging through alder thickets, following his grandfather, bear guide Eli Metrokin, up mountainsides, and hauling in salmon-filled nets as a deckhand. These early experiences and the island s cultural traditions inspire his art.
Ira Perman is a dedicated professional with over four decades of experience in supporting the arts, humanities and community development in Alaska, embodying the spirit of selflessness and service.
In 2023, Diane Kaplan retired from her role as president and CEO of the Rasmuson Foundation, a position she has held since 2001. Under her leadership, the foundation became the largest philanthropy in Alaska, with assets growing from $5 million to an estimated $800 million today and annual donations of $25-30 million to nonprofits, tribes, artists and local governments.
SOUTH DAYTON The Pine Valley Central School District celebrated the achievements of 36 graduates from the Class of 2023 during its 75th Annual Commencement