STATE'S OLDEST UNIVERSITY SET FOR 75TH COMMENCEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 1997
Fairbanks, Alaska - Alaska's first and oldest institution of higher education is this year marking the 80th anniversary of its founding in 1917 as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines. Known today as the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the institution's first commencement took place in 1923 with one graduate, John Sexton Shanly.
On May 11, 75 years after the first graduate received his degree, UAF expects to confer about 1,000 degrees - from associates to Ph.D.'s -at ceremonies in the university's Patty Center gymnasium.
The procession of graduates, faculty, retiring faculty, honorary degree recipients and university officials starts at 1:10 p.m. outside Lathrop Hall and will be led to the Patty Center by the Fairbanks Native Association Potlatch Dancers. A record number of 28 professors will retire this year and be promoted to the rank of professor emeritus.
The Commencement Ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. inside Patty Center. The invocation will be delivered by the Rev. Bob Swope of Anchorage, whose daughter Jillian is graduating with a degree in journalism. The main Commencement address will be given by "USA Today" founder Allen Neuharth.
After the invocation and Neuharth's speech, approximately 800 graduates are expected to walk the Patty Center stage to accept their diplomas from UAF Chancellor Joan Wadlow, Provost Jack Keating, UA Board of Regents President Mike Kelly and UA Vice President for Finance David Creamer. UAF branch campuses in Nome, Kotzebue, Bethel, Tok and Dillingham hold separate commencement ceremonies.
After degrees are conferred, student speaker Wayne Volodiya Reid will address his fellow graduates. Reid will receive a bachelor's degree in foreign languages and was named the most outstanding student in his department. The outstanding graduating senior man for the class of 1997 is Joe Hayes, who will receive a bachelors degree in political science. Hayes will complete a two-year appointment to the University of Alaska Board of Regents May 31.
The outstanding 1997 graduating woman is Erin Nicol Narus, who will receive her bachelor's in chemistry. Narus has been active in university and community events throughout her college career.
The recipient of the 1997 Gray Tilly Memorial Award, which recognizes the efforts of non-traditional students, is Aimee Kniaziowski. The 47-year-old mother of five began her college career in 1968. She will graduate with a 4.0 grade point average and a bachelor's degree in rural development.
Honorary degrees will be given after student degrees are awarded. Neuharth will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters to recognize his contributions to journalism education and support of First Amendment rights worldwide.
Telecommunications pioneer Charles Robinson, president and CEO of Pacific Telecom, will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree. He is being recognized for his efforts in creating a modern telecommunications system in Alaska, including the launch of the state's first-ever communications satellite.
Retired geophysical institute professor Neal Brown will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree. The former Poker Flat Research Range director is widely acclaimed for his science programs geared toward youngsters. Brown's son, Steven Sweet, will graduate from UAF this Sunday with a master's in physical oceanography, and Sweet's girlfriend, Patrica Rivera, will graduate with a master's in marine biology.
Receiving a meritorious service award posthumously is James Patrick Doogan, an elected delegate to the 1955 Alaska Constitutional Convention. Doogan died April 4 at the age of 82.
Note to Editors: Attached is a two-page
list of feature story ideas highlighting unique 1997 UAF graduates.
CONTACT: UAF Public Information Officer Debra Damron, (907) 474-7581.
DPD/5-5-97/97-079