FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 1998

Fairbanks, Alaska -Forty-six students participating in the 16th Rural Alaska Honors Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will graduate in a formal cap and gown ceremony Friday, July 10 at 1 p.m. in room 201 of the Natural Sciences Facility on the UAF campus.

The ceremony for the popular academic bridging, college preparatory summer program will feature RAHI's first 1983 valedictorian, Inupiaq educator Sandra Erlich Kowalski of Kotzebue as guest speaker.

RAHI recruits primarily rural Alaska Native and other rural students with the goal of improving opportunities for college success through intensive academic preparation.

High school juniors and seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA are selected through an application process. They live together on the UAF campus and take six weeks of college courses each earning from seven to nine UAF credits.

The program emphasizes research writing and study skills, complimented with electives in mathematics, rural development, business administration or chemistry. Courses in swimming, Alaska Native dance and computers plus a supportive residence program round out the program offerings.

Program director Jim Kowalsky says the program attempts to balance a rigorous academic offering with a cultural emphasis. "We encourage our students to honor the diverse Native cultures of Alaska while they also pursue an academic bridge, a virtual launching to college," he said.

According to Kowalsky, many RAHI alumni are either pursuing college degrees or have entered the professional work force, while others are in graduate or medical schools. "We are proud of our students' achievements and of the commitment UAF has made to encouraging their success," he said.

The ceremony and a reception that follows are open to the public.

RAHI '98 STUDENTS

1. Alicia Active Togiak

2. Cassandra Amouak Boyd Palmer

3. Ishmael Andrew Kwigillingok

4. Israel Archuletta Willow

5. Tatiana Askoak Newhalen

6. Mique'l Askren Metlakatla

7. Percy Avugiak Chefornak

8. Cindy Baldwin McGrath

9. Shaun Bond Yakutat

10. Mariah Bowen Tanana

11. Eva Burk Nenana

12. Kathleen "Katie" Busch Nome

13. Rachel Chamberlain Napakiak

14. Roberta Charles Emmonak

15. Skye-Michael Chayalkun Chevak

16. Rainy Diehl Aniak

17. April Douglas Ambler

18. MaryAlyce Edwardsen Barrow

19. Brice Eningowuk Shishmaref

20. Rochelle "Roz" Ferry Unalakleet

21. Rebecca Frenzl Delta Junction

22. Iris George St. Marys

23. Nadia Gumlickpuk New Stuyahok

24. Dawson Hoover Kasigluk

25. Frances Hugo Anaktuvuk Pass

26. Donald Isaacson Togiak

27. Samantha Jackson Kwethluk

28. Michael James Gambell

39. Vanessa Joseph Fairbanks

30. Alison Kassel Kasigluk

31. Amber Latham Akiachak

32. Angela McCormick Kodiak

33. Eric Olson Hooper Bay

34. Richalene Paul Kipnuk

35. Dora Ann Phillip Akiak

36. Sara Rearden Bethel

37. Kimberly Saunders Kaltag

38. Mandy Seville Nanwalek

39. Mamie Tinker Hooper Bay

40. Angelique Ulroan Chevak

41. Ava Vent Huslia

42. David Voisine Kotlik

43. Matthew Voisine Kotlik

44. Genevieve Wing Trapper Creek

45. Randall Yates Ketchikan

46. Monica Zacharof St. Paul Island

CONTACT: : RAHI Program Director Jim Kowalsky 1-(800) 478-6886 or

(907) 474-6886, or by Email: fyrahi@uaf.edu. For more information also see: <http:/www.uaf.edu/rahi/>

DPD/6-29-98/98-075