<\/a>University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor Karen Karey congratulates graduates at the 2023 commencement ceremony held Sunday afternoon. Karey will retire from her role at the end of July. (Clarise Larson \/ Juneau Empire)<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Áakʼw Ḵwáan Elder Fran Houston gave the traditional welcome and spoke to the graduates directly.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“I want to say congratulations to each and every one of you beautiful, beautiful people,” Houston said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/a>Elizabeth Autumn Dawn Ferguson switches her tassel alongside other students to signify their status as graduates at the commencement ceremony for University of Alaska Southeast Sunday afternoon. (Clarise Larson \/ Juneau Empire)<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/a>Gáanax Sháa Gloria Eyon walks down the aisle as faculty and family cheer after the 2023 University of Alaska Southeast commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon. Eyon graduated with an Associates of Arts in Northwest Coast Indigenous Arts. (Clarise Larson \/ Juneau Empire)<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Karey also gave a short speech congratulating the group before presenting Chilkat weaver Anna Brown Ehlers with an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, an honor bestowed to people in the community who exemplify a significant and lasting contribution to the university, to the state of Alaska or to the individual’s discipline or profession.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Karey said Ehlers has played a vital role in anchoring Indigenous cultural traditions of art and textiles for both the present day and for future generations.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/a>Chilkat weaver Anna Brown Ehlers (left) gives a speech at the 2023 University of Alaska Southeast commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon as Chancellor Karen Karey (right) holds Ehler’s honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts she was bestowed during the event. (Clarise Larson \/ Juneau Empire)<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Student speaker Kali Spencer, who received her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, spoke about how graduation feels like her first time jumping into the shockingly cold waters of Auke Lake as a freshman. She spoke about the close bonds and fond memories that came from that experience, even though it seemed daunting at the time.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/a>Student speaker Kali Spencer, who received her Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, shares memories and advice to fellow graduates at the 2023 University of Alaska Southeast commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon. (Clarise Larson \/ Juneau Empire)<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
“While things may change after today we will have these memories, and while it may seem like something small at the moment, looking back on it I know all these small things are what going to mean the most to me moving forward,” she said. “So that’s what I’m going to do tonight, I’m going to jump in a lake. I might cry, I might laugh, I might be worried about what’s going to happen next — but I’m going to jump. Because I know if I don’t jump, if I don’t take that leap, I’ll never know what’s waiting for me below the surface.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
In closing, UA President Pat Pitney said she is excited to see what the students do moving forward, and what their impact in Alaska or anywhere else in the world will be.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“No matter where the future takes you, you are well prepared to have a positive impact on your family, on your community and in our state,” she said. “Alaska is better off today because of your dedication, tenacity and commitment.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/a>University of Alaska President Pat Pitney congratulates University of Alaska Southeast graduates at the 2023 commencement ceremony held Sunday afternoon. (Clarise Larson \/ Juneau Empire)<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Before the commencement ceremony, the university also hosted its Annual Native Graduation Celebration at the Egan Library where Indigenous graduating students were invited along with their families to celebrate their accomplishments.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
This year, 75 Indigenous students graduated from the UAS campuses combined. The event included a traditional performance by a Southeast Alaska dance group, special gifts and speeches given by Alaska Native leaders and professors at the university.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t