‘It’s a calling’: 70 UAA students earn nursing degrees days before National Nurse Week
Seventy students earned their bachelor's nursing degrees from the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ this week as the country recognizes National Nurses Week.
College of Health News
Student Spotlight: Monica Roe - on exploring disability through research and children's literature
Monica Roe has built a remarkable career that bridges rural health care and children’s literature, drawing on her decade of experience as a physical therapist in remote Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. Now completing her Master of Public Health at UAA, she explores disability, community resilience, and access through both research and storytelling. Her journey highlights the power of curiosity, mentorship, and embracing unexpected opportunities.
COH graduate student commencement speaker Stacy Brunquist: Special delivery
As a neonatal nurse practitioner at Providence Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Children’s Hospital and adjunct faculty member for the UAA School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice alumna and graduate student hooding ceremony speaker for the fall Class of 2025 Stacy Brunquist weaves education into everything she does — training new caregivers, guiding parents learning to care for their newborns, and sharing knowledge with professionals from UtqiaÄ¡vik to Sitka.
COH student commencement speaker Maisha Chowdhury: "Believe in yourself and show up"
Health sciences major and psychology minor Maisha Chowdhury describes choosing to attend UAA as the best decision of her life (so far) and for making her the person she is today. The fall 2025 undergraduate commencement speaker hopes her own journey inspires others to take risks and follow their passion.
Student Spotlight: Wendy DeGraffenried – on following your passion and practicing self care
Master of Nursing Education and Leadership student Wendy DeGraffenried reflects on her educational and professional journey. As a school nurse and adjunct instructor, Wendy found her passion in mentoring other nursing professionals – something that she hopes to carry forward with her as she starts a new chapter.
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