Born and raised in Soldotna, Rachel Nill has a deep appreciation for the Anchorage
area, which influenced her decision to continue her education at UAA. After graduating
with a Bachelor of Arts in History from UAA in Spring 2024, she chose to pursue an
Interdisciplinary degree, focusing on Anthropology, History, and Project Management.
Rachel's experience highlights both the program's flexibility and the challenges of
its self-directed nature, particularly the transition to graduate-level coursework.
She is also a part of UAA's chapter of the McNair Scholars Program.
Graduate School Newsletter Spring 2025
Spring 2025 Issue
Dear UAA Community,
I am pleased to share the latest edition of our Graduate School Newsletter. As the Spring 2025 semester draws to a close, we want to inform you of key events: the Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony on Saturday, May 3rd, at 2:00pm at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium, and Spring Commencement on Sunday, May 4th, at 1:00pm at the 麻豆无码版 Airlines Center. These events are an opportunity to honor the remarkable journeys of our graduates and share in their triumph with loved ones and supporters. If you haven鈥檛 already made arrangements and wish to participate, we strongly encourage you to do so soon, keeping the Friday, April 25, 2025 RSVP deadline in mind! More information can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.
We are also excited to announce that the graduate student speaker for the Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony is Piper Yuknis Jones, who will be graduating with a master鈥檚 in Educational Leadership. Her story, 鈥淟oving the lightbulb moments,鈥� is linked below in the Graduate Education in Green & Gold News section. This newsletter also shines a spotlight on the innovative work of current graduate students. You'll find featured Q&As with two exceptional interdisciplinary students, Rachel Nill and Sam Krakower, whose unique academic journeys exemplify the incredible opportunities available at UAA.
We are committed to supporting all our graduate students in their academic pursuits. We invite you to explore the newsletter and discover the many ways the Graduate School can assist you in achieving your educational goals. As always, feel free to reach out to us at 907-786-1098 or uaa_graduateschool@alaska.edu, no matter what stage you are in your academic journey.
Dean Mary Jo Finney
Graduate School Spotlight
In this edition, we shine a light on two interdisciplinary students pursuing master鈥檚 degrees in the Graduate School, and their stories offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities of graduate-level interdisciplinary study. Meet Rachel Nill and Sam Krakower, whose academic pursuits are as unique as they are impactful. Their chosen paths illustrate the breadth of inquiry fostered within our interdisciplinary programs.
Rachel Nill, Interdisciplinary Studies - Museum Curation/Public History
Sam Krakower, Interdisciplinary Studies - Arctic Security
Sam Krakower, a Coast Guard member based in Anchorage and originally from New Jersey, is pursuing a unique interdisciplinary graduate degree focused on Arctic Security. Recognizing the Coast Guard's need for expertise in this area, his studies integrate policy, environment, military strategy, geography, and politics to provide a holistic view of the Arctic. He emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary approaches for those seeking to explore unconventional academic paths.
Important Events
Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony | Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 2pm - 3:30pm |
The Hooding Ceremony is a formal acknowledgment of master's and doctoral degree students' years of devoted study and academic achievement. Candidates will be officially hooded at this ceremony and can proudly wear their hoods, receive their diploma covers, and have their degrees conferred at UAA's Commencement on Sunday, May 4. If you plan to attend, please read through the How to Participate section for full details and view our . An RSVP is required for all participating master's and doctoral degree candidates. The RSVP link on the main Commencement webpage accepts RSVPs for both the Hooding and Commencement ceremonies. The deadline to RSVP is April 25. Guest tickets are not required for this event. The Hooding Ceremony will be streamed on Facebook Live and the link will be shared on this page. A Facebook login is not required to view the event. More information can be found on the Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony page.
Spring Commencement | Sunday, May 4, 2025 | 1pm - 3:30pm |
Congratulations, Class of 2025! We are proud of you and honored to have been a part of your journey. An RSVP is required for all participating graduates. Graduates can currently claim up to six guest tickets when they RSVP. Graduates must claim all of their desired tickets when they RSVP as they will not be able to re-enter the system. Graduate RSVPs and the number of guest tickets claimed are closely tracked. If additional options become available for guests, we will communicate that information to graduates as soon as possible. For more information about the ceremony, please read our How to Participate section. The deadline to RSVP is April 25.
See more events on the UAA Calendar and in Green & Gold News. Find locations on our Campus Map.
Graduate Education in Green & Gold News
Loving the lightbulb moments by Matt Jardin | April 21, 2025
2024-25 Alumni of Distinction honored during annual celebration by Matt Jardin | March 19, 2025
Eight UAA alumni named Top Forty Under 40 in 2025 by Matt Jardin | March 10, 2025
Ice Seals of the Bering Sea by Keenan James Britt | January 21, 2025
Get in Touch With Us
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3800 Alumni Drive Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-1098
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UAA Graduate School
3211 Providence Drive, ADM 214
Anchorage, AK 99508