UAS Alumni & Friends Board of Directors
MISSION STATEMENT
UASAA is an open membership organization whose purpose is to serve as a vital connection between the alumni and the university. The UASAA communicates and advocates the goals and programs of UAS, and fosters a continuous sense of community by establishing relationships and networking among alumni.
Venietia Santana
Venietia Santana grew up in Watertown, Connecticut, and received her bachelor of liberal arts degree in communications from UAS. She currently works as an employment security specialist with the State of Alaska Division of Public Assistance and in customer service at T.K. Maguires/Prospector Hotel.
Santana has over 15 years of customer service experience, and was involved with the UAS student government as a member and as vice president. She believes her education plays a major role in her daily activities.
"Many speech and English classes have taught me how to work with individuals and large groups and also how to get my point across effectively," Santana said. "A college education is not just about the classes an individual takes, it is about the extra curricular activities that really helped me to learn how to interact with people and increase my communication skills."
Santana would advise new and continuing UAS students to network in order to get involved in exciting projects in and out of school. She says students should be willing to work outside of the parameters of their chosen field. Santana recalls that working with UAS instructor Susan Koester was key in preparing her for her current career.
"I have taken many of Sue's classes and she has taught me how to stand tall and present myself with compassion and reserve," Santana said. "Also working with Tish Griffin, head of activities and housing; Tish is a great people person and she gets the job done with class, no matter how big or small."
