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Honorary Degrees & Meritorious Service Awards

UAS Honorary Degree & Meritorious Service Awards

The selection committee meets twice per year, once in the fall, typically during Faculty Convocation, and a second time in the spring, usually in April, prior to Commencement.

Recipients are chosen for several years in advance, and nominations may be considered for upcoming years' awards.

President and Board of Regents Review and Approval

For both Honorary Degrees and Meritorious Service Awards, the UA President reviews and decides whether to forward on to the Board of Regents, who will review the nomination packet at the Fall meeting of the BOR, in order for consideration for awards to be conferred during the current academic year (MS), or upcoming Spring Commencement ceremony (HD).

See full Regents’ Policy & Regulation

Nomination Process for both Honorary Degrees and Meritorious Service Awards

Please see criteria for each type below. Nomination letters should include:

  • Name of Nominee
  • Reasoning and support for why the person should be considered for this honor
  • Complete contact information for the Nominator

Send Nomination Letters to:

UAS Honorary Degree Committee
Chancellor’s Office
11066 Auke Lake Way
Juneau, AK 99801

or by email uas.chancellor@alaska.edu.

Honorary Degree Criteria

The criterion for individuals to receive an honorary degree from the University of Alaska is evidence of a significant and lasting contribution to the university, to the State of Alaska, or to the individual’s discipline or profession

Nominating Procedure

Nominations for honorary degrees may be made by members of the Board of Regents, campus advisory councils, members of the university community, or citizens of the state. UAS will acknowledge the receipt of such nominations to the nominator. The nominator may request to appear before the committee to speak to the nomination.

Campus Procedure

The chancellors of each MAU will establish a faculty committee and a procedure for nominating individuals for honorary degrees that provides for an open process for suggesting prospective nominees, and respect for a prospective nominee’s privacy. Each year the chancellors may forward the nominee’s names and supporting information to the president. No current regent or current university employee may be a prospective nominee.

Meritorious Service Criteria

The criterion for individuals to receive a meritorious service award from an MAU is evidence of significant public, academic, volunteer, philanthropic, cultural or artistic service to the MAU or one of its community campuses, or to an Alaska community.

Nomination Procedure

Nominations for meritorious service award candidates may be made by members of the Board of Regents, campus advisory councils, members of the university community, or citizens of the state. The MAU will acknowledge the receipt of such nominations to the nominator. The nominator may request to appear before the committee to speak to the nomination.

Campus Procedure

The chancellors of each MAU will establish a meritorious service award committee and a separate procedure for nominating individuals for meritorious service awards that provides for an open process for suggesting prospective nominees and respect for a prospective nominee’s privacy. No current regent may be a prospective nominee. Each year each chancellor may nominate individuals to receive a meritorious service award and forward the names and supporting information to the president.

University of Alaska Southeast Honorary Degree & Meritorious Service Committee Charge

UA Board of Regents policy (P10.03.020) states that honorary degrees may be conferred upon approval of the Board and, similarly, meritorious service awards may also be conferred (P10.03.030). Board policy and university regulations outline the process for nominating, reviewing, and approving nominees, including criteria, campus procedure, President’s review, and conferral by the Board.

Board criteria for an honorary degree includes “evidence of a significant and lasting contribution to the university, to the State of Alaska, or to the individual’s discipline or profession” (P10.03.020A). Criteria for a meritorious service award includes “evidence of significant public, academic, volunteer or philanthropic service to the MAU or one of its community campuses, or to an Alaska community” (P10.03.030A).

Board policy prescribes a procedure to be followed at each university for nominating suitable recipients. At UAS, a decision was made some years ago to have a single Honorary Degree and Meritorious Service Committee appointed by the Chancellor. Historically, the committee has had strong faculty representation (both current and emeritus) plus representation from UAS’ three campus advisory councils.

Consistent with Board policy and university regulation, the charge to this Committee is to provide an open process for suggesting prospective nominees, to gather relevant information about those nominees, and to make a timely recommendation to the Chancellor about suitable recipients. The Chancellor then reviews these recommendations and forwards the name and supporting information of approved nominees to the President. Throughout this process, due consideration must be given to respecting the privacy of nominees. Nominations for honorary degrees or meritorious service awards may be made by members of the Board of Regents, campus advisory councils, members of the university community, or citizens of the state (R10.03.020 and R10.03.030).

The UAS Committee is expected to meet at least twice annually and to forward well-considered recommendations to the Chancellor in a timely way for subsequent reviews and approval. The Chancellor’s special assistant serves in support of the Committee’s work and, in concert with the Committee chair, keeps the broader university community informed about avenues and timelines for suggesting prospective nominees.

Charge issued from Chancellor Rick Caulfield

Entered in Minutes: October 11, 2016

YearNameBiographical InformationDegree Awarded
2023Anna Ehlers

Anna Ehlers has made significant contributions toward the landscape of traditional arts and culture of Southeast Alaska and far beyond. Anna is rooted in the traditional Tlingit art of Chilkat weaving mastery that goes far deeper than the highly technical weft and weave of mountain goat hair and cedar into exquisite clan regalia. Her expertise includes gathering and processing of traditional materials, a deep understanding of the complex social structure of Tlingit people represented by the technical and nuanced Tlingit art formline and knowledge of clan histories captured by the classic rules of design. Her work honors the dignity of Tlingit identity, status, and belonging. Anna Ehlers mastery of Chilkat weaving is both classic and timeless, representing one of the exquisite foundational roots of Northwest Coast Art. This award honors Anna Ehlers for her high caliber of artistic and cultural finesse, and representation of the vital role Indigenous women play in anchoring culture and traditions through art, textiles, and traditions in the past, present day, and for future generations. Her expertise in this tradition has garnered attention from the artist community, nationally and internationally and secured recognition through the National Endowment for the Arts, Rasmuson Foundation, and museums.

D. Fine Arts
2022Beth Kerttula

Beth Kerttula earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of, after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Stanford University. Beth returned to Alaska as a young lawyer, beginning as a law clerk in the Alaska Court System. She was a public defender, counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and served eight years as an Assistant Attorney General in the Alaska Department of Law specializing in natural resource issues, including oil and gas.   Beth eventually followed in her father’s footsteps and successfully ran for political office, representing Juneau in the Alaska House of Representatives from 1998 to 2014. She was House Minority Leader from 2007 to 2014. Beth left her legislative seat to accept a position at Stanford University as a Visiting Fellow with the Center for Ocean Solutions. A few months later she was appointed by the Obama Administration to run the newly created National Ocean Council Office, representing 27 federal agencies, state and tribal governments, as well as a host of other stakeholders. Again, she was known for her ability to work with diverse parties.  In her time with the National Ocean Council, Beth implemented the National Ocean Plan and coordinated the nation’s first two regional marine plans (New England and Mid-Atlantic). As the National Ocean Council Director, she was presented with a U.S. Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest recognition the Commandant may bestow on a civilian.  She was also given the Office of Science and Technology Policy Director’s Award for Excellence for helping coordinate the first visit to the Arctic by a sitting U.S. president. In addition, Beth has been a Council of State Governments Toll Fellow, a Roosevelt Fellow, and a Center for Women’s Policy Studies Foreign Institute Fellow. Pieces of her work with the Department of Law and the Alaska Legislature are renowned, including Alaska’s cruise ship pollution legislation. She has been president of the Alaska Bar Association, and chair of the Legal Council of the Coastal States Organization. Beth is a member of the Alaska Native Sisterhood (Camp 2), and the Fil-Am and Filipino Communities of Juneau.

D. Laws
2022David Kiffer

David Kiffer is a community leader in Ketchikan and an important figure in the arts and letters of Southeast Alaska.  He has worn many hats in his lifetime including journalist, regional historian, teacher, poet, musician, and mayor. He is currently executive director of Historic Ketchikan, a non-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation and sustainable historic tourism in Southeast Alaska. A noted columnist for local newspapers and websites, he has written hundreds of articles on regional history, exploring a David Kiffer is a community leader in Ketchikan and an important figure in the arts and letters of Southeast Alaska. He has worn many hats in his lifetime including journalist, regional historian, teacher, poet, musician, and mayor. He is currently the education coordinator at the Ketchikan Correctional Center and previously was the long-time executive director of Historic Ketchikan, a non-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation and sustainable historic tourism in Southeast Alaska. A noted columnist for local newspapers and websites, he has written hundreds of articles on regional history, exploring a wide range of topics and providing unparalleled documentation of many forgotten aspects of our history. He has written and published hundreds of poems. Mr. Kiffer is a leading figure on Ketchikan’s music scene and leads his own popular jazz band as well performing with numerous other groups in the area. He also taught private woodwind lessons to Ketchikan youth and adults for more than 20 years. He has been an adjunct professor at UAS-Ketchikan for 25 years, most recently teaching a very successful course in music appreciation for UAS.  He is the Mayor of City of Ketchikan and has served on the City Council for the past eight years. He previously served as Mayor of Ketchikan Gateway Borough and as a member of the borough assembly. He has served statewide on the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska Center for the Book and on the executive boards of the Alaska Municipal League and the Alaska Conference of Mayors.wide range of topics and providing unparalleled documentation of many forgotten aspects of our history. He has written and published hundreds of poems. Mr. Kiffer is a leading figure on Ketchikan’s music scene and leads his own popular jazz band. He has also served as Mayor of Ketchikan Gateway Borough, as a member of the borough assembly, and on the city historic preservation committee.

D. Humane Letters
2021Pauline DuncanPauline Duncan is greatly respected as a teacher and culture bearer. She created an invaluable legacy of teaching materials that merge Tlingit culture and language with Alaska educational standards. Ms. Duncan’s achievements reflect her dedication to the exchange of cultural knowledge and her considerable talent and expertise in the field of elementary education. An accomplished classroom teacher, her experience spans over 30 years at all levels from pre-kindergarten to high school. She retired from the Sitka School District in 2005.   Before the mid-nineties, culturally relevant classroom materials for young children were not available to her did not exist, and Pauline took it upon herself to create them. The result of this work is found in beautiful books and posters which have become a cornerstone resource for schools meeting the Alaska Cultural Standards for Students. They are widely used in schools throughout Tlingit traditional homelands.  Her book Raven Stories, part of the "Baby Raven Reads” series, was recognized as groundbreaking work by the National Library of Congress Literacy Awards Best Practice as an Honoree, one of only 15 programs in the world to receive the honor in 2017. The series is a foundation for community early childhood events that targets early learning and literacy strategies.D. Education
2020Clark Gruening

Clark Gruening is known throughout Alaska for his contributions to our state. Born in California, but raised in Juneau, Clark graduated from Juneau Douglas High School in 1961.  University of Oregon granted him a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1965, and he earned his Juris Doctor with honors from George Washington University in 1969.  Clark is the grandson of the well-known Ernest Gruening, who was the Alaska territorial governor from 1939 to 1953.  Clark served two terms in the House of Representatives for the Alaska Legislature.  During this time, he was key to the creation of the Alaska Permanent Fund.   There is a long list of his contributions to our state’s philanthropic and public service sectors, including many years of work with the Juneau Community Foundation, the Foraker Group, Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) and Outdoor Recreation Community Access (ORCA), among many other organizations. 

D. Laws
YearNameBiographical InformationDegree Awarded
2019Richard Carstensen

Dr. Richard Carstensen is a Southeast Alaska naturalist who has made the region's ecological systems and landscape evolution his primary field of research. He is the co-founder and senior naturalist for Discovery Southeast, an organization that promotes environmental education, research, and awareness. He is a renowned cartographer, researcher, and innovator. He pioneered the use of drone-assisted aerial photography to locate and catalog the Tongass National Forests's oldest and tallest trees, updating his previous work on the Landmark Tree Project, a science-based effort to map the old-growth evergreens of Southeast Alaska. Dr. Carstensen produced Tlingit Clan territory and other cultural maps made from his own GIS interpretations of local landscapes, linking knowledge of previous European contact to ancient Alaskan geological forms. 

D. Science
2018Kaayistaan Marie Olson

An Áak’w Kwáan Tlingit elder, Dr. Marie Olson – Kaayistaan (Tlingit) – has been a staunch supporter of the University of Alaska and has made significant and enduring educational cultural contributions to UAS, UAF, and the State of Alaska over the course of more than four decades. Over the course of a lifetime, Dr. Olson has experienced both the challenges and benefits of pursuing institutional education as an Alaska Native, ultimately earning two certificates, a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from UAS and continuing post-baccalaureate studies in multicultural education and Tlingit language studies at UAF. Most importantly, as a respected Tlingit Elder Marie Olson has in return become a Native educator within the University of Alaska system and has made multiple cultural and educational contributions to indigenous knowledge in Alaska, including the development of the nationally-acclaimed Guidelines for Respecting Cultural Knowledge (2010), and serving as an advisor on the Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative. At UAS, Marie Olson has been a tireless supporter in the establishment and continuing operational support of the Native and Rural Student Center. An “Elder in Residence” for the center, she serves as a consultant to staff and faculty and is an inspiring champion of Native students from across the state. Marie Olson has also made important educational, cultural, and community contributions in Alaska beyond the university. In 2005, she received an Honoring Alaska’s Indigenous Literature Award for providing the Tlingit names and usage of the plants included in Carol R. Biggs, Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants, Vols. I and II: Alaska, Canada & Pacific Northwest Rainforest (1999). She has held positions of leadership within the Alaska Native Sisterhood, her contributions documented in the Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives “Marie Olson Collection, 1968-2005.” Marie Olson also took a leading role in the production of the League of Women Voters’ DVD documentary, For the Right of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska (2012), about Elizabeth Peratrovich’s campaign to end discrimination in Alaska, which is frequently is broadcast on 360 North public television and is used by educators in public school classrooms across the state.  

D. Humane Letters
2018Bruce Botelho

Dr. Botelho had a distinguished and long career with the State of Alaska Department of Law, which included serving for nine years as Attorney General for the State, the longest of any AG, and as the only Attorney General since statehood to serve under two Governors from differing political parties. In addition, he served the longest term as Mayor of Juneau in the history of the city, from 1988-1991 and then again from 2003-2012. As leader or member of many important teams for the state of Alaska, he has positively and materially contributed to Alaska’s Well-being and progress.  Dr. Botelho has served on countless important teams for our State. One colleague noted, “Bruce’s remarkable tenure as Alaska Attorney General is a testament to his competence, but also reflects the recognition by many across the political spectrum that Bruce’s primary, consistent mission was to further the needs and well-being of the state and its citizens.” As Mayor of Juneau, he continued to have statewide and international influence, creating the Juneau Human Rights Commission, starting the Sister City program, and serving as President of the Alaska Conference of Mayors, and Director of the Alaska Municipal League.  Mr. Botelho advocates and sees through to fruition many UAS projects, including the Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center, the fisheries science programs at Lena Point, the John Pugh Residence Hall, and more. 

D. Laws
2017Lorrie Heagy

Dr. Heagy is the music teacher at Glacier Valley Elementary School where she works alongside teachers to provide arts integrated experiences to all students. Lorrie has twenty years of classroom experience and is honored to have represented Alaska’s teachers as the 2011 Alaska Teacher of the Year.  It was the support of the Juneau community that gave Lorrie the confidence to attend the New England Conservatory as a Sistema Fellow and return to create Juneau, Alaska Music Matters (JAMM), an El Sistema-inspired program that provides tuition-free string instruction to 600 students throughout the Juneau School District.  Lorrie provides teacher training in brain-based learning, student engagement and positive youth development throughout the United States and as part of the Master of Arts in Teaching program at UAS.  Lorrie holds three master’s degrees of education:  elementary, music and library education. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in instruction, learning, and innovation. Lorrie is honored to have been adopted into the Kiks.adi clan by the clan leader.

D. Education
2017Ruth Demmert

Dr. Demmert has been recognized regionally, statewide, and nationally for her contributions to indigenous Tlingit language knowledge and culture. Her letters of support included many Alaskan leaders and educators, including Lt. Governor Byron Mallott, Dr. Richard Dauenhauer, and Dr. Edward K. Thomas. Reflecting themes noted in all support letters is this statement by UAS professor X̱'unei Lance Twitchell: “Ruth Demmert is one of the few people in Tlingit country that unites in all directions. She is not political, but only seems to want perpetuation of knowledge, culture, language, and love for one another. She is a perfect example of what we need to become in order to improve ourselves as people, cultures, and a region. My hope is that she will be a recipient of the degree, and we can honor the knowledge and linguistic fortitude that she has instilled on a generation of language learners, teachers, and advocates. Her teachings and dance group leadership have changed the world for the better, and have pushed us to continue learning and achieving.” 

D. Education
2016Sandro LaneDr. Lane is known throughout Alaska for his diligent efforts to create sustainable and environmentally friendly processes in the fishing industry. He established Taku Fisheries and Smokeries, and is the co-owner of Trident Seafoods Corporation (one of the largest seafood companies in the world) and the Executive Director of Trident’s Nutritional Supplement Division. His years working in the industry led to his invention of proprietary processes used to extract the oil and proteins out of the fish, leaving significantly less waste. His work with Trident Seafoods is expanding these processes throughout the fishing industry in Alaska. He is honored for his lasting contributions to our city, state, and to the essential industry of fishing.D. Laws
2016Edward K. ThomasDr. Thomas, T’sa X’oo, is an accomplished Alaska Native leader who has made significant and enduring contributions to Southeast Alaska, to the entire state of Alaska, and to the nation in the fields of education, tribal government relations, business development, and civic organization. His most enduring commitment was his service as President of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska from 1984 to 2014. He received the lifetime honor of President Emeritus in 2007. As President of Tlingit and Haida Central Council, Dr. Thomas played a foundational role in establishing legally binding government-to-government compacts between Alaska Native tribes and the federal government.D. Laws
2015William "Bill" CorbusCorbus is a retired businessman and philanthropist in Juneau.  He also served as Commissioner of Revenue under Governor Frank Murkowski.D. Laws
2015Teri RofkarRofkar is an internationally and nationally recognized artist based in Sitka. She creates ground-breaking, superlative woven robes and baskets that honor and revitalize age-old Tlingit art forms.D. Fine Arts
2014David HunsakerHunsaker is a writer, novelist, screenwriter, actor, director, playwright, teacher, and musician committed to and involved with Alaska Native people.D. Humane Letters
2014Evon ZerbetzZerbetz is a Ketchikan-based local artist, photographer, and illustrator of children's books.D. Fine Arts
2013Charles M. NorthripNorthrip worked as a public media professional, and served as the Executive Director of the Juneau Economic Development Council.D. Laws
2013James C. BaichtalBaichtal worked as a forest geologist with the Tongass National Forest, and as a field researcher with fossil finds. He has been a popular speaker throughout communities of Southeast Alaska, displaying a remarkable talent for bridging the worlds of academia, government agencies, and the general public.D. Science
2012John Borbridge, Jr.Borbridge was honored for a lifetime of work on Alaska Native issues such as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA) and his support of subsistence users statewide, as well as his work with the Indian Health Service.D. Laws
2011Stephen M. ReeveReeve has made significant and lasting contributions to the fields of community planning and design, local government policy and management, and tourism development.  His promotion of cultural heritage tourism germane to architecture, urban design, and natural resource development has found expression both locally and statewide, as well as internationally. D. Laws
2011Annie R. CalkinsCalkins' work with literacy provided leadership, inspiration, and motivation through the Alaska State Writing Consortium for many district administrators and teachers to develop authentic and effective writing instruction for Alaska’s students.  More recently, she has had an extensive impact in programs for Alaska Natives, and in Arts in Education programs. D. Education
2010Tom CashenCashen served as Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development from 1995 to 1998. In 2004, the Tom Cashen Electrical Training Facility in Anchorage was named in his honor.D. Laws
YearNameBiographical InformationDegree Awarded
2009Herman Kitka Sr.Tlingit Elder Kitka was a Kaagwaantaan leader and the first president of the Shee Atika corporation board of directors.  A lifelong Sitka resident, Kitka was a leader in the Alaska Native Brotherhood, an activist for Alaska Native land rights, and a scholar of Tlingit culture, language & tradition.D. Humane Letters
2009Christa Bruce KotrcA nationally and internationally recognized educator, Bruce-Kotrc is honored for her exceptional commitment to the development of new teachers in Ketchikan and around the State. She has served UAS as a supervisor in the  Master of Arts in Teaching program, and as a mentor in the Preparing Indigenous Teachers & Administrators for Alaska Schools (PITAAS) program. Through the Alaska Reform in the Classroom through Technology Integration and Collaboration program, she supported many Alaskan teachers in their efforts to become proficient in the use of educational technology.D. Education
2009Laraine DerrFormer Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Revenue and graduate of the UAS MBA program, Ms. Derr has been a strong advocate for UAS and the Juneau community in her roles as adjunct instructor and Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration, and as a volunteer, including service on the UA Foundation Board of Trustees.  She has also chaired numerous fundraising campaigns for UAS including the Noyes Pavilion (the first privately funded building in the University of Alaska system), and the Auke Lake Trail. D. Laws
2009Marlene JohnsonJohnson's accomplishments include a significant and lasting contribution to Alaska Native Tribal corporations at all levels, the University of Alaska, numerous state and federal boards, commissions, agencies and foundations. She has demonstrated successful leadership in local, Southeast, statewide and federal issues.D. Laws
2008Dorik Mechau and Carolyn ServidMechau and Servid were recognized for their substantial accomplishments as Co-Directors of the Island Institute, honored for their work in bringing together faculty and students to celebrate relationships between writing and questions of social and ethical importance through the Sitka Symposium.D. Humane Letters
2008Ray TrollArtist, naturalist, author, and musician, Troll has distinguished himself in the field of fine arts, melding his profession, with collaborative cross-disciplinary scholarship in the sciences. Troll is the recipient of a slew of awards, from the Alaska Governor’s Award for Individual Artist to the Gold Medal for Distinction in Natural History Art.D. Fine Arts
2006R.T. "Skip" WallenInternationally distinguished artist specializing in stone lithographs and sculpture (including the whale sculpture in the courtyard of the Juneau Auke Lake campus), Wallen is also recognized for his important work in wildlife conservation in the State of Alaska and throughout the world.D. Arts
2005Linda RosenthalRosenthal is a violinist and retired professor of music at UAS. Known in Juneau as the founder and artistic director of the Juneau Jazz and Classics Festival, she is also a renowned violin soloist performing with chamber and orchestral groups throughout the State of Alaska. She is acclaimed internationally for her extensive commissioned works and tours throughout the US, China, India, Japan, and Europe.D. Humane Letters
2004Dr. Richard NelsonA generous volunteer and scholar, Nelson was recognized for his anthropological work among Native people in Alaska, and as a nationally acclaimed nature writer, focusing on the relationship of people to the natural world.D. Humane Letters
2004Erma LawrenceLawrence was honored for her lifelong contributions to the documenting and recording of Haida literature, language and oral histories. Her scholarship resulted in the archiving of Haida language texts and recordings, as well as writing and editing numerous Haida language books. Her work spanned many decades, validating and celebrating many individuals, ultimately touching people’s lives throughout our region and across the state.D. Humane Letters
2003H.A. "Red" BoucherA former mayor of Fairbanks, legislator and Lt. Governor for the State of Alaska, Boucher was recognized at the state and national levels as one of the pioneers of the information age, and celebrated as an authority on the subject of computer mediated communication.D. Letters
2002Jean RogersJuneau-based educator and author of children's books, Rogers has been awarded national honors from the American Library Association Journal and has been bestowed the Parent's Choice Award. Two of her books have been adapted into musicals, including "King Island Christmas."  In addition to extensive work with libraries and reading, she served the city and the state on the boards of KTOO, the Public Offices Commission, and the Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission. D. Humane Letters
2001Nora DauenhauerDauenhauer is internationally recognized for her fieldwork, transcription, translation, and explication of Tlingit oral literature. Named Humanist of the Year by the Alaska Humanities forum in 1980, she also received an Alaska Governor's Award for the Arts in 1989, and was the winner of the Before Columbus Foundation's American Book Award in 1991. She has served on the Alaska Historical Commission and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.D. Humanities
YearNameBiographical InformationDegree Awarded
1999Rie MunozAlaskan artistD. Arts
1996Ellen HaysHope Tlingit Historian; 1st woman member of AK Native BrotherhoodD. Laws
1995Katherine HurleyAsst. to Gov.'s Gruening and Egan; AK State Rep; 1st woman in AK to be nominated for Lt. Gov.D. Laws
1994Esther SheaInstructor and researcher on lifestyle of Tlingit peopleD. Laws
1994Phil HoldsworthAK Commissioner of Mines and Natural ResourcesD. Laws
1992Carl W. HeinmillerMagistrate, Alaska Native advocateD. Laws
1991Dale DeArmondDelcined Award - Southeast Alaskan ArtistD. Humane Letters
1991Robert DeArmondDeclined Award - Alaskan Journalist, HistorianD. Letters
1991Delores ChurchillHaida Basket and Blanket WeaverD. Humane Letters
1991Frank SeeHoonah BusinessmanD. Laws
1990Maynard MillerDir., Glaciological and Arctic Services InstituteD. Science
1990Mikhail GorbachevPresident Union of Soviet Socialist Republic; Nobel Peace Prize Winner 1990D. Humanities
YearNameBiographical InformationDegree Awarded
1989James J. KingWaterfowl Propagation and Bird Reh. CenterD. Science
1989Austin HammondLeader Chilkoot people of Haines; founder Cultural CampD. Humanities
1989Cliff TaroBusinessman; promoted Pacific Rim tradeD. Public Service
1988Nathan Paul JacksonChilkoot-Tlingit WoodcarverD. Humanities
1988Burke RileyAdmin to Gov. Gruening; Delegate, Const. ConventionD. Humanities
1987Dove KullSocial Worker; Helped establish Older Alaskans Comm.D. Humanities
1987Bob ArmstrongScientist and OrnithologistD. Science
1987Alexander BrindleFishermans and Businessman, Wards Cove Packing Co.D. Science
1986Dr. Henry AkiyamaCardiologist, established medic program in JuneauD. Humanities
1986Mildred BanfieldLegislator; Board of Regents Member 1976-83D. Public Admin
1985Joseph M. KahklenSoutheast Alaska EducatorD. Humanities
1985Joseph RudeJuneau physicianD. Humanities
1985William OverstreetMayor - Juneau; Far East. Rep. for International TradeD. Public Admin
1984Hugh Joseph WadeFirst Secretary of State - State of AlaskaD. Public Admin
1984Byron I. MallotPresident, Sealaska Corp.D. Humanities
1984Earnest J. HaugenAlaska State Legislator from PetersburgD. Public Admin
1983Jay HammondGovernor, State of AlaskaD. Humanities
1983James NolanSen. and Rep. from Wrangell; BOR member 1967-73D. Humanities
1982Frederick EastaughAttorney; Alaska Territory LegislatorD. Humanities
1982Robert BoocheverChief Justice, Alaska Supreme CourtD. Humanities
1981Lew M. Williams Jr.Journalist; owner Ketchikan Daily News; BOR memberD. Humanities
1981Mildred SparksTlingit artist; Leader of Alaska Native SisterhoodD. Humanities
1980Cyrus E. Peck Sr.Magistrate; member of Alaska Native BrotherhoodD. Humanities
1980Carol Beery DavisPoet LaureateD. Humanities
1980Trevor DavisPhotographerD. Humanities
YearNameBiographical InformationDegree Awarded
1979Alfred WidmarkTlingit leader; Alaska Legislator 1961-62D. Humanities
Since 1988
YearNameCampus
2022Dr. Elliot BruhlUAS - Sitka
2021Gordon JacksonUAS - Juneau
2021Elizabeth NelsonUAS - Ketchikan
2020Sharon GaiptmanUAS - Juneau
2020William Todd HuntUAS - Juneau
2019Burgess BauderUAS - Sitka
2019Alison BrowneUAS - Juneau
2019Kathy Kolkhorst RuddyUAS - Juneau
2019Cheryl SamuelUAS - Juneau
2019Sally SmithUAS - Juneau
2018Nancy DeCherneyUAS - Juneau
2018Len LauranceUAS - Ketchikan
2017Connie MunroUAS - Juneau
2016Peter FreerUAS - Juneau
2016Jeff BuddUAS - Sitka
2016Roy McPhersonUAS - Ketchikan
2015Jennifer Gomez-StricklerUAS - Juneau
2014No Recipients
2013Jan StraleyUAS - Sitka
2012No Recipients
2011No Recipients
2010Marguerite AugerUAS - Ketchikan
2010Jamie ParsonsUAS - Juneau
2009No Recipients
2008Katie Hope JensenUAS - Juneau
2008Aaron John ElmoreUAS - Juneau
2007Dean and Edna WilliamsUAS - Juneau
2006No Recipients
2005Robert C. JanesUAS - Juneau
2004Rosalee T. WalkerUAS - Juneau
2004Phyllis YetkaUAS - Ketchikan
2003No Recipients
2002No Recipients
2001No Recipients
2000Kenneth W. MossUAS - Juneau
1999No Recipients
1998Molly D. SmithUAS - Juneau
1997No Recipients
1996Oral FreemanUAS - Ketchikan
1996J. Ray RoadyUAS - Ketchikan
1995William C. ThomasUAS - Ketchikan
1995Isabella G. BradyUAS - Sitka
1995Erik EckholmUAS - Juneau
1995Agnes BellingerUAS - Juneau
1994Joe & Catherine AlterUAS - Juneau
1994Gil TruittUAS - Sitka
1993Ted FerryUAS - Ketchikan
1993Dora SweeneyUAS - Juneau
1993Cecelia KunzUAS - Juneau
1992Walter W. ShuhamUAS - Ketchikan
1991No Recipients
1990Lloyd HamesUAS - Sitka
1990Ladd MacaulayUAS - Juneau
1989Margaret BellUAS - Ketchikan
1988Erma MeadUAS - Ketchikan College