Name: Alex Bogolepov
High school graduated from: Lyceum #46, Russia         
Year of high school graduation: 2002
Hometown: Vyborg, Russia
Academic Program at UAS: Art
Class standing at UAS: Alumni

How do you think UAS is preparing you for your future?

My 4.5 years at UAS were marked by self-discovery and immense progress as an artist, thinker, and a self-aware individual. I broadened my knowledge of Earth, humanity, and my own role in it. I also gained a strong sense of determination and self-confidence, which makes any challenges of my future life seem easy.

Do you know what you might be thinking of for a career after college?

Media and communication arts, photography, graphic design. Anything that can help spread progressive ideas and effect social change.

Do you have a favorite class or professor?

Without hesitation, Media Studies class with Jason Ohler. We live in such an information-saturated world, that Media Studies should be a required class. I gained crucial knowledge about how to process and deconstruct floods of information that we are constantly bombarded with.

WHY UAS?

It’s the perfect place to discover your true self. On one hand, you have access to all human knowledge and can partake in global education opportunities. On the other, it’s very easy to get away from everything and spend some time in solitude, pondering the mountains and glaciers.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself at UAS?

That the only limits are the ones we set up for ourselves.

What surprised you the most when you arrived at UAS?

My teachers were actually interested in my opinions and demanded critical thinking from me. Simply reciting memorized information was not enough.

What was the most fun you've had at any campus event?

Polar Bear Plunge, no doubt. It rocks every time. And the colder, the better!

What is the best thing about life at UAS?

ILL - Inter Library Loan. It's a blessing.

If you could choose three words that signify UAS, what would they be?

Inspiring, Open-minded, Wild