Annual Native Graduation Celebration • Sunday, May 3
We captured moments from this year’s Native Graduation Celebration in these videos, including the recognition of our honorary doctorates, Aanyáanáx Ray Wilson and L’eiwtú Éesh Herman Davis, their remarks, and the bestowing of gifts to our graduates. It was an incredible day.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and helped make it so special.
Yakʼéi x̱áawé! — Congratulations!
Annual Native Graduation Celebration • Sunday, May 3
This year’s Native Graduation Celebration honored our graduates and recognized our honorary doctorates in a meaningful gathering of community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all who worked behind the scenes to make the celebration possible.
To our 2026 graduates:
As the chancellor of the University of Alaska Southeast, it is my honor and pleasure to offer my congratulations to you on your graduation!
Commencement is the culmination of your hard work, your dedication, your persistence, and your belief in yourself. Because of your commitment to your education and your ability to persevere in the face of the many challenges you have faced, you have succeeded!
This is an important occasion, not only for you but also for your loved ones. Take a moment to recognize and thank those who have supported you along the way.
Finally, as you step into the future, remember that you will always have a home here at UAS! As one of our alumni, we are here to support you as you head into your next adventure and we will always welcome you if you choose to return and build upon your success. Thank you for choosing UAS and congratulations once again!
Congratulations!
Chancellor Aparna Dileep-Nageswaran Palmer, PhD
Juneau Commencement • Sunday, May 3
The walk across the stage.
The quick look out into the crowd.
A whole community behind you.
A day you don’t really forget. We’ll be posting from this day for a while. 💙🐳✨
(Pre-) Juneau Commencement • Sunday, May 3
Before the stage. 🎓
A few moments from today’s pre-commencement photos.
Follow along in our Stories for more from today’s ceremony.
We are looking forward to this weekend's celebrations of student success and achievement. 🎓🎉🐳💙
View uas.alaska.edu/registrar/graduation/index.html for information about the Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan ceremonies.
UAS Juneau Commencement
🎓 Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 PM at Centennial Hall
🎤 Student speaker: Samuel Marquardt
🔗 Watch on YouTube: https://loom.ly/TUiMznQ
Introducing the 2026 Juneau Commencement Student Speaker Samuel Marquardt
Samuel Marquardt, Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, with a minor in Chemistry
⭐ Throughout his time at UAS, Samuel has served as the Student Government President and as a member of the Coalition of Student Leaders. He is an active-duty Coast Guard member through the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative and will attend Officer Candidate School following graduation. In his personal life, Samuel enjoys hiking and exploring the Alaskan outdoors. He is supported by his loving parents, grandparents, six siblings, and local church community.
Join the celebration!
🎓 Sunday, May 3 at 2 PM
📍 Centennial Hall Convention Center
💻 Watch live on the UAS YouTube channel: youtube.com/uasoutheast
🎓 It's commencement week! 🎓
We are looking forward to celebrating our 2026 graduates this weekend with ceremonies in Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Congratulations, 2026 graduates! 🎉🐳💙
🎓 Sitka Commencement: Friday, May 1 at 7:00 PM at Centennial Hall
🎓 Ketchikan Commencement: Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 PM at the Ted Ferry Civic Center
🎓 Annual Native Graduation Celebration: Sunday, May 3 at 11:00 AM at the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.
🎓 Juneau Commencement: Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 PM at Centennial Hall.
*****
JUNEAU COMMENCEMENT DETAILS
GRADUATES: Please arrive at Centennial Hall by 1:00 PM to receive instructions for line-up and seating.
Please check-in at the counter for your reader cards and honor cords (if you are graduating with honors). The ceremony will begin precisely at 2:00 PM.
PARKING: Parking will be available at Centennial Hall.
GUEST SEATING: Family and friend seating will be in the ballroom.
LIVE-STREAMING: This event will be live-streamed on the UAS YouTube Channel: youtube.com/uasoutheast
PHOTOS: There is an official photographer taking photos of graduates as they cross the stage. Before and after the ceremony, there is a second photographer taking candid-style photos of graduates and their friends and families. There is also a UAS photo backdrop for selfies/additional photos in the lobby or outside, weather permitting.
UAS GEAR: Looking to buy a gift for your UAS Grad? Check out the branded apparel and more at the Online UAS Gear Shop: https://loom.ly/1KhZjyA.
NOTE: Accommodations can be provided upon request for students and guests with disabilities. If you or your guest needs a disability-related accommodation please contact UAS Disability Services in advance of the event by phone: 907-796-6450 or email: [email protected].
UAS Honors Saralyn Tabachnick at 2026 Commencement Ceremony
At the Juneau Commencement ceremony, we will celebrate Saralyn Tabachnick as she receives the Meritorious Service Award from the University of Alaska Southeast. The Meritorious Service Award recognizes a community member who has demonstrated significant public, academic, volunteer, philanthropic, cultural or artistic service to the university or to an Alaskan community.
Saralyn Tabachnick has been a transformative leader in Alaska's efforts to effectively address domestic violence and sexual assault, driving innovative service delivery, advocating for policy development, and mentoring those around her. In her 38 years working at AWARE, a survivor-support services, education and advocacy organization, Tabachnick held various roles from trauma counselor to executive director. She oversaw the development of the Kaasei Satu' plaza, healing koote’eyaa (totem pole) and screen, established the Kaasei transitional housing for survivors, and developed a comprehensive approach to addressing the full spectrum of violence prevention. Tabachnick has chaired the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and continues to be involved with several nonprofit organizations.
Join the celebration!
🎓 Sunday, May 3 at 2 PM
📍Centennial Hall Convention Center
💻 Watch live on the UAS YouTube channel: youtube.com/uasoutheast
