Alda, Nelson-Karikomi honored with UAF student awards

April 26, 2021

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has selected Ray Alda and Sheri Monica Nelson-Karikomi as its top student award winners for 2021.

Alda receives the Marion Frances Boswell Award, which recognizes an outstanding bachelor’s degree candidate. Nelson-Karikomi receives the Gray S. Tilly Memorial Award, which recognizes an outstanding nontraditional graduating student.

Alda, who is from Anchorage, is graduating with a biology degree with a concentration in biomedical sciences. She was also selected to be the student speaker at the 2021 UAF commencement ceremonies.

Nominators praised Alda, a student ambassador, teaching assistant and an employee at the UAF Office of Admissions, for her enthusiasm, infectious energy and engagement. Her leadership includes everything from participation in the Honors College to founding the Nanooks Crafting Club.

Alda arrived at UAF with plans to become a nurse, but shifted her goal after taking a fascinating course in human anatomy and physiology. She hopes to work in a medical laboratory after concluding her academic career.

“Ray has spoken at several recruitment and scholarly events to share the story of her academic journey, and at all of these appearances she inspires other students to stay focused and strong, to find the balance in life between academics and extracurricular activities, and to know that they have a home at UAF,” wrote Robert Wighs, the UAF enrollment coordinator, in his nomination letter.

Nelson-Karikomi took a long journey to her degree in anthropology, which included raising two children to adulthood, frequent moves as a former military spouse, and overcoming significant financial challenges during her studies.

Growing up in California with Mexican-Japanese heritage, Nelson-Karikomi learned English as her third language. Her varied background, which includes work at the Alaska Native Language Archives, artistic pursuits and volunteerism at a local teen homeless shelter, help make her an outstanding mentor and student, nominators said.

“She has a unique capacity for making people feel appreciated and valid,” wrote Sveta Yamin-Pasternak, a term assistant professor in the Department of Anthopology, in her nomination letter. “As a result of her attentive listening and gentle guidance, they become more comfortable in asking for help, speaking up, and opening themselves to creative pursuits they were otherwise too timid to consider possible.”

Alda and Nelson-Karikomi will be among those recognized at UAF’s 2021 honoree recognition ceremony on April 30.

UAF's commencement activities will include an in-person ceremony and car parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 1, as well as a virtual ceremony at 4 p.m. More information is available at www.uaf.edu/commence/.