Graduates, families, friends celebrate at 2011 commencement
May 16, 2011
907-474-7902
5/16/11
Watch the archived webcast
Thousands of people filled the Carlson Center on Sunday as the University of Alaska Fairbanks celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2011.
More than 1,100 students earned nearly 1,200 degrees, certificates and endorsements during the past year. Sunday's event was UAF's 89th commencement ceremony. The first commencement took place in 1923, when John Sexton Shanly received a bachelor's degree in agriculture.
During the ceremony, the university also recognized 16 retiring faculty members with emeritus status and awarded three honorary doctoral degrees. New emeriti are: Douglas Kane, professor of civil engineering; Robert Arundale, professor of communication; F. Stuart “Terry” Chapin, distinguished professor of biology; Kenneson Dean, research professor of remote sensing; Thomas Clausen, professor of chemistry; John Fox, associate professor of land resources management; Carol Gold, professor of history; Marjorie Illingworth, associate professor of developmental studies; John Lehman, professor of business administration; Kristine Long, professor of Extension; David Porter, professor of business administration; William Schneider, professor of library science; Richard Seifert, professor of engineering Extension; Davis Sentman, professor of physics; Roger Smith, director and professor of physics; Brenton Watkins, professor of physics.
Athabascan elder Katie John, health and social services leader Banarsi Lal; and oceanographer, meteorologist and Navy Rear Adm. David Titley were awarded honorary doctorates.
Titley also gave the ceremony's keynote address. Download his speech here.
Following is a short slideshow by UAF photographer Todd Paris with snapshots from the day's festivities. Get more information about UAF's 2011 commencement, including a list of graduates and more multimedia content at www.uaf.edu/commencement.