Kuskokwim Campus Students of the Year
April 21, 2021
The UAF Kuskokwim Campus is pleased to announce its Student of the Year Awards.
The Full-time Student of the Year Award was presented to Amber Ac’urunaq Evan from Kongiganak, Alaska. Evan is completing her associate of arts degree in April. After graduation, she plans to continue her higher education by working towards a bachelor’s degree in rural development, with a minor in creative writing. She feels that by earning a degree in rural development she will be better prepared to give back to her community of Kongiganak and help it to become a better place.
“Even if you hit bumps and your instinct is to stop, just keep going,” Evan advises new students.
The Part-Time Student of the Year Award was given to Deborah A. Acitmuq Michael, currently residing in Bethel but originally from Kwethluk, Alaska. Michael is the epitome of persistence and perseverance. In 1986 she participated in KuC’s Institute of Language and Thought while still in high school. After graduation she went on to college in Durango, Colorado, for a couple of years until life interrupted her studies. Since then she has earned a certificate as a community wellness advocate from the University of Alaska Southeast (2008), and a certificate in rural human services (2014) and A.A.S. degree in human services (2016) from KuC.
Following the academic pathway provided by the RHS/HUMS/BSW program, Michael will earn her bachelor's degree in social work in April. She credits her success to the holistic and culturally-relevant nature of the RHS program.
“I can bring my whole self,” she said.
For more information, email Cynthia Andrecheck at crandrecheck@alaska.edu.