Navy oceanographer to speak at 2011 commencement

April 8, 2011

Marmian Grimes

Marmian Grimes
907-474-7902
4/8/11

Oceanographer, meteorologist and Navy Rear Adm. David Titley will give the keynote address at the University of Alaska Fairbanks commencement ceremony Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks.

As director of the Navy’s Task Force Climate Change, Titley has been proponent of the Navy’s renewed interest in the Arctic and in climate change. The task force was created in 2009 to address the implications of climate change on national security and naval operations. During its first year, Titley led the creation of the “U.S. Navy Arctic Roadmap,” a five-year plan to guide Navy policy, investment and public discussion in the Arctic.

Titley holds a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from Pennsylvania State University and two degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School: a master’s degree in meteorology and physical oceanography and a doctorate in meteorology.

Titley began his Navy career in 1980, via the Naval Reserve Officers Training Commissioning program. He served more than 10 years at sea, including a tour as a navigator aboard the USS Farragut and tours as oceanographer aboard the USS Belleau, the USS Carl Vinson, Carrier Group Six and U.S. 7th Fleet. In 2009, he was appointed Oceanographer of the Navy and director of Task Force Climate Change. Throughout his career, his work has focused on developing partnerships with universities, other agencies and research institutions in an effort to understand the changing environment and the challenges it presents.

UAF will award Titley an honorary doctor of science degree during its 89th commencement ceremony. The university will also present honorary doctoral degrees to Athabascan elder Katie John and health and social services leader Banarsi Lal.

John, of Mentasta Lake, is best known for the landmark subsistence case that bears her name and her advocacy for indigenous rights. She is also well regarded for her contributions to the preservation and teaching of her Native language and culture. She helped create the Ahtna alphabet and the first Ahtna Noun Dictionary and has dedicated a large portion of her life to teaching language and culture. John, daughter of Chief Charlie Sanford and mother, Sara, was raised near Batzulnetas, “Roasted Salmon Place,” at the confluence of the Copper River and Tanada Creek. She and her husband, Mentasta Traditional Chief Fred John, raised 14 children and six foster children in the area and she continues to serve as a mentor to younger generations, both in her community and throughout the state. John will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree.

Lal has devoted the better part of four decades to serving vulnerable populations in Alaska. He came to Fairbanks in 1972 to work as director of residential care at what is now the Fairbanks Resource Agency. He then went on the lead the behavioral health services at Fairbanks Native Association for more than 20 years. Throughout his career and retirement, Lal has been active on a variety and boards and commissions that work to serve people with disables and mental health and substance abuse disorders. His work and advocacy has helped shape the health-care and social-services systems for residents of the Interior and the state. Lal holds two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree from the University of Lucknow in India and a master’s degree in psychology from Agra University in India. Lal will receive an honorary doctor of laws.

Honorary degree recipients are chosen for their lasting contributions to the state and nation and for significant achievements in their respective disciplines.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of Titley, Lal and John are available online at www.uafnews.com.

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