FEATURES

1. Investing in research and security
   UAA received $46M from the Department of Homeland Security to launch the ADAC-ARCTIC Center of Excellence for Homeland Security in the Arctic.
2. Experts in the community
   Civil rights organization ACLU of Alaska relies on its UAA alumni workforce to make its advocacy efforts personal.
3. Family recipes are a family business
   Culinary arts alumna Cheyenne Selman mixes education with experience when managing longtime family restaurant Club Paris.
4. Solving the unknown with infinite possibilities
   Mechanical engineering alumnus Lawrence Giron Jr. returns from two NASA internships to contribute to graduate research on atmospheric corrosion prediction.
5. Protect the net, defend the goal
   Legendary Seawolf hockey goaltender and journalism alumnus Chris King champions a new era at UAA with the naming of the Avis Alaska Sports Complex.
6. Alumni of Distinction
   Meet this year’s Alumni of Distinction: Alumni of Achievement A. Janelle Pfleiger, Alumni Humanitarian Celeste Hodge Growden, and Alumni Emerging Leader Amie Collins.

DEPARTMENTS

1. From the Editor
2. From an alumnus
3. News Briefs
4. Class Notes
5. Lens on Campus

ON THE COVER

From the Editor

This edition of Spirit is full of stories about exactly that: investing — investing in people and investing in community. In this issue, learn about the creation of a research institute benefitting Arctic security thanks to a $46 million investment in UAA from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

From an Alumnus

UAA receives $46M from the Department of Homeland Security to launch the ADAC-ARCTIC Center of Excellence for Homeland Security in the Arctic

On April 9, UAA unveiled the new Arctic Domain Awareness Center (ADAC)-ARCTIC Center of Excellence (COE) for Homeland Security in the Arctic. The center is a consortium of academic, industry, government, laboratory, and local and Indigenous community partners to help provide access to rigorous research and education resources for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and broader homeland security stakeholders.

“We stand at the threshold of a new era in Arctic exploration and stewardship,” said ADAC-ARCTIC COE principal investigator Jeff Libby. “Together, we will pioneer innovative research and education initiatives, nurturing the resilience of our Indigenous communities in Alaska. This is more than a milestone; it’s a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the Arctic’s future and honoring the rich heritage of those who call it home. This endeavor is not just about progress; it’s about honoring our heritage and fostering a future where tradition and innovation thrive hand in hand.”

Civil rights organization ACLU of Alaska relies on its UAA alumni workforce to make its advocacy efforts personal

By Matt Jardin

Any frequent traveler can tell you that nobody knows an area better than the locals — the restaurants to try, the sights to see and the routes to take. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alaska takes a similar approach when it comes to civil rights. When advocating for a community, the people who know how to do that work best are the people from that community. Of the 13 staffers at ACLU of Alaska, five are UAA alumni.

Culinary arts alumna mixes education with experience when managing longtime family restaurant Club Paris

Above the Club Paris dining room in the office hangs photos documenting the 67-year history of Anchorage’s oldest steakhouse. Among such artifacts are childhood drawings from the current manager of the restaurant Cheyenne Selman, A.A.S. Culinary Arts ’15, granddaughter of Charlie Selman, who became the second owner of Club Paris in 1976.

Growing up in the restaurant, Selman recalls having always wanted to join the family business, despite her mother’s attempts to get her to entertain other career options. And Club Paris truly is a family business. Now co-owned by her father and uncle, Selman’s husband, whom she met while in UAA’s culinary arts program, eventually joined as a chef. Even the staff who aren’t biologically related might as well be — some of whom have worked there since before Selman was born.

Mechanical engineering alumnus returns from two NASA internships to contribute research on atmospheric corrosion prediction

Between earning his undergraduate degree and starting graduate study, rather than take a well-deserved break, Lawrence Giron Jr., B.S. Mechanical Engineering ’23, participated in not one, but two prestigious NASA internships back to back.

In summer 2023, Giron served as a research associate at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Working under the aeronautics research directorate, he contributed to the research project codenamed CLASSy (Compact Lightweight Aerial Sensor System), a sensor system meant to assist first responders during natural disaster situations like wildfires, earthquakes or avalanches. Specifically, he aided in the development of CLASSy’s parachute recovery systems, a crucial component to provide stable and steady descents of launched sensors.

From lacing up skates as a youth around Anchorage to becoming one of UAA’s hockey legends, Chris King’s journey is nothing short of thrilling. Driven by a passion to pave the way for future athletes, King made UAA his stage to shine, playing in front of family and friends. His fierce determination propelled the Seawolves to their first playoff victory, marking a historic moment that catapulted them into the final five.

Post-college, King took his skills to the professional arena, conquering challenges through hard work and the invaluable lessons learned at UAA. Reflecting on his journey, he credits his success to the perfect blend of dedication, top-notch coaching and a team that pushed him to his limits.

UAA’s Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Association were pleased to welcome spring by announcing the latest Alumni of Distinction awards recipients. The three distinguished alumni were honored for their contributions in their fields and communities at the UAA Alumni of Distinction Celebration on Friday, March 29, which saw over 150 graduates and supporters pack Lucy Cuddy Hall on the Anchorage campus to reconnect with their hometown university while raising donations to benefit UAA programs and scholarships.

Make your donation >>