Table of Contents
2026 Commencement Program
Land acknowledgment
We acknowledge the ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą Native nations upon whose ancestral lands our campuses reside.
In Fairbanks, our Troth Yeddha’ Campus is located on the ancestral lands
of the Dena people of the lower Tanana River.
Tradition and Renewal
For generations, the Dena people of the Tanana River valley gathered at Troth Yeddha’, the ridge that is now the Fairbanks campus, to harvest nearby wild potatoes. It served as a place of sustenance and connection, and it remains a place where people come together to work, learn and find intellectual nourishment.
The ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą is proud of the students who continue this tradition of collaboration and learning. Commencement is a meaningful time for graduates, as well as the family and friends who share in this milestone. While these ceremonies mark the completion of academic effort, they also represent a true beginning, because learning is lifelong, and formal education is only the foundation.
Alongside our graduates, the ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą proudly recognizes those receiving honorary degrees and meritorious service awards. We also extend our gratitude to the faculty and staff retiring this year, each of whom has made a lasting contribution to the strength and reputation of this institution.
In today’s 104th commencement ceremonies, more than 1,200 graduates will be recognized for their achievements.
Today, we honor the Class of 2026 and celebrate your achievement.
Congratulations!
UA President Pat Pitney
Dear Class of 2026,
Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! Graduation is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects your dedication, perseverance and hard work. You should be truly proud of all you’ve achieved.
As you move forward, remember that the determination that brought you here will continue to guide you through new challenges and opportunities. Your insight, creativity and enthusiasm are needed now more than ever, and the skills you’ve gained will serve you well in whatever path you choose.
Today is also a moment to recognize those who supported you along the way — your families, friends, mentors and loved ones who encouraged you and believed in your success.
You are now part of a strong community of alumni, faculty, and supporters who are cheering you on. Stay connected, stay curious and stay engaged as you take on the next chapter of your journey.
As you celebrate this achievement, take pride in how far you’ve come and look forward with confidence. You’ve earned this moment.
As I prepare to retire, I do so with deep gratitude. Serving the University of ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Being part of your journeys — and the journeys of thousands of students before you — has filled me with hope, pride, and admiration. Although I am stepping away from my role, I will always remain one of your biggest supporters.
Congratulations, graduates! Wishing you all the best in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Pat Pitney ’90
President
University of ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą
Dear Graduates,
Congratulations! Today, I am reminded of my own journeys at UAF. I know firsthand that the path to this moment is different for everyone.
For some of you, the road was a straight line. For others, it was like mine, a series of steep climbs, hurdles and unexpected detours. Some of you balanced families and jobs, while others traveled thousands of miles to call UAF home. Regardless of how you reached this achievement, you did it with the unique resilience, grit and determination that defines a Nanook.
As you begin this new chapter of your life, carry this spirit with you. Whether your path leads you to grow and enhance the Fairbanks and ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą communities or takes you elsewhere in the world, remember that you are now part of a legacy of accomplished innovators, leaders and scholars who invite challenge and seek solutions.
Take time to celebrate your milestone with family, friends, faculty and staff who have supported and encouraged you throughout your journey. Behind the accomplishments of the individual, there are many.
I am incredibly proud and honored to call you a fellow UAF alum. I can’t wait to see
where your journey leads you.
Ambassador (ret.) Mike Sfraga ’84, ’97
Interim Chancellor, ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą
America’s Arctic University
The ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą Flag Song
Music by Elinor Dusenbury
Words by Marie Drake and Carol Beery Davis
Eight stars of gold on a field of blue,
ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ąâ€™s flag, may it mean to you;
The blue of the sea, the ev’ning sky,
The mountain lakes, and the flow’rs nearby;
The gold of the early sourdough’s dreams,
The precious gold of the hills and streams;
The brilliant stars in the northern sky,
The “Bear,” the “Dipper,” and shining high,
The great North Star with its steady light,
O’er land and sea a beacon bright,
ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ąâ€™s flag to ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ąns dear,
The simple flag of a last frontier.
A Native lad chose our Dipper’s stars
for ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ąâ€™s flag that there be no bars
among our cultures. Be it known
through years our Natives’ past has grown
to share our treasures, hand in hand,
to keep ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą our Great Land.
We love the northern midnight sky,
our mountains, lakes and the streams nearby;
Our great North Star with its steady light
will guide our cultures clear and bright
with Nature’s flag to ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ąns dear,
The simple flag of a last frontier.
ŔÖ»˘Ö±˛Ą Flag Song © 1985 UA Foundation.