Natasha Johnson, Student Success Coach at the Bristol Bay Campus recently nominated Mary Lou Nelson for the Outstanding Student Recognition Award. 

It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Mary Lou Nelson for recognition as an outstanding student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Mary Lou has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her education, balancing the demands of being a full-time mother and working full-time while continuing her academic journey through the Bristol Bay Campus.

Mary Lou began her studies on the UAF main campus and has since returned home to Koliganek, where she is building a loving and supportive family. Despite her many responsibilities, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to higher education, consistently excelling in her coursework. 

Her academic achievements are nothing short of remarkable—she currently holds a 4.0 GPA, a testament to her perseverance, intelligence, and discipline.

Beyond her academic excellence, Mary Lou is proactive in securing scholarships and ensuring she meets all academic requirements. She approaches each semester with determination, passing her courses with outstanding results. Her resilience and commitment to lifelong learning make her a true role model for students in our region.

Mary Lou, we celebrate your achievements and encourage you to keep striving toward your goals, one class and one semester at a time. The Bristol Bay Campus and the entire Dillingham community are cheering you on. You are so close to completing your journey, and we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future.

Marita Ticket: Warrior of the Month Honoree

Each month, the Warrior of the Month award, presented by the Alaska Army National Guard, recognizes UAF students who go above and beyond—excelling in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. This special honor highlights two student-athletes and one student from a UAF college, celebrating their hard work and dedication. For February, the College of Indigenous Studies is proud to recognize Marita Ticket as the Warrior of the Month.

Marita Ticket is from Selawik, Alaska. She is a senior at UAF and will graduate this May with a double major in Social Work and Iñupiaq Language. She has worked at Rural Student Services for the past three years and loves being involved in cultivating connection and community among students, and helping them navigate their undergrad journeys through wellness and resilience. As a first-generation student, she dedicates this award to all Indigenous first-gen students who are showing those around them it’s possible to pursue your dreams through education.

Marita’s contributions extend beyond the classroom—she founded the RSS men’s and women’s intramural basketball teams and has been a leader in supporting student success.

Marita believes in turning challenges into triumphs, saying “Pursuing education is to turn obstacles into opportunities, dreams into achievements, and learning who you are along the way. It helps you become what your younger self aspired to be.”

She was recognized at halftime during the UAF Men’s Basketball game on February 22nd, where her custom banner was displayed and later hung in the Patty Center for the next year.

Congratulations, Marita! Your dedication and leadership inspire us all.

Empowering Future Leaders Through Giving

Giving is not just about immediate support—it’s about investing in the future. By giving, we ensure the sustainability of our communities, strengthen our culture, and empower the next generation to carry forward the traditions and values that define us. Education is a vital part of this process, as it helps us preserve and pass on our heritage while providing the tools necessary to thrive in the modern world.

By contributing during Giving Day, you’ll help provide essential support for students at the College of Indigenous Studies, empowering them to thrive and build a brighter future. Your contribution is an investment in both the present and future of our communities, ensuring that our culture, knowledge, and traditions continue to be celebrated and passed on. Additionally, your support helps unlock further funding through challenges throughout the event, making your donation even more impactful.

Education is something we are proud of, and by giving, you’re not only supporting individuals but strengthening the broader community. Stay up to date here and be part of this important movement—together, we can make a lasting difference.

Tell us about yourself: I'm from Nome and currently live here in Nome with my husband, two teenage sons, two cats and one dog. I am Siberian Yup'ik, with maternal ties to Savoonga on St. Lawrence Island. My Siberian Yup'ik name is Kaspughutkaq. I'm currently working full-time and going to school full-time with plans to receive my BA in the INDS (interdisciplinary) program, this coming May 2025. The title of INDS major is Indigenous Knowledge and Expression and my minor is in Environmental Change. I'm also finishing up my application for the INDS masters program to begin this Fall 2025. 

What doors has UAF opened for you? UAF has given me so many opportunities to grow in the kind of knowledge I desire, with a wide range of classes and the ability to create my own degree and focus through the INDS program. I've had an incredibly supportive Advisor and some amazing teachers that have guided my knowledge in fisheries, climate change, cultural knowledge, and traditional ecological knowledge as they align with my educational goals.

What extracurricular activities are you involved with and why are they important to you? When I'm not busy with work and school, I love to take photos, draw, paint and make stained glass. My family also loves to spend time at camp, boating, hunting, fishing, and berry picking.

What are some of the challenges you've faced as a student at UAF and how have you overcome them?  

"The biggest challenge I've faced is trying to manage having a family, working full-time and carrying a full-time class load at UAF. At times it's been difficult to manage and find a balance between them, but I've always kept my educational goals at the forefront when I've felt overwhelmed. It has not been easy, but having support from family, friends, and UAF faculty has made all of the difference for me." 

Do you have any advice for your fellow students? It may seem impossible or feel overwhelming at times, but those feelings are temporary. Think about your 'why' when you're struggling and remember to give yourself patience and grace. You'll get through it!

Anything else you'd like to share? I would really like to thank my Advisor, Gabrielle Russell, for her constant and unwavering support as I navigated with AA and BA programs. I could not have made it through everything without her guidance! 

Mandy Ellanna has successfully earned both her AA and BA degrees remotely from Nome—an incredible achievement. She is set to graduate with her BA this coming May. Way to go, Mandy!

Katy Tomter’s Path to Success Through UAF’s Northwest Campus

Katy Tomter's journey is a familiar one for many rural Alaskan students. The high school honor student from Nome found herself attending both UAA and UAF Troth Yeddha' Campus shortly after graduating. While engaging and finding success at Troth Yeddha', including a study abroad experience, her heart continued to call her home to serve her community.

By her junior year at UAF, Katy returned to Nome and pursued coursework through the Northwest Campus and the College of Indigenous Studies online. Her engagement in the community and accomplishments outside of her UAF enrollment all complemented and confirmed that she had made the best decision for herself.

Katy shares, "I am extremely grateful to have completed my bachelor's and now pursue my master's degree while remaining in my home community. I have been able to build my life at home while also advancing my education, rather than choosing one or the other. I am thankful for UAF's distance and rural campus degree programs!"

Despite the demands of starting a family, building a new home, coaching youth basketball, and working in higher education and workforce development in the region, her life goals were all possible because Katy chose to pursue her postsecondary education from home.

In 2020, Katy received a Bachelor of Arts in Alaska Native Studies with a Concentration in Indigenous Peoples Law, Government & Policy and a Minor in Political Science through the College of Indigenous Studies. She is currently a distance graduate student in UAF's Master of Business Administration program.