2008 University of Alaska Fairbanks commencement

The University of Alaska Fairbanks held its 86th commencement ceremony, conferring 1,185 degrees on 1,125 students.
Alaska writer laureate and criminal defense investigator John Straley was the keynote speaker on Sunday, May 11, 2008, urging the students to give the day their full attention.
“Listen, here we are, and it could have been otherwise, but this moment is calling each of us to its attention so that we may look, consider and answer,” Straley said.

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Jessep Olson, right, kisses his daughter Cherlize, 2, after receiving his bachelor’s degree in environmental studies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center during commencement ceremonies for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

University of Alaska Fairbanks commencement grand marshal Edward Murphy waves to 2008 graduates as he leads the recessional out of the Carlson Center on May 11, 2008.

University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates participate in commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

Chancellor Stephen Jones addresses graduates Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center during commencement ceremonies for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Mayanna Bean, who received a master's degree in professional communication from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, sports a custom message on her mortarboard during commencement ceremonies May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

The UAF brass choir performs

Katherine Keith, who received a bachelor's degree in renewable energy engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, shakes hands with College of Engineering and Mines Dean Douglas Goering during commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center. Keith is the 2008 winner of the Grey S. Tilly Memorial Award, an honor bestowed on a graduating senior whose education was interrupted by family responsibilities.

Graduates of the University of Alaska Fairbanks celebrate upon receiving their degrees Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

University of Alaska Fairbanks class speaker Cameron Poindexter addresses his fellow graduates during commencement ceremonies May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

A 2008 graduate waves to family and friends Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center during commencement ceremonies for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The Downriver Singers perform Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center during commencement ceremonies for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Keynote speaker John Straley addresses 2008 University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates during commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates participate in commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center as family and friends look on.

University of Alaska Fairbanks liberal arts bachelor’s degree recipients sport a variety of footwear, or none, as they participate in commencement ceremonies May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

A 2008 University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate celebrates on stage with her degree Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

Kara Cleveland, left, and Deborah Cynar, who received master's degrees in professional communications from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, sport custom messages on their mortarboards during commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates participate in commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

As Farrar Photography’s Bill Zervantian photographs a 2008 University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate, a family member does the same Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

Minnie Naylor, who received a bachelor's degree in rural development, waves to friends and family while crossing the stage Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center during commencement ceremonies for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Sabra Reid, who received a doctorate in geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, chokes back tears during commencement Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

Alaska Attorney General Talis Colberg is awarded a doctorate in Northern Political History and Culture during University of Alaska Fairbanks commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

Ryann Buckman, who received a bachelor's degree in justice from the University of Alaska Fairbanks stands to be recognized with other members of the Golden Key Honor Society during commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

Graduates of the University of Alaska Fairbanks celebrate upon receiving their degrees May 11, 2008, at the Carlson Center.

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