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Monica Roe has built a remarkable career that bridges rural health care and children’s literature, drawing on her decade of experience as a physical therapist in remote Alaska. Now completing her Master of Public Health at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, she explores disability, community resilience, and access through both research and storytelling. Her journey highlights the power of curiosity, mentorship, and embracing unexpected opportunities.

As a neonatal nurse practitioner at Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital and adjunct faculty member for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice alumna and graduate student hooding ceremony speaker for the fall Class of 2025 Stacy Brunquist weaves education into everything she does — training new caregivers, guiding parents learning to care for their newborns, and sharing knowledge with professionals from UtqiaÄ¡vik to Sitka.

Health sciences major and psychology minor Maisha Chowdhury describes choosing to attend Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ as the best decision of her life (so far) and for making her the person she is today. The fall 2025 undergraduate commencement speaker hopes her own journey inspires others to take risks and follow their passion.

Master of Nursing Education and Leadership student Wendy DeGraffenried reflects on her educational and professional journey. As a school nurse and adjunct instructor, Wendy found her passion in mentoring other nursing professionals – something that she hopes to carry forward with her as she starts a new chapter.

Laura Aspelund is a second-year medical student in the Alaska WWAMI program. As a medical student mentor in the Alaska Native into Oncology (ANION) program, she helps guide Alaska Native high school and college students exploring careers in medicine.

Elaina Mack, a senior kinesiology major from King Cove, broke school records with 10 successful three-point shots in the Seawolves game against Northwest U. Mack scored a total of 41 points over the course of the game.

From campus food pantries to statewide health initiatives, Keely Livingston is turning passion into purpose. Keely’s journey into public health began with hands-on work in food security during her undergrad years at Montana State and led her to enroll in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ's Master of Public Health Program.

Former Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ track athlete and personal trainer, Yvonne Jeschke is pursuing her PTA degree to help others live active, pain-free lives.

SON student Angelene Ketah is dedicated to serving Alaska Native communities while proudly representing her culture on the world stage through roller derby.

Second-year WWAMI medical student Abigail Crawford is helping lead an initiative that’s saving lives and reshaping the way people think about opioid overdose. As co-lead of the Narcan Education & Distribution Project at the Anchorage WWAMI site, Crawford works alongside fellow student volunteers to provide free community training and resources focused on opioid overdose response.