°µÍøÊÓƵ

Human Services alumna Billie Slaikeu knows a thing or two about what it means to start over. A retired certified nursing assistant, Billie returned to school in her sixties after being inspired by her daughter’s experience with mental illness. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2025.

As a neonatal nurse practitioner at Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital and adjunct faculty member for the °µÍøÊÓƵSchool 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.

A College of Health alumna and current employee of the Alaska Justice Information Center, Rus’sel Sampson has had a rich educational and professional journey. Her story exemplifies how a sense of curiosity in higher education can open unexpected doors that lead to meaningful careers.

School of Nursing alumna Kristen Alcorn turned clinical expertise into entrepreneurial success. In this spotlight, Kristen shares a few of the experiences that shaped her journey in nursing, the things she loves about her job, and how her education at °µÍøÊÓƵhelped her achieve her goals.

Amanda Beery, MD, is not only providing care for women of all ages; she’s also shaping the next generation of physicians. A full-time OB/GYN and managing partner at Alaska Women’s Health, she is equally proud to call herself an Alaska WWAMI alum and medical educator.

Darrel Foister Jr., School of Nursing alum and military veteran, now serves Alaska communities as a family nurse practitioner.

Over the course of 18 months, Fulbright Arctic Initiative Scholar and public health practice alumna Mariah Seater will be traveling to Iceland to research family justice centers in the Arctic with the hopes of applying her findings to Alaska communities.

Division of Population Health Sciences alumna By Thao has been named one of Alaska’s 2025 Top Forty Under 40.

School of Nursing alumna Jailyn Hitchings reflects on her time at °µÍøÊÓƵand her new role as a registered nurse at Alaska Regional Hospital.

°µÍøÊÓƵJustice Center alumna Melanie Osborne has been inducted into the Anchorage ATHENA Society, recognizing her professional excellence, community contributions, and commitment to empowering women.