Kennedy Demboski, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, enters the Carlson Center before UAF's commencement ceremony Saturday, May 5, 2018.

A person attending UAF's 2018 commencement ceremony holds up an encouraging poster created from candy on May 5, 2018, at the Carlson Center.

University Fire Department Captain Benjamin D. Fleagle receives an embrace from his daughter, Faith, before the UAF commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018. Capt. Fleagle received a Bachelor of Arts in history.

The UAF Wind Symphony, directed by George Rydlinski, plays the processional during UAF's 2018 commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018.

The Acilquq dance group gathers before UAF's 2018 commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Agatha John-Shields, a doctoral student in applied linguistics, performs with the Acilquq dance group to start UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Members of the Acilquq dance group perform on stage after leading the processional at UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018.

Tatjana Spaic, who earned a bachelor's degree in geological engineering, walks onto the floor as UAF's commencement ceremony begins in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Sagen Maddalena, who earned a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, enjoys the program at UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018. Maddalena was a member of the Alaska Nanooks rifle team.

UAF faculty members proceed to their seats during the 2018 commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

UAF music education major Ariana Horner sings the national anthem during UAF's 2018 commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

UAF Chancellor Daniel M. White welcomes graduates at the start of the 2018 commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Yu Cao, a master's student in Arctic and Northern studies, waits in line during UAF's 2018 commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Nearly 600 students crossed the stage to receive a certificate or degree during UAF's 96th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 5, 2018, at the Carlson Center.

Jacob Anaġi Adams Sr. receives an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018. Adams, a whaling boat captain and civic leader, was CEO of the Arctic Slope Regional Corp. from 1983-2006

Jacob Anaġi Adams Sr. stands while being recognized for an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during UAF's 2018 commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Antonia Loretta Afraid of Bear-Cook, an Oglala Lakota leader, teacher and culture bearer, receives an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Musician and songwriter James Milton Varsos, also known as "Hobo Jim," receives an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Althea St. Martin receives the Meritorious Service Award during UAF's 2018 commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Kk’odohdaatlno Christina Edwin (right), who earned a bachelor's degree in rural development, and Diloola Aanh Erickson (left), who earned bachelor's degrees in both rural development and mechanical engineering, take photos of their classmates during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Shan Shan Li receives her doctorate in geophysics during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

A graduate's hat features a thank-you message at UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

UAF student photographer Zayn Roohi takes a selfie on stage after receiving his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at UAF's commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Graduates of UAF's Community and Technical College await the granting of their degrees during UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018, at the Carlson Center.

Hannah Sarah Carlile, who earned bachelor's degrees in both French and linguistics, smiles during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Eugene Franklin Cole III, who earned a bachelor's degree in art, celebrates after walking across the stage during UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018, at the Carlson Center.

Sheridan Laapui congratulates Kelsy Nore, who earned a bachelor's degree in film and performing arts, during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Ariana Polanco, who earned a bachelor's degree in theater, displays her diploma book during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Kennedy Cailin Demboski, who earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, waits to receive her degree at UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Åsne Honerød Hoveid, who earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, waits in line during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Graduates from the College of Natural Science and Mathematics stand at their seats as their peers walk across the stage during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Myriam Céline Imhoff, left, hugs academic advisor Donald Crocker after receiving her master's degree in elementary education at UAF's commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Ella Nicole Van Siegman, right, high-fives journalism graduate Terrence Holmes after receiving her bachelor's degree in secondary education at UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Misty Buckles, who earned a certificate in diesel and heavy equipment mechanics, gazes toward the audience before walking across the stage during UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018, at the Carlson Center.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Keith Champagne introduces the 2018 class speaker, Aaron T. Cottle, during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Student speaker Aaron Cottle, who earned a bachelor's degree in marketing, speaks during UAF's commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Class speaker Aaron Cottle addresses graduates at UAF's 2018 commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Provost Emeritus Susan Henrichs, center, smiles during UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018, in the Carlson Center.

Graduates react to the ceremonial balloon drop during UAF's commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Graduates react to the ceremonial balloon drop during UAF's commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Elizabeth Hinkey, left, and Meisha Hylton, who earned associate degrees from the Community and Technical College, celebrate after UAF's commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Sarissa Lammers, who earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, holds a balloon dropped from the ceiling at the end of UAF's commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Lawrence Kaplan, professor emeritus of linguistics, bears the university's mace as grand marshal for UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018, at the Carlson Center.

UAF's Ensemble 64.8 provides lively music during the recessional at UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018, at the Carlson Center.

Graduates dance to the beat provided by Ensemble 64.8, a percussion group, as they leave the Carlson Center following UAF's commencement ceremony on May 5, 2018.

Ann-Cathrin Uhl, who earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, greets her parents after UAF's commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.

Balloons drop from the ceiling at the end of UAF's commencement ceremony in the Carlson Center on May 5, 2018.