The University of Alaska Anchorage hosted a special reunion commencement ceremony on Saturday, welcoming graduates, their family members, alumni, faculty, staff and honorees, for the classes of 2020 and 2021.
Walking for college graduation is something most graduating classes have been able to experience without impediment. However, for students who graduated during the COVID-19 pandemic, being able to dress up in a full cap and gown signifies the perseverance of going to college in the middle of a global crisis.
“It sort of felt like my college journey wasn’t really over yet, and so I’m hoping that after today it’s going to finally feel like that chapter of my life is finished,” Reisinger said. In March, the university received accreditation from the accreditation commission for education in nursing for its associate and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing. Mackenzie Larson is one student who received one of the first ever nursing degrees handed out by APU.