Impactful community members pass the baton to Mat-Su College grads

Faculty, staff, and students at Mat-Su College (MSC) are making their final preparations, getting the caps and gowns ready to confer earned Bachelor Degrees, Associate Degrees and Certificates to deserving graduates for the Class of 2025.

The ceremony is planned for this Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Glenn Massay Theater.

Elizabeth Ripley, outgoing President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation will be giving the commencement speech. During her 16 years with the organization, she has had an enormous impact on the Valley. According to MSHF, her achievements include helping to establish the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, enhancing behavioral health services, advocating for public health policies, and launching Connect Mat-Su and R.O.C.K. Mat-Su to improve community resources.

The on-stage delegation will also include: Marie Gardner, Ed.D., Director of Mat-Su College; Sean Parnell, J.D., Outgoing UAA Chancellor and former Alaska Lieutenant Governor; Jenny McNulty Ph.D., Dean of College of Arts and Sciences at UAA; Carlee Simon, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education at UAS; Stephen Colligan, UA Regent; Joey Crum, UA Regent, Secretary of the Board.

Live music for the ceremony will be played by the Mat-Su Concert Band.