Undergraduate students will once again have a chance to compete for funding to support their own research and creative endeavors outside the classroom through the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URECA) awards. The URECA awards were initiated in 2010-2011 with financial support from the School of Arts and Sciences, the UA foundation, and the Provost’s Office. Twelve students were awarded a total of $15,000.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles about students recognized as ‘Outstanding Graduates’ in the 2011 University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) class. The UAS 2011 commencement will be held at 2 p.m. May 1 at the UAS Recreation Center.

Grace Lumba is receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with an emphasis in creative writing, from the University of Alaska Southeast on May 1.

She’s also receiving something else: UAS’ award for being the outstanding graduate in English.

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles about students recognized as ‘Outstanding Graduates’ in the 2011 University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) class. The UAS 2011 commencement will be held at 2 p.m. May 1 at the UAS Recreation Center.

Tyler Linderoth came to UAS after completing two years at a community college near his hometown of Sequim, Wash., interested in the opportunities and adventures Alaska had to offer. He leaves in May as UAS’ 2011 outstanding graduate in marine biology.

The University of Alaska Southeast is proud to announce the 2011 Outstanding Graduate in Social Sciences, Yoko Kugo.

Kugo received an Associate’s degree from the UAS Sitka campus before coming to UAS in Juneau to complete her Bachelor’s degree. Kugo arrived in Southeast Alaska from Tokyo, Japan. She was drawn by the unique cultures and traditions of the region.