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On Friday, Oct. 17, UAA's largest alumni tradition saw over 230 UAA graduates and partners return to Cuddy Hall for the UAA Alumni Association Homecoming Luncheon to reconnect with their Hometown U while raising donations to benefit UAA programs and scholarships. 

Hosted by the UAA Alumni Association, this year's theme was Building Our Community, and highlighted UAA's foundational role in the construction of a thriving and vibrant community. Speaking to that theme were UAA Interim Chancellor Cheryl Siemers, M.A. ’96, Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and students who have received the UAA Alumni Scholarship.

Delivering the keynote address were civil engineering alumni and sisters Melissa Branch, B.S. '00, and Stephanie Mormilo, B.S. '04. Branch is the owner and principal engineer of Big City Engineers, LLC, and Mormilo serves as the senior civil engineer for HDL Engineering Consultants, LLC. Both are active leaders in the Society of Women Engineers, have been recipients of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s Top Forty Under 40 award, and serve on the UAA Engineering Advisory Board. 

The afternoon culminated in a legislative citation recognizing the 40th anniversary of the UAA Alumni Scholarship, presented by sponsor Rep. Genevieve Mina, B.A. ’24, and co-sponsor Rep. Carolyn Hall, M.P.A. ’21.

Created in 1985 through an initial gift of $25, the UAA Alumni Scholarship is now an endowed fund valued at over $500,000 and has generated more than $475,000 in scholarships to support students. 

Big thanks to keynote sponsor Siemens, and to Motley Moo Creamery, owned by alumna Calesta Ayer, B.B.A. ’09, for providing the custom ice cream flavor, UAA Cookies 'n Green!