Thanks to Harry S. Truman, every third Saturday in the month of May is Armed Forces Day. It’s a designated day to pay tribute to those brave men and women that serve in all branches of the military. The UAA Consortium Library has some interesting information on the different branches of the military.

Here is a list of celebrities that have served in the military.

A great resource that is housed in your Consortium Library is the AMIPA Collection. It is an Alaska Moving Image Preservation Association that collects endangered materials and provides technical assistance and knowledge regarding archival needs and techniques. It is a great resource to become familiar with the history of the state of Alaska. 

Florence Nightingale made a difference in the world of nursing and health. She started by volunteering at hospitals in 1850 and worked her way up to being a hospital manager. In 1854 the Crimean War started, and the mortality rate of injured soldiers was significantly high. She was able to provide clean environments, fruit and water for the soldiers and by doing so decreased the mortality rate by more than half.

Florence Nightingale started the first nursing school, Nightingale Nursing School in 1860. In addition to putting together an astonishing school, she wrote reports and books on her work. She emphasized that it was essential in building a trusting relationship with patients. It is in her footsteps that we celebrate nurses and the healthcare that they provide.

The sunny weather has woken up some of our furry native friends, the bears. They have come out of a long hibernation and are ready to explore. They may look cute and cuddly, but they are far from that.

American Black Bear and Brown/Grizzly Bears are native to Alaska. Did you know that not all black bears are black, some are brown/cinnamon color.

Bear Aware: If you see a baby bear, be mindful that mama bear is likely close by. Like any protective mama, you don’t want to mess with her babies.

Do not feed the bears or keep food in a vehicle where they can get to. Make sure to keep your surroundings/garbage cans free of any food that can attract their attention. They have a keen sense of smell.

Today is the day! All of your hard work has paid off, and you are able to celebrate!

Information for the Spring 2023 Commencement can be found here.