Graduate Degree for Michael

At Sunday's Commencement, Michael was awarded his Master of Public Administration degree. A repeat performance occured on Monday night, when the Public Administration graduation ceremony was broadcast.

Doesn't he look proud and happy? Rightfully so! I am only too familiar with the effort that was required to complete the course work. Countless nights and weekends, precious days of vacations, and the better part of several summers went into this degree.

Michael's career has been in the public sector since he was in his teens, when he decided against becoming a professional baker and became a technology professional at the University of Alaska. The applicability of the degree is self-evident. Given his years of experience, I wondered from time to time whether he was really learning anything new, or just getting the credentials to match his existing responsibilities.

In the end I think it was a combination of both things. Most of all, I think he gained from the thoughtful feedback provided by our friend and colleague Dr. Jonathan Anderson, the Director of the PADM program at UAS.

So, hats off to you, Michael, for your hard work and perseverance. I am happy for you, and so proud of you!