Above: Dr. Cam Carlson, the Dean of CBSM, shaking hands with student Lainey Lioi, a BGS inductee, at the 2024 CBSM Honor Societies Induction Ceremony on May 2, 2024. UAF photo by Leif Van Cise.
Throughout academic history, honor societies have held a prestigious place, acknowledging students for their academic excellence, leadership abilities, and community contributions. At the UAF College of Business and Security Management (CBSM), Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) and the Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS) stand as proud examples.
The spring semester induction ceremony for Beta Gamma Sigma and the Order of the Sword and Shield took place on May 2nd, 2024. This event honored outstanding individuals in front of friends and family, who could attend either in person or virtually.
Tammy Tragis-McCook, the Director of Development and Outreach at CBSM and UAF Alumna, started off the event with welcoming remarks. This was followed by Dr. Cam Carlson, the Dean of CBSM, offering remarks on the great honors about to be bestowed on the new inductees. Amy Cooper and Sean McGee followed by giving a celebratory speech, highlighting the achievements and determination the inductees demonstrated, and appreciating the drive and perseverance seen in each student.
One particularly inspiring inductee, Elise Berger, received the honor of OSS before graduating from UAF, far from her home in Norway. Elise was joined by her proud family members, who had traveled all the way from their home in Norway to attend the ceremony. Among them were her mother, Siv-Hege Berger; her stepfather, Bjørnar Skovgaard Nøkleby; her godmother, Hege Bjørnebek Steffensen; and her godmother's husband, Jørgen Steffensen.
Elise started at UAF through an exchange program from the Arctic University of Norway, where she studied Society Safety and Environmental Studies. During the pandemic, she was given a few exchange options, one of which was UAF. Through the North2North exchange program, she received scholarships that exempted her from paying tuition, making studying in Alaska an easy choice.
During her time in Alaska, Elise had a wonderful experience stating she had outstanding and experienced professors and met many wonderful people. After loving her classes, when she was offered to come for a master’s, she did not hesitate.
Above: Elise Berger receiving her OSS stole from Angel Buchanan at the 2024 CBSM Honor Societies Induction Ceremony on May 2, 2024. UAF photo by Leif Van Cise.
It is the best choice I have made regarding my academic future! - Elise Berger, CBSM graduate
Above: Elise Berger with her mother, Siv-Hege Berger and stepdad Bjørnar Skovgaard Nøkleby at the 2024 CBSM Honor Societies Induction Ceremony on May 2, 2024. UAF photo by Morrow Duszynski, College of Business and Security Management.
When asked why UAF when it was so far from home, Elise reasoned saying with the experience and expertise of the faculty, there are no teachers like the ones within CBSM. The education I received at UAF is real-life experience and knowledge from the people at the top of their field, and I have learned more than I would ever comprehend here than back home in Norway.
Above: Elise Berger smiles for the camera while lining up to receive her diploma at the 2024 Spring Commencement Ceremony at the Carlson Center on Saturday, May 4, 2024. UAF photo by Leif Van Cise.
With a bachelor’s degree in Society Safety and Environmental Studies, a master’s in Social Security and the highest honor of OSS from CBSM, Elise is not done yet. She plans to continue her education, giving back and working for UAF. After everything, she hopes for a future working in the United States or international organizations.
Elise is one shining example of how the top-tier experience CBSM offers has enabled outstanding students. We applaud her and all the other honor inductees on their well-deserved accomplishments and wish them luck in their bright futures.
Above: Graduating student Elise Stokset Berger receives her diploma from Board of Regents member Ralph Seekins during the 2024 Commencement Ceremony at the Carlson Center on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Photo courtesy of UAF Photography.