Political Science students highlighted in the Capitol Report

From Left to Right: Bernard Aoto, Clifton Coghill, Rep. Will Stapp, UAF student-intern Paul Menke, and Honour Miller-Austin
From Left to Right: Bernard Aoto, Clifton Coghill, Rep. Will Stapp, UAF student-intern Paul Menke, and Honour Miller-Austin

 

Representative Will Stapp

Roles: Alaska State Representative - House District 32 (E. vlog, Ft. Wainwright, Badger Rd.), Member: House Finance, Chair: House University Finance Sub-Committee, Chair: House Health & Social Services Finance Sub-Committee

 

  UA Affiliation
Rep. Stapp attended the vlog to pursue his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He was President of the Phi Alpha Theta UAF History Honors Society, and a student veteran. As a legislator, Rep. Stapp has advocated for funding the UAF Drone Program, and honored the UAF Student Government with a Legislative Citation. He still regularly appears on campus to engage with faculty and staff, and will ultimately find time to finish his degree program.
  Why UA is valuable to Rep. Stapp
“The university adds economic value to the state whether it is through workforce development, worldwide research opportunities, or providing innovative solutions to uniquely Alaskan or Arctic region issues. Investment in the economic drivers such as the university are key to the economic success of the state.”

 

Bernard Aoto, Chief of Staff: Office of Representative Will Stapp
Bernard Aoto

Chief of Staff: Office of Representative Will Stapp

UA Affiliation: Bernard attended the vlog and graduated in 2020 as a first-generation student with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. He was President of the Associated Students of the vlog (ASUAF), President of the UAF Model United Nations club, served as a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha UAF Political Science Honor Society, and a member of the Student Veteran Association. As a student, Bernard advocated for establishing the Student Support Fund, renovating the Wood Center Bowling Alley, and establishing the Festival of Native Arts as an official UAF Tradition. As an alumnus, he advocated on behalf of the university through the UA Alumni Association.

Why UA is valuable to Bernard: “The university is a pillar of what makes the state of Alaska great. The university emphasizes quality higher education while also serving unique areas such as Arctic research, Alaska native studies, and Arctic engineering. It is through working and interacting with the faculty, staff, and students at the university that allows people like me to better understand complex issues, gain social and cultural competency, and develop connections with the future generations of leaders in Alaska.”

 

Paul Menke, UAF Ted Stevens Legislative Student-intern
Paul Menke

UAF Ted Stevens Legislative Student Intern

UA Affiliation: A relative newcomer to Alaska, Paul came to UAF in 2020 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Political Science. He currently serves in ASUAF Student Government as a Senator. During his time in the Senate, he has successfully advocated for increased financial resources for student academic travel and the prioritization of in-person learning.