D.J. Vanas joins as keynote as students, alumni and strategic partners gather in Anchorage
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program will recognize 31 years of advancing educational access and student success across Alaska during its annual Celebration on Friday, Jan. 30. Founded as a one-student scholarship program in 1995, ANSEP has grown into a nationally recognized model, helping nearly 3,000 students from over 100 Alaska communities pursue higher education and career pathways. In addition to bringing together members of the ANSEP community, the 2026 Celebration will feature keynote speaker D.J. Vanas, an internationally acclaimed leadership expert known for applying Indigenous warrior principles to modern leadership and service.
To kick off ANSEP Celebration, students across its programs will participate in a daytime session with Vanas. Students will have the opportunity to engage in conversation, ask questions and learn from his experience as a leader, speaker and former U.S. Air Force officer. Participants include University Success students, Middle School Academy alumni from Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, as well as Acceleration Academy high school students from around the state.
On Friday evening, the ANSEP community will gather at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center for a Celebration honoring 31 years of impact in education. In addition to Vanas’ keynote address, the event will spotlight students whose hard work has made their dreams a reality, while recognizing the parents, partners and other supporters who helped them get there.
“For over three decades, ANSEP has helped students across Alaska turn opportunity into achievement,” said ANSEP Executive Director Dr. Matt Calhoun, an ANSEP alumnus. “Celebration is a chance to recognize what students have accomplished, thank the strategic partners who make it all possible, and honor the families and supporters who stand behind their students and this program as we look ahead to the next generation of success.”
Over the past year, the program has built on its momentum with key milestones:
- Expanded reach of its full-time Acceleration Academy for high school students by opening a campus in Nome.
- Welcomed trailblazing engineering educator and ANSEP alumnus Dr. Michele Yatchmeneff as chief operating officer.
- Partnered with the North Slope Borough School District and Wainwright based Qargi Academy to host a Middle School Academy, creating a first time opportunity for Qargi Academy students to participate.
As Celebration turns eyes to the future, Vanas’ keynote address will inspire attendees through his perspective on leadership rooted in service and responsibility. A tribally enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe of Michigan, Vanas brings Indigenous teachings and lived experience to his message. His story reflects resilience and mentorship, encouraging students and supporters to pursue the future they want through perseverance and hard work.
