UAA Awards Chugach Chairman Honorary Doctorate

Please join us in celebrating Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta on receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) on April 29. Days later, on May 2, Sheri went on to deliver the commencement address before 2026’s graduating class, an incredible honor and a testament to her lifelong service to Alaska and the Chugach region.

This moment became even more special when Sheri received the official notification letter from someone very close to her heart: her daughter, Anastasia Buretta, Senior Accountant for Chugach Commercial Holdings. As Anastasia presented the letter, the two shared an emotional moment, and Sheri reflected on a beautiful full-circle memory—when Anastasia graduated from UAA, Sheri’s signature appeared on her diploma in her then role as Chair of the University of Alaska Board of Regents.

Sheri’s honorary degree recognizes a lifetime of leadership and service. Since becoming Chairman of the Chugach Board of Directors, Sheri has helped guide the corporation’s vision for intergenerational prosperity, balancing strong business performance with deep cultural stewardship. Her leadership has positioned Chugach among Alaska’s most successful companies while keeping our mission firmly rooted in service to shareholders and community.

Beyond Chugach, Sheri has long been a respected voice for Alaska Native advocacy, serving in leadership roles with organizations that include the Alaska Federation of Natives, Native American Contractors Association, ANCSA Regional Association, and University of Alaska Board of Regents. Her work has earned numerous honors, including induction into the Alaska Business Hall of Fame, the Athena Leadership Award, and the YWCA Women of Achievement Award.

Receiving her honorary doctorate on April 29 on the UAA campus, Buretta was filled with emotion, a moment of joy that was surpassed three days later when she delivered the commencement speech at UAA’s Alaska Airline Center.

Before UAA’s graduating Class of 2026, Buretta delivered a heartfelt address reflecting on her journey from a student at UAA to becoming a leader that has helped to shape Alaska’s future and the future of her people. Reaching back to early memories, she shared how she rose from working at a concession stand as a teen at Northway Mall to becoming Chairman of Chugach Alaska Corporation.

Buretta emphasized education as a gateway to opportunity, urging the graduates to lead with integrity, empower others, and build community. Drawing on Chugach values, she called upon those in attendance to live a life of service to others, stating, “Leave things better than you found them, and create opportunity for the generations who follow after you.” Concluding her remarks, Buretta stated, “Whatever path you choose, step forward with courage and purpose. And never forget the light and the strength that brought you here to this ceremony.”

We are deeply grateful to Sheri for her decades of leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to Chugach and our people. And we extend our sincere thanks to UAA for recognizing her extraordinary contributions and for awarding her a Doctorate and providing her with the profound honor of speaking before UAA’s latest round of graduates.

Please join us in giving Sheri Buretta a big round of applause!