Spring Graduation Spotlight: Eli Damian
A Life of Service, Song, and Steadfast Determination
Eli Damian is many things: a proud father and husband of 10 years (he just celebrated his anniversary!), a talented multi-instrumentalist, a medic in the Alaska Army National Guard, and a soon-to-be registered nurse. This spring, he’ll graduate with an associate degree in nursing from Alaska Pacific University (APU), marking another major milestone in a life dedicated to service and growth.
Born in San Bernardino County, California, and raised in Arizona, Damian moved to Alaska in 2017 at the encouragement of his brother. Once here, he began working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and has served patients at the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) ever since. APU’s education partnership with local employers helped make returning to school possible — covering most of his tuition and paving the way for him to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse.
“I chose the associate degree first so I could get back to work sooner,” Damian explains. “But I plan to chip away at my bachelor’s while continuing at ANMC.”
Supported by a Community That Cares
What stood out most to him during his time at APU? The people. “My favorite aspect of APU is the faculty support,” he says. “I used to go to Charter, and we didn’t have that. It was a ‘make it work or you’re out’ atmosphere. Here, especially in the nursing program, they want you to succeed. Everyone’s rooting for you.”
Damian also encourages students to take advantage of everything APU has to offer — from the gym to the farm stand to campus events. “You don’t have to be in a class to enjoy those things,” he says. “Definitely go to the dances or pick up fresh vegetables at Spring Creek Farm. Don’t forget to have fun. Self-care is crucial!”
That message of balance extends to his advice for fellow nursing students: “It’s a lot of work, I know — but schedule a couple of hours each week where you don’t think about homework or nursing school. Go out and take care of yourself.”
While nursing students do not have a senior project, they do participate in a community driven health event. Last fall, Damian participated in APU’s Community Health Fair, where he helped provide free health screenings and affordable labs to local residents — a tangible reminder of why he chose this path.
Music, Movies, and Making Memories
Outside of school and work, Damian finds joy in music. A lifelong musician, he plays piano, bass, drums, and guitar — and sings in his church choir. Piano is his favorite, but nothing beats camping with his kids in the summer or settling in for a good scary movie.
Looking back on how far he’s come, Damian offers one last piece of wisdom:
“You can do anything you put your mind to. It doesn’t matter what your family tells you or what they think about you. I grew up in a rough family who told me I’d never amount to anything. I proved them wrong. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your background is, or what your situation is — as long as you put your mind to it, you can do it.”
