Rasmuson Foundation Awards APU $2.55 Million Grant in Support of Campus-wide Capital Projects

Alaska Pacific University was recently awarded a generous $2.55 million grant from the Rasmuson Foundation to help fund several needed capital projects and facility improvements.

The grant, to be paid over a period of two years beginning in 2004, will provide a substantial portion of the funding needed in order to address APU's most urgent capital improvement and facility needs which include significant renovations to the University's main academic and oldest building (built in 1959), Grant Hall, and the construction of two new facilities.

Dr. Douglas M. North, APU President, says "We are very grateful to the Rasmuson Foundation for this most generous gift which visibly demonstrates the Foundation's extraordinary support of Alaska institutions. Thanks to their generosity, APU can now move ahead with these vitally important capital improvements much sooner than might have otherwise been possible."

The capital projects totaling $3.8 million are scheduled to be completed over a two year period, beginning in the spring of 2004, and ending in fall of 2005. In the first year, APU will: renovate and upgrade the second floor of Grant Hall, which primarily houses academic classrooms and faculty offices; complete limited renovations to the Mlakar President's Home in order to make it more attractive and functional for university social and fundraising events; and begin the renovation of APU's Grant Hall Theater by replacing the badly worn seats and making other needed repairs.

During the second year of the grant (2005), APU will: renovate the first floor of Grant Hall where administrative offices are located; and construct two new facilities. The construction of the 24-bed Segelhorst Residence Hall, named for philanthropists N.E. "Knobby" and Mary Ellen Segelhorst, will make apartment style living available once again for APU students and will help to alleviate APU's shortage of this type of student housing. The new Maintenance Shed will provide a new and badly needed home for APU's maintenance department and equipment.

These six projects combined represent the first phase of the University's larger five-year, $7 million campus renovation and facility construction plan as outlined in APU's 2004-2008 strategic plan.

APU's major strategic goal over the next five years is to achieve an enrollment increase to 650 full-time equivalent students. However, accommodating the needs of a student population of this size requires the renovation of the campus's older facilities along with the addition of major new structures.

"Capital improvements to academic facilities can do much to lift the quality of education, retention of students and faculty, and enrollment at universities," says Dr. North. "The completion of this first phase of capital projects and improvements will assist us tremendously in our efforts to offer high quality private education right here in Alaska, and to attract and retain top-notch students both now and in the future."

In 2003, APU took the first steps forward in improving its campus-wide facilities with the complete renovation of its science classrooms and laboratories located on the third floor of Grant Hall, now called the BP Science Center, in honor of major project support provided by BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc. Now, thanks to the generous support of the Rasmuson Foundation, Alaska Pacific University can move forward with the next two years of needed capital projects.

Charitable contributions made by local corporations are the backbone of Alaska Pacific University's annual fund raising efforts, and when combined equal 60% of all gifts made to the University's Annual Fund each year. Contributions made in support of the Annual fund should total over $1.3 million this year and will go directly to help to offset the many costs associated with operating this university such as professors' salaries, academic program expenses, new equipment purchases, student services expenses, scholarships for students in need, and much more.

All of us at Alaska Pacific University offer our sincerest thanks to the following corporations that have made significant gifts ($25,000 or more) through the University's Annual Fund since the beginning of this fiscal year (July 1, 2003). Their contributions have, and will, help tremendously in our efforts to provide a high quality, private education for our students regardless of age, interest or financial ability.

At-Sea Processors Association
$200,000 For general support of the APU Marine Biology Program and related Fisheries Research projects.

ConocoPhillips
$150,000 to benefit the APU Annual Fund.

State Farm Insurance Company
$100,000 to benefit the APU Annual Fund and provide financial aid for students in need.

First National Bank Alaska
$60,000 to create a new scholarship fund for low-income students participating in the Early Honors Program.

Northrim Bank
$60,000 for general support of the Rural Alaska Native Adult Program.

Anchorage Daily News
$25,000 to benefit the APU Annual Fund.

APU President Dr. Douglas M. North accepts State Farm Insurance Company's generous contribution of $100,000 from Mr. Kent Boothman, APU Trustee and Agency Field Executive, State Farm Insurance.