In addition to recognizing those who consistently support the university with annual donations at the Denali Society Level, we also recognize individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations whose cumulative giving totals reach: Laureate Level ($1 million and above), Summa Cum Laude Level ($500,000–999,000), or Magna Cum Laude Level ($100,000–499,000).

This year we are pleased to induct the following generous contributors into the Denali Society Class of 2005:

 

 

THE LAURENCE J. CARR
DISTINGUISHED VOLUNTEER AWARD

This award was established in 1999 to honor and recognize volunteers to Alaska Pacific University who have made a substantial commitment of time and resources to APU.

Roger J. Chan–2005 Recipient
We are honored to present the Laurence J. Carr Volunteer of the Year Award for 2005 to Alaska Pacific University Trustee Roger J. Chan.

Roger came to Alaska in 1977 after receiving a B.S. in accounting from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. He often jokes that he came to Alaska for milder climate, but it was the great outdoors and opportunity that lured him.

In 1982, after six years as a CPA and management consultant with a regional public accounting firm, he accepted the position as VECO's chief financial officer. Over the years, he has directed the company's numerous domestic and international acquisitions, and is responsible for all of VECO Corporation's financial, accounting, and administrative procedures. A member of VECO's board of directors, he also serves as president of several VECO companies. Interesting highlights of a varied career include handling the financial negotiations associated with the Exxon Valdez oil spill cleanup and contracts with Russian partners on Sakhalin Island, the major oil companies, and the US Air Force.

Community service in Alaska has become increasingly important for Roger. He is a member of the board of trustees for Alaska Pacific University and he serves on the board of Catholic Social Services. He is vice-chairman of Vision Anchorage, an organization comprised of business and government leaders planning for the future of Anchorage, and a board member for the Export Council of Alaska. Roger also served as vice-chairman of the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development Education Funding Task Force, presenting the findings to the Alaska legislature. Governor Tony Knowles appointed him to the statewide school board.

Roger is a private pilot and avid outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish in Alaska. A member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seaton parish, he is married and has three devoted daughters.