Usibelli Coal Mine Impact Report
UAF photo by Eric Engman.
The Usibelli Building, top center, overlooks Cornerstone Plaza in August 2025.
2026
Transforming student research into clean energy solutions
Usibelli Coal Mine’s generous $260,000 investment empowers students to move beyond textbook theory and lead hands-on research using state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure.
Pioneering Green Energy Innovation
With access to a new muffle furnace and thermogravimetric analyzer, young researchers are:
- Extracting rare earth elements from coal ash using eco-friendly supercritical fluids rather than toxic acids.
- Authoring peer-reviewed publications that elevate research standards and showcase student leadership.
- Turning waste into wealth by developing sustainable, revenue-generating materials for the energy sector.
The Institute of Northern Engineering celebrates it’s 40th Anniversary with the INE @ 40 event Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Nishesh Chhetri, a graduate research assistant, talks about 3D printed concrete at UAF’s Automated Construction and Advanced Materials Lab during the Institute of Northern Engineering’s 40th anniversary event in December 2025.
Solving Real-World Industrial Challenges
Equipped with a new desktop scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction system, future engineers are:
- Mapping coal ash microstructures to unlock critical operational insights.
- Optimizing thermal efficiency and reducing downtime directly for Usibelli Coal Mine.
- Graduating job-ready with the practical skills needed to lead the future of industrial engineering.
University Fire Department firefighters Bella Coronada, left, and Olive Mathias work out in the new weight and exercise training room at Station 12 in July 2026.
Fueling the strength and resilience of UAF student firefighters
Usibelli Coal Mine’s $40,000 donation delivers immediate, on-site impact for the student firefighters at the new Station 12.
Building Mission-Ready First Responders
By funding brand-new strength, cardio, and functional fitness equipment, this gift provides:
- High-Stress Preparedness: Supports 42 student firefighters and 30 summer academy recruits in building the physical endurance needed for real-world emergencies.
- Injury Prevention & Wellness: Direct access to professional training tools reduces physical injury and boosts mental well-being on the job.
- Seamless Daily Routines: Allows crews to train right at the station, eliminating off-site travel time so they can focus on their shifts and studies.
- Upgraded Infrastructure: Replaces outdated, piecemealed gear with a modern, dedicated station wellness room that helps full-time students balance academic rigor with community service.
Cumulative Investment — Top 5 Areas of Impact
Families and students visit and explore activities during the College of Engineering and Mines Open House at the Usibelli Building in February 2026.
Engineering students explain their work in the Automated Construction and Advanced Minerals Lab at the Usibelli Building in September 2025.
Scholarship Giving by College/Unit — Cumulative
Scholarships Detail — Cumulative
Video by UAF University Relations.
Research professional Piper Kramer works in UAF’s Critical Minerals Lab in November
2024.
Students applaud during the Honors College graduation ceremony in the Murie Building auditorium on April 30, 2026.
Awarded Scholarships and Students — Cumulative
Awarded Scholarships — 2025-2026
Photo by UAF University Relations.
Honors student Soka Vanegas presents their capstone at the BP Design Theater in the
Usibelli building on April 15, 2026.
SIGNATURE PROJECTS
THANK
YOU!
UA Foundation Fund Balances*
College of Engineering and Mines
College of Business and Security Management
General
Athletics
Honors College
UAF Community and Technical College
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
*Explanation of Terminology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| "Spending Account Balance" | The full portion of the endowment that is available to be awarded or used. These funds may already be fully or partially committed. |
| "Spending Distribution" | The portion of earnings transferred from the endowment to the spending account where it is then available to support the philanthropic purpose of the fund. The UA Foundation's spending guidelines direct this amount as a percentage of the total market value of the fund (principal and earnings), based on a five-year rolling average as of Dec. 31. The UA Foundation Board of Directors has set this at 4 percent annually for the past several years. |
| "Historic Gift Value" | The original value of all contributions to the endowment, net of the 1 percent administrative fee. This balance may include outstanding pledges. |
| "Earnings" | The net investment earnings as they have accumulated over time, a portion of which are transferred annually to the spending account of the fund for use in accordance with the UA Foundation's spending guidelines. |
| "Total Principal Balance" | The combined total of the Historic Gift Value plus the Earnings. |
UA Foundation Financials
The UA Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation that operates as a public foundation. It was established to solicit, manage and invest donations for the University of Alaska's exclusive benefit. The UA Foundation stewards your philanthropic support to build excellence at the University of Alaska.