Usibelli Coal Mine: Generations of Support Inspires Others to Give
Story by Katie Straub
Usibelli Coal Mine has a long history of altruistic support in Interior Alaska, including 43 years of proudly celebrating and partnering with UAF. Support for education has been a hallmark of the leadership of UCM President Joe Usibelli Jr. ’81. Over the years, UCM has donated more than $5.2 million to the university. UCM giving is relevant and timely - in tune with the pulse of students and adjusting to the landscape of need. The company has been a leader, as well as a pioneer, in its philanthropic efforts.
Most recently, UCM made significant and impactful contributions to the School of Management and Nanook Athletics during the first UA Giving Day, "49 Hours for the 49th State," held Oct. 20-22, 2020.
In the past two years, UCM has provided $350,000 to SOM, providing significant support to the Applied Management program, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management program, and as the presenting sponsor of the UAF Arctic Innovation Competition. These gifts were in addition to the endowed UCM scholarships housed in SOM, which award two students $5,000 each per year for up to four years.
UCM's giving day challenge donation to the School of Management, at $100,000 total, was split between the Homeland Security and Emergency Management program and the Bachelor of Applied Management program. The UCM challenge gifts helped jumpstart UA Giving Day and closely followed similar gifts from UCM to support both School of Management programs.
The Homeland Security and Emergency Management program, the only one of its kind in Alaska, prepares graduates to plan responses and manage first responders during man-made and natural emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the critical importance of training professionals in this field. The program has grown substantially over the last decade to more than 200 students. The online programs consistently receive top reviews in various college rankings.
“These top rankings are only possible due to our knowledgeable instructors, an exciting curriculum and collaboration across campus,” said Cam Carlson, HSEM program director and UAF alumnus. “With support from Usibelli Coal Mine, we are able to provide nationally recognized leadership training as well as the critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills needed for our graduates.”
The Bachelor of Applied Management program offers students with technical hands-on degrees or certificates the opportunity to further their career growth and develop management skills within their current fields. The UCM endowment will set up the first scholarship for students enrolled in the program.
“Having leadership from Usibelli Coal Mine believe in these students - and not only their education, but their future careers - is vital,” said Amanda White, BAM program director. “It is a belief in the betterment of our leaders, our organizations and our communities that these students will impact.”
Because of their exceptional advocacy for UAF and their help in building a culture of giving, the Usibelli family was one of just three Philanthropists of the Century recognized by UAF in 2017. With such incredible generosity, one might wonder what inspires UCM to continue to give.
“Giving back to our community is part of our mission as a family,” said Joe Usibelli Jr. `81, in a 2017 interview. He added that, “The university has touched every aspect of my life.” He encourages others to “give often and give significantly if you can. It makes us who we are.”
He echoes the sentiment of his father, Joe Usibelli Sr. ’59 and ’96H, who said in 2011, “You give back. You have to. Either that or you’re not doing it right.”