They claimed diplomas, shook hands, smiled for the camera and exited the commencement stage into life’s next chapter. A typical scene, except that APU’s graduation ceremony July 14 featured no…
President's Blog
APU receives $100,000 Rasmuson grant for sustainability
Alaska Pacific University has received a second consecutive Rasmuson Foundation grant aimed at capacity building and sustainability. Sought by APU President Don Bantz, the $100,000 award will concentrate on attracting…
APU’s 2012 Gala
June 13th was a magical evening for APU. Thanks to the generosity of Bob Gillam and an army of committed and talented volunteers and professionals, we set the community abuzz…
Energy Efficiency at APU: Performance Contracting
APU spends $783,000 annually on electricity, gas and water utility consumption and an additional $247,000/year on Operations and Maintenance to keep its ancient boilers functional (the 5 boilers in Atwood,…
March Madness Alaska Style
For most Americans, March Madness is an activity contested indoors. In Alaska, March is the time Alaskans take the madness outside. Take, for instance, the 1,000-mile Iditarod sled dog race…
Affordability and quality at Alaska’s only private baccalaureate liberal arts university
Only 22% of Americans agree that “college costs in general are such that most people are able to afford to pay for a college education.” (Pew Research Center) APU provides…
APU Nordic Ski Center
On Excellence When it comes to excellence, the APU Nordic Ski Club has by all measures achieved it. It is considered to be the most successful regional Nordic Ski Club…
Into the field
DEEP learning is the primary theme that runs throughout my blog. It results from active learning in small learning communities doing applied interdisciplinary research on real world projects. In my…
On sustainability and being “green”
APU’s Strategic Plan has three core themes: academic excellence, sustainability, and enrollment growth. I’m often asked, “What do you mean by sustainability?” I like the Brundtland Commission of the United…
Recommendations for the Higher Education and Career Readiness Task Force: A Legislative White Paper prepared by Don Bantz, Task Force Member, January, 25, 2011
SB 220, the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act, contains a section entitled The Emerging Technologies Fund. It provides funds to Alaska organizations or institutions that demonstrate partnership with the University of…
