News and Press Releases

Jun 28, 2006

Bank helps develop bachelors degree in construction

First National Bank Alaska has pledged $25,000 toward the development of a four-year bachelors degree program in Construction Management at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).

Currently, UAA offers only a two-year associate degree program in
Construction Management. The university is planning to start a four-year program at the end of the year. Construction industry officials have set a goal of raising $100,000 by June 1, 2006. These funds will be used for curriculum development and start-up costs for the degree program. First Nationals contribution to UAA is part of this fundraising effort.

Theres a growing shortage of qualified construction management
personnel in the state; construction students leave Alaska to complete their bachelors degree, and are often heavily recruited by Outside firms, said Elizabeth Setzer, First National vice president and associate member of Associated General Contractors. And Alaska firms now must look outside the state to hire qualified people.

Betsy Lawer, First Nationals Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer added,
Our support of this new degree will help Alaskans and Alaska businesses, and is a natural extension of our Buy Alaska philosophy.

The bank will give $5,000 a year over a five-year period to fund the new
degree program.

Established in 1922, First National is Alaskas largest locally owned and operated bank, with ATMs and 29 branches in 17 communities throughout Alaska.

 

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