On the passing of Joe Usibelli

Message from UA President Pat Pitney:

May 14, 2022

Dear UA Community,

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Joe Usibelli, whose contributions to Alaska and to the university have been transformational. He was not only the force behind Alaska’s largest coal operation, but he and his wife Peggy Shumaker shared their success and contributed generously to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

As a 1959 graduate of UAF with a degree in civil engineering, and a member of the first varsity rifle team, Joe’s philosophy was to give back, to share his success, and to provide for others. He was a testament to the power of individual philanthropy and believed that those who give of their resources create vibrant communities. Joe was dedicated to creating a vibrant UAF, a vibrant community in Healy and was supportive of the families who lived there and worked at Usibelli Coal Mine. He also was dedicated to the successful restoration of the natural landscape on land previously mined well before it was required by the federal government.

Joe and family members funded the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Research and Public Service Awards for faculty. Joe co-chaired the fundraising efforts for the University of Alaska Museum of the North addition. Then, in 2014, Peggy and Joe gifted the museum $1 million to anchor renovations in the Alaska Gallery. Through Usibelli Coal Mine's corporate social responsibility program, the Usibelli Foundation and personal gifts from members of the Usibelli family, more than $8.5 million has been donated to the university through scholarships, faculty awards, capital projects, event sponsorships and athletics.

But Joe will be remembered for so much more than his philanthropy. He will be remembered for his love of family, his tireless enthusiasm, his success in building an important energy company that supports so many families, and for his life-long commitment to Alaska.

We mourn Joe’s passing, honor his legacy and send our deepest condolences to Peggy, his children and his family.

Sincerely,
Pat Pitney