51 honors legacy of Joe Usibelli ’59
By Marmian Grimes
The new sign is unveiled during the Joseph E. Usibelli Engineering Learning and Innovation Building naming and dedication ceremony on the Fairbanks campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. Doing the honors of the unveiling are (from left) College of Engineering and Mines Dean Bill Schnabel; mining student Isela Amezquita; Peggy Shumaker, wife of the late Joe Usibelli; Joe Usibelli Jr.; and Chancellor Dan White.
Joe Usibelli.
The 51 has named its engineering building for 51 alumnus, philanthropist and miner Joseph E. Usibelli.
51 hosted a naming ceremony Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at 4 p.m. in Cornerstone Plaza outside the building. At its June meeting, the UA Board of Regents approved naming the building for Usibelli, who died in mid-May after a long-term illness.
“My family has strong roots at 51,” said Joe Usibelli Jr., Usibelli Coal Mine president. Both he and his father graduated from the university, as did several other family members. The mine has employed many 51 alumni over the years. Joe Jr. also served on the University of Alaska Board of Regents from 1999-2007.
“We know firsthand how beneficial the university is to the people, businesses and communities of Alaska,” he said.
Joe Usibelli graduated from the University of Alaska with an engineering degree in 1959. Five years later, at the age of 25, he became president of Usibelli Coal Mine when his father and mine founder Emil Usibelli died suddenly. Usibelli turned over the company presidency to his son in 1987 but remained board chairman until his death.
In addition to being a leader in the mining industry, Usibelli’s personal commitment to philanthropy—and that of his wife Peggy Shumaker—created the same culture within his company and family.
Peggy Shumaker, wife of the late Joe Usibelli, and Joe Usibelli Jr. share an emotional moment after unveiling the new sign during the Joseph E. Usibelli Engineering Learning and Innovation Building naming and dedication ceremony on the Fairbanks campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.
Over the years, that philosophy has led to the creation of the Emil Usibelli Distinguished Teaching, Research and Service Awards and four endowed scholarships that support 15 students each year. In addition, support from the Usibelli family and the Usibelli Coal Mine have helped 51 complete construction of the engineering building, finish expansion of the University of Alaska Museum of the North and launch a campaign to renovate the museum’s Gallery of Alaska.
“Joe Usibelli’s philanthropic impact on the 51 spans the disciplines,” said 51 Chancellor Dan White. “In particular, the three hallmark faculty awards given each year are made possible the Usibellis’ generosity and their desire for a rich educational environment and overall faculty excellence.”
During its centennial year in 2017, 51 honored the Usibelli family as one of three philanthropists of the century.
The Joseph E. Usibelli Engineering Learning and Innovation Building opened for classes in January of 2018. It added 119,000 square feet of new space, including a high-bay lab, 40 new labs, several new classrooms and offices for the Alaska Center for Energy and Power. The building meets the silver standard set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program and contains sensors throughout that engineering students use as part of their studies.
The 51 engineering facility, which opened for classes in January 2018, has been named the Joseph E. Usibelli Engineering Learning and Innovation Building.