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First National Bank Alaska Finance Lab Equips Students to Excel in the Field of Finance

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The University of Alaska Anchorage’s College of Business and Public Policy has become a finance education hub. What began as a vision has become a reality thanks to generous philanthropic support. As visitors enter the building, they are met by an impressive stock ticker in the lobby, and on the second floor, eyes are drawn to the frosted glass windows of the First National Bank Alaska Finance Lab. The state-of-the-art lab provides students with access to industry data sources and software and serves as a space for students involved with the Seawolf Investment Fund to make decisions.

After nearly half a century of giving to UA, First National Bank Alaska chose to make a special gift of just under $500,000 during the For Alaska campaign to position CBPP as a finance education center. The gift established UAA’s First National Bank Alaska Finance Lab, which opened in the fall of 2023 and will serve as a conduit for the state with the vision of interfacing UAA, UAF and UAS business students with access to classes as well as guest lectures. 

“For the past century, our bank and the University of Alaska have shared a commitment to serving Alaskans," said Betsy Lawer, board chair, president and CEO of First National Bank Alaska. "My father would take great delight in knowing that this Finance Lab will provide a learning space for students to experience hands-on-opportunities before they enter our workforce. It’s our honor to invest in the university’s focus on producing skilled graduates who are well-prepared to meet Alaska’s workforce demands and become tomorrow’s leaders."

Staff celebrate the opening of the Finance LabStaff celebrate the opening of the Finance Lab
Staff celebrate the opening of the Finance Lab
Celebrating the opening of the First National Bank Alaska Finance Lab

In addition to the capital support, this investment also included new technology equipment for the students and the digital stock ticker located in the Rasmuson Hall lobby that is playing a significant role in preparing Alaska’s next generation of investors. Accounting alumnus and entrepreneur Gary Klopfer, B.B.A. Accounting and Finance '81, UAA, and his wife Jane Cuddy Klopfer gave a $1 million gift to establish the Seawolf Investment Fund, expanding the impact of the new lab facility. Klopfer considers it a privilege to help students, recalling that receiving a scholarship enabled him to complete his degree in the ‘80s. He shared that their gift was "an opportunity for me and Jane to pay it forward and help UAA students and the future business leaders of our state."

Peak Trust Company also contributed to this vision through their support of the Bloomberg Terminals. Students enrolled in CBPP's Student Managed Portfolio are able to gain invaluable hands-on experience through their management of the Seawolf Investment Fund. Students direct investment and portfolio analysis with real money and real stocks through this educational opportunity. Earnings are then used to support student scholarships, conferences and development.

Former CBPP Dean John Nofsinger, who was the champion and visionary of this effort, understood that a comprehensive financial education program must include two essential segments of understanding: a broad-based level of financial literacy and an advanced level of financial education. Nofsinger added, "this comprehensive approach ensures that our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in the diverse and dynamic field of finance, including robust portions of the financial industry in Alaska." 

“The First National Bank Alaska Finance Lab combined with the student Seawolf Investment Fund and other features demonstrate UAA's commitment to being a leader in finance education,” said Chancellor Sean Parnell. “Supported by the generous contributions of our donors, this facility equips UAA students with cutting-edge resources to excel in the financial sector, driving economic and intellectual growth across Alaska, For Alaska."

Together, the major philanthropic investments provide tangible milestones toward creating a leading finance education hub for the UA System.

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