Author: sHq_LoGiNz
TULSA, Okla., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The University of Tulsa has received a transformative $12 million gift from the Asbjornson Foundation to support student scholarships and high-impact learning opportunities, expanding access to a UTulsa education and empowering students to pursue lives of purpose, leadership and innovation.
The gift will establish a suite of endowed funds that support undergraduate and graduate scholarships, summer tuition assistance, global study and experiential learning with priority given to students from the state of Montana and transfer students from the Tulsa area.
“We believe deeply in the power of education to open doors and change the trajectory of a life,” said UTulsa alumnus Scott Asbjornson. “Our family’s experiences in both Montana and Tulsa have shaped that belief, and we are proud to support students from these communities. Our hope is that this investment removes barriers for talented students and creates opportunities for them to learn, explore and grow in ways that prepare them to lead with purpose. We are proud to support The University of Tulsa and the students who will carry that impact forward.”
The cornerstone of the gift is the Norman H. Asbjornson Undergraduate Scholarship Endowment for Engineering, Business and Entrepreneurship, which supports full-time students pursuing degrees in engineering, computer science, data science, finance and emerging innovation-focused fields.
The gift also establishes the Norman H. Asbjornson Graduate Scholarship Endowment for Engineering, Business and Entrepreneurship, expanding access to advanced education for students in high-impact, technology-driven disciplines.
To further support students’ academic momentum, the Norman H. Asbjornson Summer Tuition Scholarship Endowment enables students to accelerate their studies and add on academic minors or a second/third major.
Recognizing the importance of thoughtful engagement in a connected world, the Norman H. Asbjornson Endowed Stipends for Global Experiences support study-abroad opportunities.
Complementing academic and international experiences, the Norman H. Asbjornson Endowed Stipends for Experiential Learning provide critical support for opportunities beyond the classroom from research and conferences to leadership programs and professional development.
Scott Asbjornson (B.S.B.A. ’91, MBA ’95) joined AAON, Inc. in 1988, serving in various positions before serving as chief financial officer of AAON from 2012 to 2021.
His father, Norman H. “Norm” Asbjornson, is a Montana native and alumnus of Montana State University. He founded AAON, a worldwide leader in high-efficiency, advanced HVAC systems in 1988.
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SOURCE The University of Tulsa
Advanced nuclear company will lead global operations and R&D from innovation campus
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AMPERA today held a grand opening celebration for its world headquarters with more than 150 community leaders, elected officials and employees highlighting the start-up company’s clean energy vision. The advanced nuclear reactor company is developing energy-dense, ultra-safe, rapidly deployable units that use thorium and never need to be refueled over their operational life.
“With the growth of AI and continued constraints on power supply, we are developing a reliable, safe, low-cost solution that can effectively change the energy landscape,” said AMPERA Founder and CEO Brian Matthews. “We recognize the importance of speed to market for customers and have an aggressive, solutions-based development timeline.”
The company recently announced its goal to obtain NRC licensing for its subcritical, thorium-fueled reactors, as well as a strategic collaboration with Scorpio Tankers.
Located in the Gardens Innovation Center at PGA National Commerce Park in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., AMPERA is operating from two buildings that are envisioned to total nearly 100,000 square feet and comprise of research & development, engineering, proprietary additive manufacturing, assembly operations, plus administration and back-office functions.
The milestone was marked at the event held in conjunction with the PGA Corridor Association, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.
“We’re thrilled to welcome AMPERA to Palm Beach Gardens as they establish their global headquarters here,” said Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking, high-impact company that is shaping the future of our region. AMPERA’s leadership in advanced energy and engineering not only creates exciting career opportunities, but also strengthens Palm Beach County’s position as a premier hub for innovation and next-generation industries.”
“Companies like AMPERA choosing Northern Palm Beach County for their global operations reinforce our vision of this region as Florida’s Prosperity Coast,” said Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Noel Martinez. “The addition of hundreds of high-tech, high-wage jobs creates a ripple effect that strengthens our economy and elevates the entire community.”
With a vision of 2,500 employees within five years, AMPERA is actively hiring.
About AMPERA
AMPERA is an advanced next-generation nuclear energy company pioneering subcritical thorium-based microreactor systems for the AI era that are energy dense and do not require refueling. Through its proprietary TRISO fuel platform, hybrid fusion–fission architecture and advanced additive manufacturing, AMPERA delivers scalable, factory-built, rapidly deployable, emission-free power for data centers, defense and maritime applications. Learn more at www.amperacleanenergy.com.
Media Contact
Greg.Brostowicz@amperacleanenergy.com
(561) 320-1980
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SOURCE AMPERA
LOS ANGELES, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Don Francisco’s® Coffee continues its partnership with Olive Crest®, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing child abuse and strengthening families in crisis. Throughout April 2026, in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a portion of retail sales from participating California and Pacific Northwest retailers will support Olive Crest’s mission, turning everyday purchases into meaningful support for children and families in crisis with a total contribution of up to $25,000.
This initiative builds on Don Francisco’s Coffee’s ongoing efforts to support the communities it serves. The program continues to expand its reach across key retail markets, where consumers can take part by purchasing select Don Francisco’s Coffee products at participating retailers, including Stater Bros., Smart & Final, Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Albertsons, and Fred Meyer throughout April.
Featured products include Don Francisco’s Coffee 12-count single-serve coffee pods in three signature flavors, including Vanilla Nut, Kona Blend, and Hawaiian Hazelnut. Shoppers can also find specially marked in-store displays highlighting the partnership.
“As a family-owned company, we believe strong families are the foundation of strong communities,” said Lisette Gaviña Lopez, fourth-generation coffee roaster at Don Francisco’s Coffee. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Olive Crest. Since 2017, we’ve supported their work to help children and families. It’s a meaningful way for us to connect our coffee with a greater purpose.”
For over five decades, Olive Crest has worked to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis. Through its programs and long-standing commitment, Olive Crest continues to transform lives by providing safe homes, essential resources, and support for long-term stability.
“Partnerships like the one with Don Francisco’s Coffee allow us to reach more families and provide critical, ongoing support where it’s needed most,” said Rhonda Tagge, National Director of Corporate Development at Olive Crest. “We’re grateful to continue this collaboration and work together toward stronger, more stable futures for children in our communities.”
For more information about Don Francisco’s Coffee and its community initiatives, visit donfranciscos.com. To learn more about Olive Crest’s mission and programs, visit olivecrest.org.
About Don Francisco’s Coffee
Don Francisco’s Coffee is the flagship premium brand of Gaviña Coffee Company. A leading California retail brand, Don Francisco’s Coffee is also available nationally via fine grocery retailers, donfranciscos.com, and Amazon. Don Francisco’s includes a wide array of coffees and roast styles made for a variety of brewing methods, including single-serve pods and espresso capsules. To learn more about Don Francisco’s Coffee, please visit www.donfranciscos.com.
About Olive Crest
Since 1973, Olive Crest has transformed the lives of nearly 300,000 children and their families. We work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. Our many innovative programs reflect our conviction that strengthening the family is one of the most powerful ways to help heal children. Our 98% stability rate is a testament to the lifelong commitment and unwavering compassion that the Olive Crest family maintains to the children and families we serve even after they have graduated from our programs.
Olive Crest serves 5,000 children and families each day throughout the Western United States. For information, call 866.461.2445 or visit www.olivecrest.org.
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SOURCE Don Francisco’s Coffee
AEG’s LA Galaxy, in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and LA Galaxy legend and former U.S. Men’s National Team captain Landon Donovan, unveiled a new community mini pitch on Friday, April 3 at Birney Tech Academy in Pico Rivera, expanding access to soccer for local youth.
Located in the El Rancho Unified School District (ERUSD), the mini pitch is designed to provide a safe, high‑quality space for students to play, learn and connect through sport. To celebrate the opening, Donovan and the LA Galaxy’s President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Braun joined district leaders to emphasize how community-based sports can drive youth development and bring people together.
Following a ribbon‑cutting ceremony that opened with a performance by the El Rancho High School cheerleading squad, the Galaxy activated the mini pitch with a soccer clinic centered on skills and drills for Birney Tech Academy students.
“Landon’s legacy is rooted in inspiring young players,” said Tom Braun, President and Chief Operating Officer, LA Galaxy. “Bringing this mini pitch to Pico Rivera ensures that legacy continues by creating new opportunities for kids to discover the game.”
The community celebration continued later that evening as the Galaxy honored Donovan during a special match at Dignity Health Sports Park, when the team faced Minnesota United FC. The night featured a celebration of Donovan’s historic career and included the distribution of 15,000 bobbleheads to fans in attendance.
Together, the mini pitch and celebration underscore how soccer, and the leaders who have shaped it, can continue to inspire the next generation, on and off the field.