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.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/12m-gift-from-asbjornson-foundation-to-fund-scholarships-experiences-activities-that-change-lives-302737513.html
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
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ampera-officially-opens-world-headquarters-in-florida-302737467.html
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.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/don-franciscos-coffee-builds-on-its-partnership-with-olive-crest-to-support-families-during-national-child-abuse-prevention-month-302737454.html
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.
KOKOMO, Ind., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Green Cubes Technology (Green Cubes), the leader in producing Lithium-ion (Li-ion) power systems that facilitate the transition from lead-acid batteries and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to green Li-ion battery power, is expanding its support for emerging companies focused on robotics, automation and smart logistics. The company’s industrial lithium-ion battery systems are now powering USAMR automated mobile robot systems that move goods through warehouses and manufacturing facilities to reduce material handling costs and increase accuracy, productivity and throughput.
“Green Cubes sees strong growth in robotics and automation among both established and small or early-stage firms that are reshaping factory and warehouse operations,” said Robin Schneider, Director of Marketing for Green Cubes Technology.
Green Cubes CEO Michael Walsh adds, “by leveraging our team of application engineers and 40 years of delivering technology tailored to each equipment’s needs, Green Cubes is a great partner for supplying safe, reliable and energy-efficient battery solutions that help these innovators bring new products to market faster and scale with proven power system integration hardware and software.”
This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to the robotics ecosystem. Startups and young companies often need power systems that are certified, field-proven, and ready for integration without high engineering overhead. By providing a complete suite of battery packs, chargers and fleet power management tools, Green Cubes reduces friction for hardware developers and their end users.
“USAMR aims to be the industry leader in providing US designed, engineered and manufactured mobile robot solutions at a competitive price for US customers,” said Nick Saur, CEO and Co-Founder. “Green Cubes battery systems enable continuous operation cycles and quick swaps which are essential for USAMRs customers that run high volume or time-sensitive operations.”
Green Cubes Technology’s Lithium SAFEFlex batteries bring a host of advantages to Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), ensuring they meet the high demands of industrial automation with efficiency and reliability. These benefits include:
- Durability: AMR batteries must withstand rigorous conditions. Green Cubes Industrial Swappable batteries offer exceptional durability, with a Battery Management System that prevents overcharging and undercharging, making them ideal for the tough environments where AMRs operate.
- Safety: The Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry in Green Cubes’ AMR lithium batteries ensure enhanced safety. This chemistry reduces the risk of overheating, a crucial feature for AMRs operating in diverse settings.
- High Energy Density: The energy density of Industrial Swappable AMR batteries is a game-changer. These batteries offer more energy storage without the added bulk, allowing AMRs to operate more efficiently and carry heavier loads.
- Extended Battery Life: Industrial Swappable batteries have a longer lifecycle than traditional Lead Acid batteries, providing more operational cycles and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Maximized Uptime: Quick charging and sustained runtimes are key features of our AMR lithium batteries. This ensures that AMRs have minimal downtime and maintain continuous operations.
- Reliability: Each Industrial Swappable battery is constructed with high-quality, UL-approved components. The continuous monitoring by the Battery Management System ensures stable and reliable performance in all conditions.
In addition, Green Cubes recognizes that one size does not fit all in the world of AMRs. Its Engineering team works closely with clients to understand their unique operational requirements, enabling Green Cubes to design batteries that not only fit physically but also align with the power and endurance needs of different AMRs. Whether it’s for heavy-duty industrial use or precision in sensitive environments, Green Cubes’ customized batteries ensure optimal performance. By enhancing their adaptability and efficiency, Green Cubes helps to optimize the overall functionality and productivity of AMRs in a multitude of operational scenarios.
The Green Cubes swappable battery will be demonstrated at MODEX at the USAMR display A727 April 13 – 16 in Atlanta, GA. Visit Green Cubes Technology in its booth B15346 to talk to battery experts and see samples of the industrial swappable and other solutions. To learn more about the swappable batteries, visit: www.greencubes.com.
About Green Cubes Technology
Green Cubes Technology develops and manufactures safe and reliable electrification solutions that enable its OEM and enterprise customers to transition from Lead Acid and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to Lithium-ion battery power. Green Cubes utilizes proven hardware and software platforms to build the most reliable Lithium power solutions in its industry. With employees across five countries, Green Cubes has been producing innovative, high-performance, and high-quality power solutions since 1986.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/green-cubes-supports-emerging-innovator-usamr-with-advanced-lithium-battery-systems-for-amrs-302736799.html
SOURCE Green Cubes Technology
DENVER, April 8, 2026 /3BL/ – For one high-achieving, Denver-area high school student, the Colorado Rockies’ Opening Day wasn’t just a day at the ballpark, but a chance to experience life in the big leagues.
Thanks to Arrow Electronics, a longtime sponsor of the Rockies, high school senior Rishabh Kapoor got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the team’s home opener. Kapoor is a member of his high school robotics teams and winner of the Innovation Scholarship Award from Colorado FIRST, a nonprofit organization that helps students gain real-world engineering experience through robotics competitions.
Arrow has provided support to Colorado FIRST for more than a decade, sponsoring competitions and providing mentorship to team members as they design and program their robots. The company tribute to the organization coincided with National Robotics Week, which is designed to showcase the robotics industry and its real-world impact, while inspiring the future workforce.
“Arrow has been amazing at sponsoring teams in Colorado. They understand the passion and dedication that these kids are putting into this program,” said Debbie English, executive director of Colorado FIRST and mentor for Team Highlanders of Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colo.
A member of Team Highlanders, Kapoor has a passion for applying technology to solve problems, which drove him to develop a health literacy app that won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. Team Highlanders advanced to the finals of a Colorado FIRST regional competition in Colorado Springs on March 8. They also captured the Arrow Inspiration Award for advancing respect and appreciation for engineering through their robot’s design and performance.
Colorado FIRST reaches 6,000 local students each year. Students who participate in the organization’s programs are twice as likely to major in science and engineering and 98% improved their problem-solving skills.
About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) sources and engineers technology solutions for thousands of leading manufacturers and service providers. With 2025 sales of $31 billion, Arrow’s portfolio enables technology across major industries and markets. Learn more at arrow.com.
About Colorado FIRST
Colorado FIRST is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young minds through hands-on robotics education and mentorship. As the regional partner for FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), Colorado FIRST runs programs like FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST LEGO League (FLL), empowering students to develop STEM skills, teamwork, and innovation. By connecting students with industry professionals and fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving, Colorado FIRST helps shape the next generation of engineers, leaders, and changemakers in Colorado and beyond. | https://coloradofirst.org
###
About Arrow Electronics
Arrow Electronics guides innovation forward for thousands of leading technology manufacturers and service providers. With 2023 sales of $33 billion, Arrow develops technology solutions that help improve business and daily life. Learn more at arrow.com.
###
The KeyBank Foundation is investing $300,000 in Connected Communities to support small businesses and commercial property owners located in the EMMA and Beechwood neighborhoods through its Small Business Fund.
Supporting small businesses through targeted investment
The Small Business Fund, a new project within Connected Communities’ Economic Empowerment pillar, provides grants to support capital improvements, including façade upgrades, lighting, signage, interior repairs, accessibility enhancements, and safety improvements—immediately enhancing the appearance, functionality, and walkability of the corridors. Grants will range from $2,500 – $10,000. Participating businesses will engage in peer support through Founder’s Tables at the Connect Lab, along with connections to additional funding opportunities and business resources.
This neighborhood corridor approach helps drive improvements that lead to measurable business stability, increased customer activity, and stronger commercial presence for locally owned enterprises.
Building economic momentum in EMMA and Beechwood
“Local small businesses create jobs, energize neighborhoods, and keep commercial corridors active,” said Vince Lecce, KeyBank Rochester Market President. “This investment pairs targeted capital improvements with hands-on guidance so entrepreneurs can strengthen operations, attract more customers, and remain rooted in EMMA and Beechwood. It’s an approach designed to build business stability today and economic momentum for the community tomorrow.”
At the community level, the fund will help reduce vacancies, activate storefronts, and improve safety and visibility along key blocks. By investing directly in existing businesses—and pairing that investment with practical guidance, partner support and warm handoffs—the project builds a self-sustaining network of entrepreneurs who can grow, collaborate, and remain rooted in place. This work helps lay the foundation for long-term economic vitality and positions Connected Communities as the community quarterback guiding equitable commercial revitalization in EMMA and Beechwood.
Connected Communities’ Place-Based Approach
As the Community Quarterback, the organization builds on neighborhood strengths and partners with residents to implement the Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan—advancing cradle-to-career education, mixed-income housing, community wellness, and economic empowerment so families and businesses can thrive.
“This investment from the KeyBank Foundation allows us to strengthen the small businesses that make our neighborhoods vibrant and economically resilient,” said Dr. LaShunda Leslie-Smith, Executive Director of Connected Communities. “This program aims to stabilize and revitalize neighborhood corridors while reinforcing the role of small businesses as anchors of community life. By supporting physical improvements and providing hands-on technical assistance, we are helping local entrepreneurs build businesses that are visible, welcoming, and positioned for long-term success. When our neighborhood storefronts thrive, the entire community benefits—businesses grow stronger, more resources become available to residents, and aesthetic improvements help enhance the value and appeal of surrounding homes.”
“This investment reflects KeyBank’s commitment to locally led, place-based solutions,” said Chiwuike Owunwanne, KeyBank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer in Rochester. “By pairing capital with technical support through trusted community partners, we’re helping small businesses in EMMA and Beechwood strengthen their operations and remain anchors in their neighborhoods for the long term.”
Building Impact Across Rochester
This effort builds on KeyBank’s broader history of community-driven philanthropy, economic mobility initiatives, and inclusive banking investments. Since 2017, KeyBank has invested more than $1.2 billion in Rochester, supporting affordable housing, small business and home lending, and transformational philanthropic initiatives.
NORWALK, Conn., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, announced it has been ranked #7 out of 250 companies, and the top-rated tracker manufacturer, on TIME’s list of America’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2026.
Published by TIME in partnership with Statista, the annual ranking recognizes the top 250 U.S.-based companies driving innovation and measurable impact in sustainability. Companies are evaluated based on positive environmental impact, financial strength, and innovation, following an analysis of more than 3,500 organizations nationwide.
“We’re proud to be included on this list alongside so many companies pushing real innovation in clean energy,” said Phillip Vyhanek, CEO of GameChange Solar. “Being named among the top GreenTech companies in the United States, and ranked #7 overall, reflects our team’s passion for delivering high-performance solar solutions that are advancing the transition to clean energy globally.”
“For us, this goes back to our mission to ‘Repower the Planet’ by making solar power more affordable and accessible at scale,” said Andrew Worden, Founder and Executive Chairman of GameChange Solar. “Being recognized as the highest-ranked tracker company on this list reflects both the strength of our solutions and the important role advanced tracking plays in maximizing solar energy generation.”
The recognition comes at a time of rapid growth in the renewable energy sector, as demand for clean power surges alongside increasing electrification and energy needs across industries.
The full list of America’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2026 is available on TIME.
About GameChange Solar
GameChange Solar is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 58 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun’s movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.
For more information about GameChange Solar and its solar tracking solutions, visit www.gamechangesolar.com.
Media Contact
Lisa Andrews
Director of Marketing, GameChange Solar
lisa.andrews@gamechangesolar.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gamechange-solar-named-highest-ranking-solar-tracking-company-on-times-list-of-americas-top-greentech-companies-of-2026-302737301.html
SOURCE GameChange Solar
