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

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