Kinross Fort Knox provides $600,000 for UAF scholarships
November 1, 2016
Jeff Richardson
907-474-6284
Kinross Fort Knox announced today that it will provide $600,000 to an endowed mining-related
engineering scholarship fund at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The gift coincides with the mining company鈥檚 celebration of 20 years of operations
in the Fairbanks area.
Kinross Fort Knox General Manager Eric Hill said research and education at UAF have
been important to the mine鈥檚 success. He also stressed that the company believes in
lending support during an era of challenging budgets.
鈥淪upporting education is a key focus area for Kinross, and we feel we have a responsibility,
especially during these challenging times, to invest in our university,鈥 said Hill,
a UAF alumnus. 鈥淲e are grateful that all of our employees live in the Fairbanks area,
and we have a strong desire to hire graduates that know Alaska and want to stay here.鈥
Including the gift announced today, Kinross has contributed nearly $3 million to UAF
programs and scholarships since 1992. Those funds have supported the College of Engineering
and Mines, Community and Technical College and School of Management, as well as KUAC
public broadcasting, Nanooks athletics and the University of Alaska Museum of the
North.
鈥淜inross鈥 scholarships and support have helped many students at UAF achieve their
goals,鈥 said Interim Chancellor Dana Thomas. 鈥淪uch generosity has allowed students
to get the education and experience they need as they prepare for their mining careers.鈥
Kinross Fort Knox mine, located 25 miles northeast of Fairbanks, has produced more
than 7 million ounces of gold since it began commercial production in 1996. The mine
employs 670 local residents.
ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Anna Atchison, Kinross Fort Knox external affairs manager, 907-388-0044, anna.atchison@kinross.com.