Design Alaska president selected business leader of the year

Submitted by Faith Long
Phone: (907) 474-7253
03/15/07

Fairbanks, Alaska--The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management and the UAF Associated Students of Business have selected Jack B. Wilbur, Jr. as this year’s recipient of the business leader of the year award. Wilbur is president of Design Alaska, Inc.

This is the 31st year UAF has given this annual award. Recipients are selected for their business excellence, educational support and community service. Wilbur began his career with Design Alaska in 1975. He worked as a mechanical engineer-in-training before becoming Design Alaska’s chief mechanical engineer in 1980. In 1990, he was selected as the executive vice president, a position he held until he was promoted to president in 1996.

"Jack has made outstanding contributions to the university and the community. His characteristics exemplify qualities and traits that ASB values," said Natasha Larry, president of ASB and selection committee member. "We want to commend Jack for his hard work, enthusiasm and valuable contributions to the Fairbanks community."

In addition to his career as an engineer, Wilbur serves on the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation Task Force, the KUAC Leadership Council, the board of directors for the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and the UAF College of Engineering and Mines Advisory and Development Council. He volunteers with Rotary International, United Way of the Tanana Valley and the Midnight Sun Council-Boy Scouts of America.

Wilbur also has a strong commitment to higher education. He employs UAF students every summer and established an internship through the Doyon Foundation for Alaska Native architecture and engineering students. Design Alaska also offers financial incentives for its employees to pursue higher education and professional development.

Wilbur is a fifth-generation Alaskan who was born and raised in Fairbanks. He and his wife Carol have two children: Sara and Aaron.

The Associated Students of Business have been honoring community business leaders since 1977. The banquet is an excellent networking opportunity for students, UAF alumni and the business community.

The public is invited to attend the banquet honoring Wilbur March 22 at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with no-host cocktails. A 7 p.m. dinner follows. Tickets are $50 per person. Door prizes include two round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines. For more information, please call (907) 474-7253 or e-mail fnfmh@uaf.edu, or visit www.uaf.edu/som to purchase tickets.

CONTACT: Faith Long, public information officer, UAF School of Management, at (907) 474-7253, or e-mail fnfmh@uaf.edu. Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at (907) 474-7902 or via e-mail at marmian.grimes@uaf.edu.