ASHLAND � A new contribution from Xcel Energy will fund several Northland College projects, including the Apostle Islands School, the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute (SOEI) and the Xcel Energy Environmental Award Scholarship.

�Xcel�s support of these three programs certainly assists Northland in furthering its mission as a college,� said Marc Barbeau, vice president for institutional advancement, �During these hard economic times it is of great importance to ensure student success and this kind of institutional support helps students immensely. The scholarship provides direct aid, and the rest of the contribution ensures that Northland can offer them unique opportunities through the SOEI and Apostle Islands School.�

This contribution is one in a series of annual gifts illustrating Northland and Xcel�s longstanding relationship in the Ashland community, which stretches back more than 40 years. �The importance of this partnership cannot be exaggerated,� said Barbeau, �Xcel is a dedicated contributor, and they believe in continuing support for Northland.�

Many Northland graduates have gone to work for the company, and Xcel has provided funds for numerous special projects on campus. Just this year Xcel fully funded the window replacement for the SOEI and the installation of solar panels on the Dexter library.

"Xcel Energy has been an environmental leader in the Upper Midwest for the past 50 years," said Mike BeBeau, community service manager for Xcel Energy and Northland alumnus. "Our Bay Front Power Plant in Ashland was the first investor-owned utility facility to burn waste wood for the generation of electricity. Currently, two boilers at the plant use sustainably harvested biomass to generate enough electricity to supply 25,000 homes with renewable energy. Plans are currently under way to convert the remaining boiler to allow it to burn biomass as well, which will make Bay Front the largest biomass plant in the Midwest."

Northland College and its Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute are located in Ashland, Wis., near the shores of Lake Superior. Northland�s distinctive environmental liberal arts program, passionate faculty, and beautiful natural location create a community of engaged learners who develop the skills and experience to prepare for advanced studies and meaningful lives. Founded in 1892, Northland enrolls 700 students from across the nation and across the world. For more information about Northland College and its Institute, visit www.northland.edu.

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