Life Pacific University recently celebrated the completion of a major solar energy project designed to strengthen the university’s long-term financial sustainability, reduce energy costs, and support greater environmental stewardship across campus.
The project, completed in partnership with EcoForce Solutions, includes approximately 560 kW of solar energy installed across all campus rooftops, including the Hicks Student Center, four student housing buildings, classroom and office buildings, and the Simonson Center. The system is expected to offset close to 70% of the university’s energy footprint and generate nearly $5.5 million in lifetime savings.
For LPU, the project represents more than a facilities upgrade. It is a long-term investment in the university’s future, the students it serves, and the environment.
“This is more than about solar energy,” said Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University, during the kickoff celebration. “It’s really about the faithful stewardship of resources, God’s resources that He’s entrusted to us, that we would continue developing leaders for the Church, the workplace, and the world.”
In a celebration last week, the new solar panels were symbolically “switched on”. University leadership, board members, facilities staff, students, Foursquare partners, and the EcoForce Solutions team were on hand to recognize the many people who helped bring the project to completion. Dr. George Bostanic, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Student Life opened the program by thanking the LPU facilities team, the university’s solar task force, the Board of Trustees, Foursquare Financial Solutions, and EcoForce Solutions for their work throughout the project.
“This couldn’t have been done without the partnership of Foursquare,” Bostanic said. “We recognize that.”
Kelly Craig, EVP of EcoForce Solutions shared that the project was an exciting one for his team, even with a few weather-related challenges along the way. He thanked LPU for the opportunity to partner on a project that will serve the campus for decades.
“We installed about 560 kW of solar on the Hicks roof, the student housing roofs, classroom roofs, and the Simonson roof,” Craig said. “The offset of this solar production is going to cover close to 70% of the energy footprint that the campus is using. Lifetime savings is almost $5.5 million.”
The savings are especially significant as energy costs continue to rise. Steve Moore, LPU’s Chief Financial Officer, said the long-term financial impact was one of the most compelling parts of the project.
“The slide that sold me was when they showed me that we’re locking in our price for all these kilowatts,” Moore said. “If Edison increases their rates five to 10 years from now, we’re still getting those kilowatts for free, and that’s where those millions of dollars come from.”
Moore also shared that during a trial run of the system, the university was already able to see the impact on its Edison usage.
“I saw the usage on the Edison go down,” Moore said. “That’s when I got really happy. I’m like, ‘Okay, all their promises look like it’s going to happen.’”
The project also reflects LPU’s commitment to caring for creation by reducing the university’s reliance on traditional energy sources and making greater use of renewable energy. By offsetting a significant portion of campus energy usage, the solar project supports both operational savings and a more sustainable future for generations of students to come.
Incoming Student Body President Mariah Kavanaugh thanked university leaders and partners on behalf of the student body.
“Your commitment to sustainability not only benefits campus today, but creates a stronger future for the generations of students to come,” Kavanaugh said. “Thank you for your leadership and support, and the noise was definitely worth it.”
President Richey also emphasized that the project was years in the making and will benefit LPU far beyond the present moment.
“This was a dream of ours well over a decade and a half ago, and we weren’t able to mobilize it,” Richey said. “This isn’t just for us today, it’s for future generations. They will benefit from what we have sowed into this project.”
Dr. Richey thanked EcoForce Solutions, the Board of Trustees, The Foursquare Church, Foursquare Financial Solutions and LPU leaders who helped guide the project forward. She also recognized Dr. Bostanic for his leadership throughout the process.
“George has been such a faithful leader, and he does so many things that nobody really knows about,” Richey said. “You have really been the one who has spearheaded this, so we honor you. We could not have done this without you.”
As LPU continues its mission of forming leaders for the Church, the workplace, and the world, the solar project stands as a visible reminder of the university’s commitment to wise stewardship, environmental responsibility, and long-term investment in the students and communities it serves.
