Louis Jovanovich

Louis Jovanovich spoke with The Northern Light through email about his candidacy for a position on the Green Fee Board in the upcoming USUAA election. 

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Why are you running for the Green Fee Board?

Since joining the Green Fee Board in Oct. 2023, Jovanovich has helped get approval for sustainability projects, including upgrading to energy-efficient LED lights in the Avis Alaska Sports Complex and funding a community garden near the Engineering Parking Garage. 

Jovanovich worked as a commercial electrician for six years before coming to UAA. Through this experience, he has learned communication, project management and knowledge of building operations which he feels has been invaluable to the Green Fee Board.

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In your words, what is the Green Fee Board?

Jovanovich wrote that the Green Fee Board is a student board dedicated to sustainability. It allocates funds collected from student fees to pay for projects such as solar panels and water bottle filling stations around campus, as well as distributing eco-friendly promotional products.

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If elected, what are your goals? How do you plan to accomplish them?

Jovanovich’s first major goal is a large-scale project aimed to enhance students’ daily experiences while being a visible signal of UAA’s commitment to sustainability. His ideas include a secured bike parking cage and energy efficient heat pump dryers in student housing. 

Jovanovich wrote his second goal is ensuring the Green Fee Board continues beyond his last term on the Green Fee Board. He hopes to encourage students to join the Green Fee Board so that money from provided fees are utilized.

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How have your prior positions/experiences prepared you for this role?

Jovanovich wrote “I've worked with everyone from scientists to conspiracy theorists, and I get along well with pretty much everyone.” He wrote that the ability to work with anyone has helped him continue to communicate with different groups on campus to make change happen.

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How do you feel the Green Fee Board is helpful to the UAA community?

According to Jovanovich, the Green Fee Board helps the UAA community by being a microcosm of Anchorage and the state as a whole. He wrote that many issues facing the state and UAA include declining population, a looming natural gas shortage and an economy that depends on oil. Jovanovich wrote that prioritizing sustainability at UAA allows the Green Fee Board to show that building a sustainable future is both attainable and a smart fiscal decision.

Jovanovich also wrote that the Green Fee Board’s focus on sustainability could help attract more students. “I have heard from several out of state students that they seriously considered not coming to UAA because of how car dependent it is.” He wrote that potential grant funding for UAA is also missed because of a lack of sustainability, which the Green Fee Board aims to address.

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How can students be more involved with the Green Fee Board?

Jovanovich wrote that students can be involved by contacting Student Life and Leadership to serve on the Green Fee Board. He also wrote that their weekly meetings are open to everyone, and anyone can propose ideas to make campus more sustainable. Jovanovich encouraged anyone with questions, comments or ideas to reach out to the Green Fee Board.