Donor Spotlight: Andrew Eker and Mary K. Hughes

Alaska Pacific University is thrilled to honor Andrew Eker and Mary K. Hughes as our 2026 Denali Society Friends of APU Honorees in recognition of their longstanding generosity, leadership, and commitment to higher education.  For decades, Andrew and Mary K. have been champions of higher education in and outside of Alaska, and APU is fortunate to count them among our most dedicated and loyal supporters. 

Andrew was elected to the APU Board of Trustees in 2009, where he served as board secretary and on several committees, including facilities. In 2016, he was named Trustee Emeritus for his dedicated service and continues to join APU Board of Trustees meetings as time allows. In that same year, the impact that Andrew’s commitment to the community had had on the state was recognized in him being selected as a Laureate by Junior Achievement of Alaska and was honored with being inducted into the Alaska Business Hall of Fame As co-founder and former president of The Alaska Club, Andrew led efforts that strengthened community partnerships and supported numerous organizations across Alaska, including APU. Under his leadership, The Alaska Club received the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s Gold Pan Award for Distinguished Community Service by a Business.

Mary K., a distinguished leader in law and public service, has been active in the APU community even before it was APU. She was integral in promoting awareness of the then AMU and instrumental in raising funds & bringing more robust educational opportunities into the community when there were none. And even now she still supports student scholarships and faculty awards. Mary K.’s long standing commitment at this level has and will continue to benefit generations to come.

A dedicated mentor, she has inspired many students to pursue higher education and leadership roles. Beyond APU, Mary K. has served for more than 20 years on higher education boards in and outside Alaska and led her family’s philanthropy as CEO of The John C. Hughes Foundation, advancing initiatives that enhance the quality of life for Alaskans.

Andrew and Mary K. enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle—hiking, cycling, and skiing—and reside in Anchorage, where they continue to support APU and their growing family. Their daughter Erin and grandchildren Jesse and Leah are proud APU graduates, reflecting the family’s enduring connection to the university.