Scholarship Support Helped UMaine’s 2019 Valedictorian

Drew Brooks, UMaine’s 2019 valedictorian, is a double major in microbiology and music, with a minor in molecular biology. “Drew is an outstanding undergraduate student from Maine who took full advantage of the breadth and depth of a research university,” says UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

As a UMaine student, Brooks received multiple scholarships awarded through funds held at the University of Maine Foundation including the Edie McVay King Scholarship. In fact, he has had the opportunity to meet and thank Edie at several UMaine scholarship events. He also received the Frederick Radke Undergraduate Research Fellowship.

“Completing two degrees at the University of Maine can be financially challenging,” says Brooks. “I am so grateful to have received the Edie McVay King Scholarship, not only because it has reduced my debt, but also because it has been awarded to me in recognition of my performance as an outstanding microbiology student in the department of molecular and biomedical science.”

Since his sophomore year, Brooks has been a student researcher in the Wheeler Lab studying the fungus Candida albicans, which can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Beyond the classroom and lab, Brooks has participated in five UMaine music ensembles — University Singers, Black Bear Men’s Chorus, Oratorio Society, Euphony Chamber Choir and Opera Workshop. He hopes to continue his vocal training when he moves to Boston this summer.

As a sophomore, Brooks was accepted to Tufts University School of Medicine through the Maine Track Early Assurance program. In August, he will start his first year of medical school.