ATHLETIC TRAINING ENHANCEMENT PLAN
Building New England’s Premiere Athletic Training Program; Enhancing Well-being, Ensuring Peak Performance, & Saving Lives.
STARTING FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH
UMaine’s Athletic Training program is the only program in the state featuring full integration with and routine access to Division 1 athletics. The program boasts 100% passage of the national certification examination on the first attempt over the last two years, compared to the 77% national average.
Our close-knit team of experienced faculty and dedicated students build their knowledge and hone their skills in the Wes Jordan Athletic Training Education Complex. Located steps from our athletic training classrooms, this facility has helped students bridge the gap from theory to practice. It is here that our students find their confidence, build community, and prepare for a fulfilling career.
AN INSPIRATION AND LEGACY - WESLEY JORDAN '63, '69G
Wes Jordan served as the Head Athletic Trainer at the University of Maine for 32 years prior to his retirement in 1997. Jordan, who received his Bachelor’s degree from UMaine in 1963 and his Master’s in 1969, was a member of the 1961 football squd. While at the University, Jordan cared for student-athletes and mentored athletic training students, many of whom have moved on to careers in collegiate and professional sports. He also served as an athletic trainer at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Jordan has been enshrined into the National Athletic Trainer’s Association, Maine Baseball, and State of Maine Hall of Fame. His vision still guides us today.
THE NEED:
Whether you witnessed Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, collapse on the field in cardiac arrest or held your breath as your child dropped on the soccer field, you know that the presence of skilled athletic trainers can save lives, help prevent life-altering injuries, and ensure that individuals and teams maintain performance.
Right now in Maine, 40% of Maine high schools have NO athletic trainers. UMaine’s Athletic Training program is poised to help fill this need. This year the program is expanding to a Master of Science in Athletic Training degree and it is embarking on an Athletic Training Enhancement Campaign to raise funds needed:
- to create a world-class simulation lab within the Wes Jordan Athletic Training Education Complex,
- upgrade equipment,
- enhance program development,
- and create additional scholarship support.
THE PROPOSED SIMULATION LAB WOULD BE THE ONLY DEDICATED SIMULATION LAB FOR ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENTS IN NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND - RASING THE BAR
The simulation lab will provide hands-on practice, especially with emergency skills that students may not encounter in clinical education experiences. Through the use of high-fidelity manikins/simulators, students can apply assessment and treatment techniques for various life-threatening conditions, such as sudden cardiac arrest, exertional heat stroke, and arterial bleeds, in a safe and supportive environment. Backed by strong support from UMaine’s Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, a team of dedicated alumni, and help from the University of Maine Foundation, we are asking you to join us in building the premiere athletic training program for New England.
THE ATHLETIC TRAINING ENHANCEMENT CAMPAIGN - $250,000 GOAL
You are invited to help us build the next generation of UMaine’s Athletic Training program. This is an opportunity to help fill a need in Maine communities that will directly impact the lives of our children, family members, neighbours, and friends. It is an opportunity to make UMaine the gold standard for athletic training preparation – enhancing the value of your UMaine degree.
A. FACILITY RENOVATIONS - $25,000
B. FACULTY & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT - $25,000
C. STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS - $25,000
D. SIMULATION & AT EQUIPMENT -$175,000
ARE YOU READY TO ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AND JOIN THE TEAM?
You can make a pledge of support and pay over five years.
Ways To Give:
- Make a gift or pledge at our.umaine.edu/athletictraining; or give over the phone by calling the University of Maine Foundation at 207.581.5800
- Make checks payable to The University of Maine Foundation, noting “Athletic Training Enhancement Campaign” in the memo line, and mail to:
The University of Maine Foundation
Two Alumni Place
Orono, ME 04469
Naming Opportunities:
We would be honored to memorialize your commitment to UMaine’s Athletic Training program with a space named for you or someone you would like to honor. Contact us if you are interested in sponsoring specific furnishings, equipment or other aspects of the project outlined in the campaign pie chart above.
Are you 71.5 or older and have an IRA?
You may donate by requesting a qualified charitable deducation from your IRA that may provide you with tax benefits. To learn more, please contact Katie Rossignol, at the University of Maine Foundation, at kathryn.rossignol@maine.edu or 207.581.3564
Corporate and In-Kind Gifts:
We welcome corporate partners who can provide financial and in-kind support that meets the campaign’s needs and would look forward to highlighting such a partnership by:
- Providing a plaque on the space or equipment (if appropriate) noting the company’s support; and
- Highlighting the partnership in email and social media communications from Athletic Training program, the College of Education and Human Development, and the University of Maine Foundation.
Campaign Ambassadors
Dr. Ezekiel “Zeke” Kimball ’05, ’08G, PhD
Dean of the College of Education and Human Development
ezekiel.kimball@maine.edu
Dr. Owen J (OJ) Logue
Emeritus Associate Dean
ojlogue@gmail.com
Mark “Rookie” Letendre, ’78, ATC
mlbcharro@aol.com
John Ryan ’89, ’95G, EdD, LAT, ATC, RAA
jpryanlatchme@gmail.com
Tim “Westie” Weston, ’89, ’04G, MEd, ATC
tsweston@colby.edu
Chris Nightingale, ’95, EdD, ATC
Associate Professor of Athletic Training and Physical Education
christopher.nightingale@maine.edu
Katie Rossignol ’02G
Philanthropy Officer
University of Maine Foundation
kathryn.rossignol@maine.edu
207.581.3564