To make the transformational power of a four-year postsecondary degree even more accessible, UMS has established a Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund through which the public is invited to invest in the future of those impacted by the Lewiston shooting. The fund, which will be managed by the University of Maine Foundation, will help defray other costs of college attendance including room, board and books, with preference given to those eligible for the waiver.

“The horrific events in Lewiston have continued to impact the people of Maine and our nation,” said UMaine and University of Maine at Machias President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “The University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias communities are opening our arms to a brighter future where we can ensure access to higher education and be a resource of support to all directly affected by this tragedy.”

The UMaine Foundation and the University of Southern Maine Foundation will both accept donations toward the scholarship fund. USM has a campus at 51 Westminster St. in Lewiston, historically known as Lewiston-Auburn College and focused on healthcare programs, and one of the University of Maine at Augusta’s regional distance education centers is also co-located there.

“The tragic shooting in Lewiston impacted the University of Southern Maine community: students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. We welcome this opportunity to provide assistance to those who are impacted by these heartbreaking events,” said USM President Jacqueline  Edmondson. “It is my hope that this scholarship will provide educational opportunities for those who lost loved ones, and it is my wish that they will feel a sense of care and compassion from the many people who will donate to this important fund.”

To donate through the UMaine Foundation, please visit our.umaine.edu/lewiston or mail checks to Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund c/o UMaine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792.

To donate through the USM Foundation, please visit usm.maine.edu/lewistonstrong or mail checks to Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund c/o USM Foundation P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300.

Additionally, Maine’s Public Universities will provide free tuition to Lewiston mass shooting victims. Read more

Bear Pair Jeffrey Rogers ‘16 and Emma Hutchinson Rogers ‘19 have been loyal and active members of the President’s Club since 2020 by utilizing the recent alumni introductory rate program. While at UMaine, Emma excelled as an Honors College student, majored in English, and held the position of Vice President for All Maine Women and President of the Honors College Student Advisory Board. Meanwhile, Jeff pursued a finance and financial economics double major and actively participated in Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He also served as the President of the Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY) and President of the Senior Skulls, an organization in which he continues to contribute as a member of the Alumni Interest Group Board of Directors. Currently, Jeff is a member of the UMAA Board of Directors, UMACSM Board of Directors, and previously served as President of Black Bears of Portland.

Gifts from colleagues, family, and friends in memory of Jennifer Gutmann Tyne, the late faculty member of UMaine’s Math department, have grown into an endowed scholarship that will support undergraduate students studying math at UMaine with preference for graduates of Orono High School and students with a track record of service to others, especially the indigenous communities.

Over her 20-year teaching career, Jennifer impacted the growth and development of a generation of students and earned the Presidential Teaching Award in 2019, the highest teaching award at the University of Maine. This scholarship reflects Jen’s strength, commitment, compassion, love, and service to all which she modeled throughout her lifetime.