New scholarship will support those with the greatest financial need

ORONO, MAINE: Financial hardship remains a significant roadblock to higher education for many in the state of Maine. Philanthropic investment in future learners can make all the difference. Brent West and Kristina “Tina” Christensen West have sought to counter the significant financial hardship of many Maine students with the establishment of the Brent and Kristina Christensen West ’77 Scholarship Fund with the University of Maine Foundation.

For those in need, varying methods of support are available, but often not enough to make attendance, and ultimately graduation, a reality. This scholarship will cover the cost of full-time attendance at the University of Maine, Orono, for two students per year who have zero expected familty contributions, who are graduates of a Maine high school, and who have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA. In less than two years, the scholarship has grown to more than $1 million.

This year, the Wests had the pleasure to meet Connor Goss, their inaugural scholarship recipient and a sophomore studying Economics with a minor in Business at UMaine. Brent shared this with Connor after their visit, “When we worked to establish this scholarship, we had in mind someone such as yourself – smart, personable, and grateful for the opportunity to study (and have a little fun!) at the University. Tina had such a positive experience in Orono that we thought it was only right to give back in a meaningful way to future generations of Black Bears.” Goss expressed that “being selected for this scholarship is a tremendous honor,” as “significantly alleviating the financial burden” allows him to “focus on studies and personal growth.”

Brent and Tina Christensen West are both devoted and passionate friends of the University of Maine. Tina graduated from UMaine in 1977 with a B.A. in Mathematics and enjoyed a career in Information Systems with the Unum Insurance Group from 1981 until her retirement in 2015. Brent holds an A.B. in Government and Economics from Dartmouth College, and an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth. He retired this past year after a career that included a range of leadership roles at Bath Iron Works. “Tina and Brent have been loyal supporters of the University of Maine for over 38 years. They aim to support students facing significant financial obstacles, making a degree from UMaine attainable,” said Dee Gardner, Associate Director at the University of Maine Foundation, who worked with the couple in establishing their scholarship fund. “I also admire their enthusiasm for mentoring their scholarship recipients professionally. After meeting Connor for the first time, they are eager to connect him with their contacts for potential internships. Their generosity is truly inspiring.” Goss is excited to learn from the West’s experience, and finds having them as mentors “an invaluable opportunity” as he continues to pursue his goals. Permanently endowed, the fund will continue to bring much-needed support to UMaine students for years to come.

Interested in establishing your own scholarship at the University of Maine Foundation? Funding a scholarship for UMaine students through the Foundation may be accomplished by making current gifts of cash, stock, land or personal property, or a deferred gift through a charitable trust, gift annuity, pooled life income fund or bequest. Learn more about connecting your legacy to UMaine’s future at How to Establish a Fund

About the University of Maine Foundation: The University of Maine Foundation is dedicated to supporting the University of Maine by securing and managing private gifts to enhance the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Through the generosity of alumni and friends, the Foundation strives to ensure the continued growth and success of the university. 

About the University of Maine: As Maine’s only public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, the University of Maine advances learning and discovery through excellence and innovation. Founded in 1865 in Orono, UMaine is the state’s land, sea and space grant university with a regional campus at the University of Maine at Machias. Our students come from all over the world and work with faculty conducting fieldwork around the globe – from the North Atlantic to the Antarctic. Located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation with UMaine Machias located in the homeland of the Passamaquoddy Nation, UMaine’s statewide mission is to foster an enivronment that creates tomorrow’s leaders. As the state’s flagship institution, UMaine offers nearly 200 degree programs through which students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, professional master’s and doctoral degrees as well as graduate certificates. For more information about UMaine and UMaine Machias, visit umaine.edu/about/quick-facts and machias.edu/about-umm/umm-facts.

Cohen Emerging Leaders Summer High School Program receives grant from Amazon

Cohen Emerging Leaders students hiking as part of the high school program made possible by UMaine donors, and now, Amazon.

ORONO, MAINE: The University of Maine Cohen Institute for Leadership & Public Service in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has received a $25,000 community grant investment from Amazon. 

The funds will be used to directly support costs associated with student participation in the statewide program. The gift was facilitated through the University of Maine Foundation. 

“Amazon is proud to support the University of Maine Foundation and the Cohen Institute for Leadership and Public Service,” said Jerome Smith, head of community egnagement for the New England region at Amazon. “Our investment into the Cohen Emerging Leaders Summer High School Program will help ensure more students across the state have the opportunity to attend and develop leadership skills for potential careers in public service and beyond.” 

In 2019, the Cohen Institute launched the inaugural summer institute. Since then, the program has immersed over 150 rising high school seniors, including at least one student from each of Maine’s 16 counties every summer, in leadership theory and practice. The program has welcomed numerous leaders from a wide range of fields to share their practical insights on leadership and public service, including former U.S. Secretary of Defense and U.S. Sen. William S. Cohen, the namesake of the Cohen Institute; U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, Gov. Janet Mills, UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, author and speechwriter Mark Salter and coaches from UMaine’s athletic teams. 

“This innovative program was started with the understanding that we must make significant and ongoing investments in the development of our future leaders so that they will be guided by a deep commitment to serving the public and also be equipped with the leadership skills and perspectives necessary to forge solutions to society’s most pressing problems in thoughtful, data-driven and non-partisan ways,” said Richard Powell, director of the Cohen Institute and the John Mitchell Nickerson Professor of Political Science.

The program was created to train the next generation of Maine’s public service leaders, selected from among the state’s most promising high school students. The program also links Maine high school students with UMaine, the state’s public flagship and only R1 institution. Since its inception, most participants subsequently applied and matriculated at UMaine or another public university in the state. 

Students are nominated by their high school and are able to participate tuition-free. Their room and board are paid for thanks to the generosity of donors. Families are responsible for travel to and from UMaine, books and any other incidental costs associated with the course. 

“I loved every minute of the week we were there. The great support system through the mentors and professors was eye-opening, the wide range of activities was what made the experience so perfect, and the guest speakers were picked with such care that you could tell with each one that they believed in what they were saying,” said inaugural participant Olivia Schanck. “The connection that I made with the other students who attended is something that most kids my age do not have with kids from other schools. You gave us this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect. Once a week, we all check in through a group chat to see how everyone is doing and keep each other updated on college and life decisions.”

The summer program doubles as an optional capstone experience for UMaine’s Early College Leadership and Public Service pathway. In completing this pathway, high school students can learn about leadership and public affairs from UMaine’s world-class faculty. This pathway was developed with Congressionally Directed Spending from the U.S. Department of Education that was included in the FY23 federal budget at the request of Sen. Collins, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the University of Maine System.

Originally launched in 1997 as the Cohen Center, the Cohen Institute models, promotes and teaches leadership and public service through programs that reflect and honor the rich legacy of one of Maine’s most highly respected and influential leaders.

About the University of Maine Foundation: The University of Maine Foundation is dedicated to supporting the University of Maine by securing and managing private gifts to enhance the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Through the generosity of alumni and friends, the Foundation strives to ensure the continued growth and success of the university.

About the University of Maine: As Maine’s only public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, the University of Maine advances learning and discovery through excellence and innovation. Founded in 1865 in Orono, UMaine is the state’s land, sea and space grant university with a regional campus at the University of Maine at Machias. Our students come from all over the world and work with faculty conducting fieldwork around the globe — from the North Atlantic to the Antarctic. Located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation with UMaine Machias located in the homeland of the Passamaquoddy Nation, UMaine’s statewide mission is to foster an environment that creates tomorrow’s leaders. As the state’s flagship institution, UMaine offers nearly 200 degree programs through which students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, professional master’s and doctoral degrees as well as graduate certificates. For more information about UMaine and UMaine Machias, visit umaine.edu/about/quick-facts/ and machias.edu/about-umm/umm-facts/.

UMaine Athletics Receives Record-Setting Estate Gift

From left to right: Foundation President Jeffery Mills, UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Labat Estate Executrix Joanne Bruno, Esq., and UMaine Athletics Director Jude Killy, at the gift announcement held on October 18, 2024.

ORONO, MAINE: The University of Maine Foundation will be receiving the largest single gift from an individual to support Black Bear athletics in UMaine’s 159-year history – a $16 million donation from the estates of Black Bear alumnus Pierre “Pete” Labat and his wife, Catherine Clair Labat.

“This transformational gift will establish the Pierre D. Labat and Catherine C. Labat Athletic Leadership Fund, which will provide critical support for Black Bear student-athletes and athletic facilities,” said Foundation President/CEO Jeff Mills. “The Labats’ generosity reflects their love for UMaine and their belief in the role athletics can play in helping young people develop and practice self-discipline in the personal, academic, and career aspects of their lives.

“We are honored to steward the Labat legacy in a way that reflects their dedication and spirit,” Mills added.

A native of New York City and the son of French immigrants, Pete Labat successfully pursued a bachelor’s degree in history at UMaine and was a member of the university’s football team. Following his graduation in 1962, he went on to serve his country with distinction as a member of the U.S. Army. He served as an officer in Vietnam and over the course of his military career earned several medals, including the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Pete Labat had achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at the time of his military retirement in 1986.

The Labats first met in Iran, where Pete was stationed and where Catherine, a native of Belgium, was serving as a traveling physical therapist. They married, and following Pete’s military retirement in 1986, eventually settled in Metuchen, NJ. Catherine passed away in 2021, and Pete died in 2023.

“Pierre and Catherine believed in the power of education and all things international. Having no children or immediate family led them to care about their neighbors, friends, and charities. It’s only natural that Pierre, or Pete as he was known at the University of Maine, would give back to his alma mater. His University of Maine education forged his love of football and provided him leadership and services opportunities via the college’s ROTC Program,” said Labat Estate Executrix Joanne Z. Bruno, Esq. “The skills and knowledge gained at UMaine ably equipped Pierre for a successful army career as a lieutenant colonel serving mainly across Vietnam and the Middle East. And during that career and in Shiraz, Iran, he met his future life partner and wife Catherine – then a young Belgian traveling the world as a visiting physical therapist. I am confident that both Pete and Catherine would be thrilled to know so many students will be able to benefit from the UMaine experience, both in the classroom and in the sports arena, thanks in part to their generous bequest.”

According to the terms of their gift, the funds will be specifically and solely used for the benefit of the university’s Department of Athletics. Purposes include enhancing student support and success, coach and staff recruitment and retention, capital expenditures, and departmental support. This will include the new facilities mostly funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation. The university’s athletics director will determine the specific allocation of funds.

“We are deeply honored by the Labats’ extraordinary generosity,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “His gift represents a remarkable commitment to our university’s mission and the holistic development of our student-athletes. His legacy will enhance our athletic programs and inspire future generations to give back and support their communities.”

The Labat gift will also help UMaine move closer to meeting the $38 million match necessary to leverage the $170 million UMS TRANSFORMS grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation. The Alfond Foundation’s commitment to the Black Bears is one of the largest single contributions to a Division I athletics program in U.S. history.

UMaine Athletic Director Jude Killy shared, “We are immensely grateful for Lt. Col. Labat and Cathy’s incredible generosity and their enduring support for our athletic programs. The Labat’s legacy will inspire our student-athletes to continue to strive for excellence and will help enhance our ability to develop champions with integrity. As a former football student-athlete at UMaine, and a successful professional following his Black Bear playing career, it is only fitting that this selfless generosity will contribute to the success of future student-athletes in perpetuity.”

In recognition of the substantial gift, UMaine President Ferrini-Mundy has approved naming the university’s softball complex after the Labats. The complex is the home to the University of Maine softball program. In addition, the complex is used by area youth and high school teams and allows the university to host state, conference and regional championship events. The complex is part of the Harold Alfond Foundation’s $320 million grant to the University of Maine System, which includes $170 million to support athletic facilities at the University of Maine. The $9.5 million, 90,000 square- foot complex was opened in 2022. A formal dedication will be held at the first home softball game in 2025.

About the University of Maine: As Maine’s only public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, the University of Maine advances learning and discovery through excellence and innovation. Founded in 1865 in Orono, UMaine is the state’s land, sea and space grant university with a regional campus at the University of Maine at Machias. Our students come from all over the world and work with faculty conducting fieldwork around the globe — from the North Atlantic to the Antarctic. Located on Marsh Island in the homeland of the Penobscot Nation with UMaine Machias located in the homeland of the Passamaquoddy Nation, UMaine’s statewide mission is to foster an environment that creates tomorrow’s leaders. As the state’s flagship institution, UMaine offers nearly 200 degree programs through which students can earn bachelor’s, master’s, professional master’s and doctoral degrees as well as graduate certificates. For more information about UMaine and UMaine Machias, visit umaine.edu/about/quick-facts/ and machias.edu/about-umm/umm-facts/.

$1 Million gift will ensure more engineering scholarships for Skowhegan Area High School Students

2015 Ferland Engineering Excellence Scholarship recipient Eben Lenfest (Above).

Orono, Maine – With a gift of $1 million, E. James “Jim” Ferland ’64 and Eileen P. Ferland have boosted the scholarship support available to Skowhegan Area High School (SAHS) students who plan to study engineering at the University of Maine. The E. James & Eileen Ferland Engineering Excellence Scholarship Fund at the University of Maine Foundation now totals $2.2 million.

In 2009, the Ferlands created this fund with the hope that students will apply their talent to solving society’s challenging problems, as Jim Ferland did throughout his career.

The Ferlands are both graduates of Skowhegan Area High School. Jim Ferland recieved a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at UMaine in 1964 and began his career as an engineer with the Hartford Electric Light Company, a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities in Connecticut. In 1967 he joined the initial operating staff of the Millstone Nuclear Power Station and in 1976 become a station superintendent, the same year he achieved an M.B.A. from the University of New Haven. He completed the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration’s Program for Management Development in 1977 and shortly thereafter was named executive vice president and chief financial officer of Northeast Utilities (NU). He became NU’s president in 1983. In 1986, he was recruited by Public Service Enterprise Group as chairman, president and CEO, positions he held through retirement in 2007, making him the longest-serving CEO in the industry.

“Jim and Eileen’s support is life-changing for Skowhegan area students who wish to pursue a degree in engineering at UMaine,” said Maine College of Engineering and Computing Dean Giovanna Guidoboni. “This scholarship provides access and opportunity to students who might otherwise see the cost of education as a barrier to achieving their dreams.”

Distributions from the fund will support 16 annual awards of $3,500 each. Four awards will be given per class year to support students through their degree completion, as long as they remain academically qualified. Since the Ferlands established their scholarship fund in 2009 at the Foundation, 125 awards to 64 recipients have been made to SAHS graduates, 29 have successfully graduated and 18 are current engineering students.

To be considered for the scholarship, students must have strong academic potential, be enrolled as undergraduate students at UMaine with a major in engineering and graduate from Skowhegan Area High School. More information can be found through the guidance counselor’s office at the high school or by searching Scholarship Universe, UMaine’s online scholarship portal for accepted students.

Scholarship recipient Eben Lenfest (pictured above) graduated from Skowhegan in 2015 and earned two mechanical engineering degrees from UMaine: a bachelor’s degree in 2019 and a master’s degree in 2021. He works as a numerical modeling engineer at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at UMaine.

“Being a recipient of the Ferland Engineering Excellence Scholarship helped reduce the financial burden of attending college, allowing me to focus on succeeding in my classes. It also made the decision to attend UMaine that much easier, a choice that has set me up well for a career path I’m excited about in off-shore wind energy,” said Lenfest.

The Ferlands are also major benefactors of the E. James and Eileen P. Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center, which opened in 2022 at UMaine. 

The University of Maine Foundation is dedicated to supporting the University of Maine by securing and managing private gifts to enhance the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Though the generosity of alumni and friends, the Foundation strives to ensure the continued growth and success of the university. 

UMaine Foundation receives $1 Million for Agnes Ann Walsh ’41 Chair

Orono, ME – The University of Maine Foundation recently received a $1 million gift from the Agnes Ann Walsh estate to establish a new named chair in the University’s Department of Modern Languages and Classics. In addition, Agnes Ann funded the Agnes Ann Walsh ’41 Scholarship to benefit students majoring in romance languages. These contributions are legacy gifts of the class of 1941 alumna who sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 100.

“Agnes Ann Walsh’s bright spirit and passion for the University of Maine during her lifetime will now live on through her generous gift and the many students who will benefit from her generosity,” said University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

Born and raised in South Portland, Maine, Walsh headed north to begin her education at the University of Maine in 1937. Her heavy involvement in UMaine culture and the academic community included the Delta Delta Delta sorority, debate team, language club, student publications, sports and campus leadership group the Sophomore Eagles. Graduating in 1941 with a degree in romance classics, Walsh enjoyed a long career as a Latin teacher. She taught at Washington Academy in East Machias, Maine, Thorton Academy in Saco, Maine, and finally Winchester High School in Winchester, Massachusetts, where she taught for over 25 years.

Agnes Ann was incredibly dedicated to the University of Maine through her financial contributions, her involvement in the Alumni Ambassador program and her extensive work as a the correspondent for the Class of 1941. Walsh was awarded the 2015 Hilda A. Sterling ’55 Class Correspondent Award, was the 1990 recipient of the Black Bear Award, and was elected an honorary member of the University of Maine Foundation in 2007. In 2019, she was honored with a Stillwater Award at the biannual Stillwater Society dinner. “In 2019, at the Stillwater Society dinner, at nearly 100 years old, Agnes Ann gave one of the most heart-warming acceptance speeches I have ever encountered at UMaine,” said President/CEO of the Foundation Jeffery Mills. “Her contributions have benefitted numerous areas across campus, beyond this new fund, including the Buchanan Alumni House and the John Randall & Agnes Annie Walsh Scholarship. She was a loyal alumna who will be remembered fondly.”

“I share Agnes Ann Walsh’s confidence in the value of learning languages and am deeply grateful that she chose to leave her extraordinary legacy to support this purpose.” said Emily Haddad, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The Walsh Chair and scholarship will create transformative opportunities for students of French and Spanish at UMaine. I look forward to working with the inaugural Walsh Chair, Professor Frédéric Rondeau, to realize the remarkable potential of Ms. Walsh’s gift.”

Prof. Rondeau joined the University of Maine faculty in 2013 and has served as director of the Canadian American Center on campus since 2021. He holds a Ph.D. in French language and literature from McGill University. He is the author or co-author of four books on topics in Québécois literature and culture as well as 25 articles and chapters. He also edited or co-edited three other volumes. His book Le Manque en partage recieved the 2017 Jean-Éthier Blais prize for the best book of literary criticism in Quebec. He teaches courses on Francophone literature and regularly offers a May term travel course in Quebec. His plans as Walsh Chair focus on international and experiential learning opportunities for students.

The Agnes Ann Walsh ’41 Chair and the Agnes Ann ’41 Scholarship funds were established at the University of Maine Foundation for the benefit of the University of Maine, Orono, Maine, through planned gifts from Agnes Ann Walsh, a member of the class of 1941, in loving memory of her parents, John Randall Walsh and Agnes Annie Gough.

University of Maine Foundation announces $7 Million gift to support electrical engineering scholarships

Orono, ME – Jeffery Mills, president and CEO of the University of Maine Foundation, has announced a generous bequest of more than $7 million from Black Bear alumnus Norman B. Stetson ’62. The gift will significantly enhance the Norman B. Stetson ’62 Scholarhsip to which Stetson and his wife, Dorothea, contributed consistently. Norman Stetson passed away in May 2023.

“Norm Stetson’s legacy at our institution is one of profound generosity and commitment to education,” said University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “This gift significantly increases the financial aid available to UMaine students pursuing electrical engineering degrees. The graduates of this program are in high demand by industry in Maine and beyond. We are honored to carry forward his spirit of innovation and curiosity.”

Stetson, a Freeport, Maine, native and resident of Lexington, Massachusetts, had a distinguished career in radio frequency technology as an inventor and entrepreneur. He and his partners founded Inframetrics, a company that produced innovative thermal imaging systems. The partners later sold the company to FLIR Systems, Inc., where Stetson remained as chief scientist until his retirement.

Stetson was an enthusiastic ham radio operator and helicopter pilot. He was inducted as a distinguished member of the Francis Crowe Society by UMaine’s College of Engineering (now known as the Maine College of Engineering and Computing).

“This extraordinary bequest will provide our students with the resources they need to excel academically and pursue their passions without the burden of financial constraints,” said Giovanna Guidoboni, dean of Maine College of Engineering and Computing. “We are deeply grateful to Norm for his vision and generosity.”

Patricia Cummings, senior director of philanthtopy at the Foundation, worked closely with Stetson for many years.

“Norm’s greatest joy was meeting Stetson Scholarship recipients and helping young men and women to become electrical engineers,” said Cummings. “Norm wanted to lighten their debt so they could fully engage in college life. He revered his professors as mentors, and he always responded generously to the Dean and Chair to enhance UMaine’s engineering programs.”

The University of Maine Foundation is dedicated to supporting the University of Maine by securing and managing private gifts to enhance the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Through the generosity of alumni and friends, the Foundation strives to ensure continued growth and success of the university. 

Stetson Scholarship recipient Drew St. Jean

Stetson Scholarship recipient Sarah Glatter