New Lewiston Strong Scholarship Fund established, donations sought

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