Pictured: Philanthropy Officer Hannah Young accepted the check from Midshipman 3/C Benjamin Rider on behalf of the University of Maine Foundation. Accompanied by Captain Joseph Hendron, Lieutenant Henry Oberman, and Gunnery Sargeant Patrick K. Armstrong
ORONO, MAINE: The University of Maine’s NROTC program has once again demonstrated its commitment to honoring and supporting veterans by donating funds raised through its annual Warrior Trek fundraiser. This year, the students chose to support two meaningful causes: The Summit Project and the Captain Kenneth C. Motsay, USMC, Memorial NROTC Award.
The Warrior Trek, an endurance event organized by NROTC midshipmen, took place on the university’s logging trails. 74 runners from the Army ROTC and Navy ROTC participated in the challenging course. The event serves as both a tribute to military service members and a way to give back to the community. Proceeds from the run help fund initiatives that support veterans, their families, and the legacy of fallen service members.
Runners carried a stone with the name of Captain Kenneth C. Motsay, as part of The Summit Project, which honors Maine’s fallen heroes by preserving their memories through tribute hikes and community engagement.
The Captain Kenneth C. Motsay, USMC, Memorial NROTC Award, was established in 2024 at the University of Maine Foundation by Captain Motsay’s parents, Charles and Sandra Motsay. This award honors Captain Motsay’s dedication to his midshipmen, his tireless work ethic, and his exceptional nine years of military service. It is given annually to recognize leadership and commitment among future Navy and Marine Corps officers—values that reflect the honor, courage, and commitment that define the United States Marine Corps.
During a special presentation, Benjamin Rider, a dedicated NROTC cadet, presented the donation of $2,137 to Hannah Young, Philanthropy Officer at the University of Maine Foundation. Rider played a key role in the fundraiser’s success, personally raising the most money among participants. Benjamin noted that Michael E. Garcia ran the longest distance at 32 miles. Their leadership and commitment exemplify the spirit of the Warrior Run and the NROTC program’s mission to give back to the community.
Through their efforts, the University of Maine NROTC continues to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that the sacrifices of service members are remembered and honored while also supporting the next generation of military 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 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.
