The University of Maine Alumni Chapter of Southern Maine (UMACSM) held their 21^st annual Golf Classic on Friday, September 18^that Val Halla in Cumberland. The Golf Classic, which raises funds for UMACSM’s two scholarships endowed with the University of Maine Foundation, is usually a summer event, but it was postponed this year due to COVID-19. Given the unique circumstances brought on by the pandemic, the planning committee aimed simply to break even and keep the event on golfers’ annual calendar of charity golf scrambles. But with the enthusiasm and commitment characteristic of Black Bears, our alumni and friends turned up to make the Golf Classic a huge success beyond anyone’s expectations.

United Insurance Team

Nearly 100 people, including golfers and volunteers, gathered to play golf and make a contribution to the education of Southern Maine students attending UMaine. Players enjoyed a fantastic round of golf on a brisk autumn day, seamlessly rolling with changes to the event necessitated by CDC guidelines. Golfers reported having just as good a time as ever, and the event not only exceeded its fundraising goals – it surpassed its fundraising average!

Pearce, Dow, & Burns, LLP Team

“This event is our biggest fundraiser as well as a time for alumni to get together, so we felt it was important to move forward,” said Tim McGonagle ’94, president of UMACSM and the Golf Classic planning committee. “Our primary goal was keeping everyone safe while also keeping them engaged with the University. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Seeing so much support for UMaine even in these times, and seeing how respectful our golfers were to one another in following health and safety guidelines, was really gratifying.”

Putting contest winner, Adrianna Vargo

UMACSM holds the Golf Classic each year to raise money for the William D. “Bill” Currie First Year Scholarship and the Robert H. Patten Scholarship. As of August 31, 2020, the scholarships had a combined principal of $215, 446. The Chapter will begin planning the 2021 Golf Classic in January.