An anonymous donor has made a $100,000 gift to create the Wabanaki Student Development and Success Fund at the University of Maine Foundation. The fund will assist Native American students pursuing University of Maine degrees “so that they can graduate as tomorrow’s leaders of their communities.” 

John Bear Mitchell, Wabanaki Center outreach and student development coordinator, worked with the donor to establish the fund. Mitchell says the donor was inspired by another gift that supports pre-law Native American students enrolled in the University of Maine System.

“We are so very grateful for this wonderful gift,” says University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “It supports our work on diversity, and student success and retention — three of UMaine’s highest priorities. This gift also helps us with our matching gift goals as part of the recently announced Harold Alfond Foundation grant.”

The Wabanaki Center works to enhance awareness of Native Americans through its participation in campuswide efforts to promote cultural diversity, and through its significant contributions to the development of university curricula and programs. The center promotes Native American student development, and provides support for their academic, career and personal objectives.

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