A Message From The President

Amos E. Orcutt

From its inception over 73 years ago, the University of Maine Foundation has experienced tremendous growth thanks to our donors. Alumni and friends have had a dramatic impact on the University of Maine, due to their foresight and generosity. An endowed gift or bequest for scholarships, academic programs, or professorships creates a lasting legacy of access for Maine students and academic excellence at our state land grant institution. The average student currently graduates owing more than $18,000 in student loans. In our next 70 years, it is our goal to increase our endowment seven fold, from $100 million to $800 million, to meet the scholarship needs of University of Maine students.

With the governance of an independent Board of Directors and expertise of our fund managers and staff, I can assure you that your gift will be well managed and well spent, with the greatest respect for your wishes and intent. Further, you get a lot of “bang for the buck” at the University of Maine, from the personal expressions of gratitude you receive from our students, to the Yankee ingenuity of our faculty who do more with less and to the value we place on outstanding stewardship to maintain your trust.

Personally, during my 17 years at the Foundation, I have seen the difference that giving makes on the lives of students and the vitality of our campus. Private support to the beautiful Buchanan Alumni House transformed our ability to welcome home alumni and friends and celebrate our pride of place and cultural heritage. I hope you will visit us in Orono, or if that is not possible, explore our web page further and contact one of our staff to share your aspirations for your University. An investment in education is the greatest investment you can make.