2009 Charles F. Allen Society Appreciation Luncheon

The 2009 Charles F. Allen Society Appreciation Luncheon was held in the McIntire Room of the Buchanan Alumni House on September 25, 2009 with over 100 guests in attendance.

Woody and Virginia

The event was highlighted with an inspiring talk by Charles F. Allen members Woody '51 and Virginia Beach '52 who shared their memories of college days and as well as what motivates them to give back to their alma mater. Woody Beach brought the message home as to why he and Virginia give to the University with a letter he received from a second year biology student. Below is an excerpt from the student’s letter.

"A week ago, I was on my way to the office of Student Financial Aid on campus wondering if there was anything that could be done that would allow me to continue to study at the University of Maine. I was on the brink of having to take time off from school to work and earn enough money to be able to come back later. . . . I had been fighting against the ropes for a while trying to afford to go to school on my own. . . . It was just then when I found out that some incredible people had given some funds to the school to help out a student in need. A great weight was lifted off my shoulders . . . Thank you a thousand times over."

Woody concluded by saying, "I think this says it all."

Cassandra Alley

The student speaker for the day, Cassandra Alley, is also the director of Renaissance, an A Capella singing group of young women who entertained the guests.

Cassandra is a junior from Glenburn majoring in vocal music education who told the attendees that "without the financial aid that I receive, a fair amount coming from the Senior Alumni Scholarship Fund, I would not be able to attend this University." Cassandra went on to say, "most importantly, you help students like myself follow their passions. My greatest passion is singing. My mother told me that I could sing before I could talk. At UMaine, I am learning how to spread this passion to others. Someday, thanks to the education I am currently receiving, I will be standing in front of a choir, I will give a downbeat with my baton, and 75 voices will sound in harmony. . . . It is a day for which I am greatly excited, and a possibility for which I am unbelievably grateful."

Renaissance concluded their performance by leading the guests in the Maine Stein Song.

Below are photos of Charles F. Allen Society members and guests.