The Walt Abbott Scholarship Fund

The Walter H. Abbott Scholarship Fund was established in the University of Maine Foundation in 1995 with an initial gift from Aram Garabedian '57 in honor of Water H. Abbott, his friend and teammate.

In 2005, Abbott was recognized for distinguished service by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association--one of just 14 nationwide and one of four from outside the field of athletic administration to receive the award that year.

A Rumford native, Abbott was an outstanding high school football player and at the University of Maine gained a reputation as a strong offensive guard and defensive linebacker.

Abbott graduated from UMaine in 1958 with a degree in Resource Economics and also earned a master's degree in Education. He started his career at his alma mater in 1960 as an instructor in physical education and assistant football coach. Abbott became the Black Bears' head coach in 1966 at the age of 30, one of the youngest collegiate gridiron coaches in the nation. He later devoted his time to teaching and to building a campus-wide physical fitness program. Abbott's experience and statewide respect twice prompted UMaine presidents to call on him to serve as acting athletic director with full authority and responsibility of the position.

To further recognize Abbott's selfless dedication on the occasion of his 50th year of employment at the University,led by Aram Garabedian, his friends and colleagues are commemorating his amazing impact by working together to grow the scholarship to $100,000.

Income from the fund will be used to provide scholarship assistance for undergraduate scholar-athletes. The recipients shall be students who have financial need, above average academic standing and are members of varsity athletic teams. First preference shall be given to members of the University of Maine football team.

Donations to the Walter Abbott Scholarship Fund can be directed to the University of Maine Foundation, Attention: Walter Abbott Scholarship, Two Alumni Place, Orono, Maine 04469-5792. For more information about this fund, contact the University of Maine Foundation staff.