Scholarship Giving
Increasing scholarship funds is always one of UMF’s highest priorities. Over 85% of UMF students apply for financial aid each year, yet UMF only has enough scholarship funds to award to 10% of those in need. We must change that – now more than ever! We want to continue making a difference in students’ lives and together, with your help, we will.
At UMF, leadership takes many forms. Opportunities for students to develop essential leadership skills—creative insight, tolerance, historical perspective, and personal integrity—spring from their active engagement in the diverse and imaginative liberal arts curriculum that UMF has become known for. The University has attained top rankings in national surveys of higher education for more than a decade.
UMF graduates must be prepared with the knowledge, adaptability, and confidence needed to find solutions to complex local, national, and global challenges. Leadership potential begins to unfurl in students with the support that scholarship funds can offer. The success of our students depends on you. Recall what the Farmington experience meant for you while considering a gift to help.
Online giving is easy at www.umf.maine.edu/giving
Or contact Ms. Pat Carpenter, director of gift planning, at patc@maine.edu or at 207-778-7091 for more information.
UMF Scholarship Fund
Unrestricted funds to support students during any of their four years.
UMF Alumni Scholarship Fund
For Maine students, selected on the basis of academic performance, leadership potential, community service, and financial need.
Named Scholarship
A minimum of $25,000 is needed to establish a named endowed scholarship.
Endowed Scholarship
An endowment is a permanent fund set aside for a specific purpose and can support a favorite cause in perpetuity. The gift is self-renewing and creates opportunities for others to join in extending a meaningful legacy.
Scholarship Campaign Leaders
- Michael Bell, ’86
- Scott Conners, ’90
- Greg Gravel, ’67
- Dennis Monroe, ’71
- Dr. Catherine WoodBrooks, ’77
- Dr. Theodora J. Kalikow
- Ms. Pat Carpenter, ’82
Helping Students Through a Bequest
Nearly 85% of UMF’s students seek financial aid each year, yet UMF only has enough scholarship funds to assist 10% of those in need. Retired K-12 educators Dot Pinkham ’70 and Dennis ’71 Monroe want to change that. As a part of the Leadership Starts Here! Scholarship Campaign, the Monroes named UMF as a beneficiary in their wills, designating their bequest to support scholarships.
“These days, it’s very difficult for families to put their children through college,” said Dot. “We want to give young people the opportunity for an education like we had. UMF truly changed our lives.”
2009 Scott Conners ’90 Challenge Grant
Last year, Scott Conners ’90, a partner with Landmark Partners (a private-equity and real-estate investment company) based in Connecticut, endowed the Scott P. & Kristen A. Conners Scholarship which supports majors in the Business Economics Program. This year, he has challenged UMF with a $10,000 matching grant for scholarships. He will match dollar for dollar, until the first $10,000 in new scholarship gifts is raised. Your gift may be designated to either a new Business Scholarship or to the UMF Scholarship Fund. The choice in yours!
Dr. James A. & Helene B. Sherburne Scholarship
The Dr. James A. and Helene B. Sherburne Scholarship was created to shine a light on students like Amie Daniels ’12, pictured. The endowed scholarship was established by Dr. James A. Sherburne, Carrie Sherburne Thurston ’90, and Stuart Sherburne along with the generous support of family and friends.
“It has been a community effort every step of the way,” said Sherburne Thurston. “Everyone has a story about my mother Helene and how she selflessly devoted her life to students. This scholarship allows our family and friends to carry on my mother’s legacy of transforming students’ lives. She shone the light on everyone.”
Justin A. Maurer Memorial Scholarship
After receiving a B.S. degree in Community Health from UMF, Justin A. Maurer lost his life in a motorcyle accident. As a lasting tribute to their son, Gary and Jeralyn Maurer established an endowed scholarship through monetary gifts from family and friends. The Justin A. Maurer Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a UMF student majoring in Community Health who has earned a minimum of 60 credits. While at UMF, Justin became passionate about nutrition and was instrumental in cultivating UMF’s first organic garden.
Pictured from left to right in UMF’s Organic Garden are Jeralyn Maurer, Alissa Thebarge 09, recipient of the Justin A. Maurer Memorial Scholarship, and Gary Maurer.
Gene & Sue Clawson Scholarship
Cassandra Seekins ’10 couldn’t be happier since she was awarded the Gene and Sue Clawson Scholarship. Created by the family and Friends of Gene and Sue Clawson, parents of Mellisa Clawson, UMF associate professor of early childhood education, the scholarship serves to honor their memory and commitment to children by providing financial support to a UMF student majoring in early childhood education.
“I’m so grateful for this scholarship,” said Seekins. “It has allowed me to do something that I have always wanted to do–teach young children.”