CAPITAL CAMPAIGN KICKOFF: "21st Century Campaign for Excellence"

Largest in USM history

The official "start" Jan. 25 was delayed by a snow storm, but the unfinished 7th Floor of the Glickman Family Library ultimately was the site Feb. 1 of the kickoff of the largest USM capital campaign ever - one that includes many projects but with emphasis on finalizing the top floors of the Library - including space on the 7th floor designed as a public reading room and events space.

At $21 million, this is the largest, most ambitious public/private campaign in USM's history. Nearly $10 million has already been raised as Currents goes to press.

President Richard L. Pattenaude says the Campaign complements state funds with private donations so that USM's "margin of excellence," is strengthened, allowing the University to accomplish more than could be done with state support alone. He adds, "This 'margin of excellence' will allow USM to enhance the quality of education for our students and make significant contributions to the economic and cultural health of the region."

Campaign leadership includes Honorary Campaign Chairs Dr. Harold L. and Peggy L. Osher of Portland and Campaign Chair Leon Bien of Yarmouth, principal of the consulting firm of LJB and Associates, and former senior vice president of Key Bank.

President Pattenaude has often made the point that USM is moving ahead, providing the foundation of the economic and cultural life of southern Maine. "We educate the citizens of the state, the scientists, business leaders, and professionals; we train actors, artists and musicians and make available to the public the resources of our campus libraries and faculty expertise through lectures, theatre and musical performances," he says.

Now, to keep our momentum moving forward, USM needs to find support in the private sector. Though we are a state university, "just under 50 percent of USM's budget comes from public sources," Vice President for University Advancement Vincent Pellegrino observes. Legislative funding needs to be supplemented through grants and donations.

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