Annual Fund Tops $1 Million

USM's 2005-06 Annual Fund surpassed the $1 million mark for the first time in the University's history, with a total of $1,026,554 in gifts from alumni, friends, staff, foundations, and businesses. This historical achievement represents a 14 percent increase over the 2004-05 Annual Fund.

The Annual Fund helps provide scholarships, faculty development monies, and support for programs across every USM school and college. More than 350 scholarship awards are given to USM students annually thanks to Annual Fund gifts.

"The Annual Fund is an especially important show of community support for this University," said USM President Pattenaude. "A successful Annual Fund is a sign of a growing and healthy University."

Chip '90 and Laura '87 Foye of Cape Elizabeth served as co-chairs of the 2005-2006 Annual Fund. "We are proud as alumni to have the opportunity to take a leadership role in the campaign," said the Foyes. "The success of the campaign is a testament to how strongly people feel about the importance of USM." Chip is a senior vice president and Laura serves as a senior group vice president at TD Banknorth.