UPDATE From: President Richard L. Pattenaude

Number 10, July 2005

Of Bonds and Budgets

As of this writing, the Maine State Legislature has agreed on an $83-million limit for the amount of bonds they are willing to put to Maine voters this fall. After considering many more times this dollar figure in proposed bonds, the Legislature presently has agreed on a package that includes more than $50 million for transportation projects, environmental projects and land preservation. With this in mind, we feel fortunate that $2 million to assist construction of a new home for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on the Portland campus and $2 million to establish a new career center at LAC are included in the overall package. We continue to advocate for R&D monies to help equip our biosciences research labs and additional funds to renovate classrooms. Presently, it is expected that the Legislature will return to session on July 29 to vote on the proposed bond package. If approved then by a two- thirds majority, the bond package will go out statewide in November for voter approval. We will continue to keep you posted as this initiative unfolds.

Additionally, the Legislature recently passed a budget that impacts higher education in our state and, more specifically, the University System's operating budget. While the University of Maine System will receive more funds than we are currently getting, we will receive a lesser amount than initially approved by the Legislature in March. More specifically, while we were hopeful we would receive a $4-million increase during the next biennium, the Legislature has revisited the budget and approved a revised $3-million increase over the biennium. While this increase over the next two years is helpful, it is not enough to cover our increasing costs, such as a potential $14-million increase in healthcare coverage. Consequently, our ongoing awareness of spending and cost-savings will continue to be of great importance.

^top

Portland Campus Expansion

I have been hearing several questions and concerns expressed about the emphasis on the growth and development of the Portland campus at the expense of the Gorham campus. Gorham is an integral part of the USM community. It helps to bear in mind that since 1998 USM has completed the $12.2-million Costello Sports Complex; the $8-million Philippi Hall; and the $8- million addition to the John Mitchell Center. Additionally, plans are underway for a $20-million residence hall and a new $1.5-million child care center on the Gorham campus.

I also want to note that our strategic plan, Transforming USM, calls for the development of a long-range master plan for the growth of all three USM campuses to ensure we are making the best possible use of our available resources and that each campus remains a vibrant and integral part of our institution. We will continue to keep you updated on all campus improvement initiatives as the planning process continues.

^top

USM Advancement Making Milestones

USM's current $25-million capital campaign, "Transforming USM: The Capital Campaign" is well into the leadership gifts phase, with several six- and seven- figure commitments already received. Architectural planning is well under way for the campaign's centerpiece, University Commons, which includes redevelopment of land that runs between the Abromson Community Education Center and the Glickman Family Library in Portland. Learn more about the campaign leadership at http://www.usm.maine.edu/mcr/news/releases_04- 05/transforminggifts.htm.

Also noteworthy, at the close of our fiscal year in June, the 2004-05 Annual Fund has raised a record $900,214, well surpassing its original goal of $850,000. An integral part of our University Advancement initiatives, USM's Annual Fund helps support the core functions of the University by providing scholarships, faculty development monies and support for programs across every USM school and college. For more information, visit http://www.usm.maine.edu/giving/annual_giving.htm.

^top

Institute Named for Catherine E. Cutler

The Institute for Child and Family Policy, a research unit within USM's Muskie School of Public Service, has been named in honor of the late Catherine E. Cutler of Bangor, Hancock Point and Portland. She worked for a half century on behalf of family services and mental health care reform throughout Maine. The Catherine E. Cutler Institute for Child and Family Policy recognizes gifts in her honor from family members and friends. The gifts support construction of a new home for the USM Muskie School. The Cutler Institute houses numerous programs, among them The National Child Welfare Resource Center, which provides technical assistance to state child welfare agencies throughout the nation. Read more at http://www.usm.maine.edu/mcr/news/releases_04- 05/cutlerinst.htm.

^top

In Recognition

USM has once again received recognition for our outstanding work on the addition and renovations to the John Mitchell Center on the Gorham campus. Last month, USM was honored with a Maine Project of Distinction certificate from the Maine Chapter of the Project Management Institute. The certificate honors project management work that demonstrates unusual quality in managing innovation, risk, cost and scheduling. Congratulations to Dana Gray, USM manager of engineer and architectural services, and the entire Facilities Management team who, with the help of USM faculty and staff, worked closely with Harriman Associates and Wright-Ryan Construction and their subcontractors to oversee development of the project.

^top

>return to update