Orono, Maine – Maine Athletics concluded a record fundraising year. The department raised $12,482,469 in gifts and pledges during the 2023 fiscal year, which ran from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
 
"The fundraising efforts and results reflect the momentum of our department. They're indicative of our ongoing pursuit of comprehensive excellence," Director of Athletics Jude Killy says. "We're so appreciative of those who have hopped on board - or who have increased their giving - to make a positive impact on the student-athlete experience. I need to specifically thank and congratulate Seth Woodcock who has worked tirelessly on behalf of our students and coaches to reach this high-water mark. Thanks are also in order to University of Maine Foundation President Jeff Mills and President Joan Ferrini-Mundy for their support of and commitment to student success. We're all excited about our next fundraising effort along with the many great things on the horizon."
 
Nearly 3,000 supporters made individual gifts or pledges to the department, all to directly support Black Bear Athletics. The $12,482,469 raised was the highest total ever reached by the department in a fiscal year.
 
"The Harold Alfond Foundation has been the catalyst for increased philanthropic support for UMaine athletics," University of Maine Foundation President Jeffery Mills says. "Their long-term loyalty and commitment to a philanthropic partnership has been a very successful model."
 
UMaine Athletics is a signature initiative of UMS TRANSFORMS the Harold Alfond Foundation's historic $240M investment in the University of Maine System- boldly reshaping the UMaine athletics infrastructure with best in class facilities and convening venues at the state's flagship university in Orono for the benefit and well-being of students and all of Maine. In addition, the annual Alfond Fund challenge provides significant operational support for UMaine football and other key athletics priorities.
 
The vision of the Harold Alfond Foundation, together with the exceptional generosity of UMaine donors, is delivering new facilities for our student athletes including the replacement of the turf surface at Morse Field, a new softball field, field hockey complex and Alfond Arena scoreboard and LED video boards.
 
Those interested in supporting the Black Bears can visit GoBlackBears.com/give to make an unrestricted gift to the Alfond Fund or choose to support a specific program of their choice.
 
-UMaine-