PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — After a year of unprecedented scholarship disbursements and ongoing campus renovations, the Northern Maine Community College Foundation recently celebrated its success at an annual dinner held on the Presque Isle campus. In addition to celebrating the year’s accomplishments, the evening also marked the conclusion of Jeff Pangburn’s tenure as chair, and the transition of leadership to new chair, Connie Sandstrom, the foundation’s previous vice-chair.
The reception highlighted students from various departments on campus who demonstrated course work and technology utilized in their education. Business technology students featured entrepreneurial business-simulation software; nursing and allied health gave presentations using high-fidelity mannequins from the simulation lab; Biology Instructor Trena Soucy exhibited the new 3D anatomy table; and students and staff showcased the Little Free Food Cart with 24-hour meal packs available to students in need. Throughout the reception guests were invited to enter NMCC’s new esports command center and see team members practice on professional-level gaming stations.
During the program portion of the dinner, Foundation Chair Jeff Pangburn presented an overview of the Foundation’s accomplishments over his two-year term, which included the launch of the water treatment program, renovations to the gym and locker rooms, completion of the simulation center, and the first stages of renovations to Reed Dining Commons. Pangburn also recognized the record-high distribution of student scholarships, at $117,000. “We hope to continue this trend of continued growth,” Pangburn said. “These scholarships make a real and lasting difference in the lives of our students and their families.”
Pangburn also recognized outgoing Foundation board members: Douglas Cyr and Joel Griffeth, as well as newly-elected members: Shawn Anderson, Michelle Collins, Hunter Graham, and Jessica Lahey.
President Crowley presented this year’s prestigious Eagle Award to an anonymous donor who will receive the award at a later date. In recognition of the Foundation’s supporters, President Crowley said, “NMCC is proud to recognize the many ways these wonderful people give of themselves to benefit our students. It’s no small task and they work tirelessly to continually improve the College. We are grateful for their support.”
The evening concluded with impactful presentations by students and alumni: Chirien Pace, liberal studies and business administration; Nicole Whittaker, accounting; and Ashley Hall, 2010 alumni. These presentations allowed guests the opportunity to see how their scholarship support is instrumental in allowing NMCC students to achieve success.
The Northern Maine Community College Foundation is committed to ensuring NMCC students’ ability to achieve their goal of an excellent education through scholarships and program support. For more information about NMCC’s Foundation, visit the College’s website at nmcc.edu.
Submitted by the Development and College Relations Office of Northern Maine Community College.
