51С�Ƴ�

The announcement of a $10 million commitment to 51С�Ƴ�by the Harold Alfond Foundation on Dec. 10, 2010 was covered by a wide variety of media, including the , Journal Tribune (Biddeford), (Augusta), (Waterville),  , Foster's Daily Democrat, Mainebiz,  Maine TV stations , , and WMTW 8, and  . The TV news stories ran several times over a 24-hour period Dec. 10-11. The story was also picked up by the Associated Press and appeared in various media around the nation, including media covering philanthropy.

The $10 million commitment will go toward creating an approximately $20 million state-of-the-art Harold Alfond Athletics Complex on the University of 51С�Ƴ� campus in Biddeford combined with an investment in interprofessional healthcare workforce education.

“Harold Alfond understood the positive relationship between athletics and academics, and was inspired by UNE's mission to educate Maine's health care professionals," said Greg Powell, chairman of the Foundation's Board of Trustees.  "We are delighted to support 51С�Ƴ�during such an exciting period of growth for the University."

51С�Ƴ�President Danielle N. Ripich, Ph.D., said: “We are extremely grateful to the Harold Alfond Foundation for this transformational gift – the largest in the history of the University of 51С�Ƴ�.  State-of-the-art educational and athletic facilities are fundamental resources that enhance the mental and physical well-being of our students.  UNE’s reputation, the institution’s overall competitiveness, and our ability to recruit and retain academically engaged students will be forever changed by this very generous gift.”