BANGOR – “Husson has become a major economic engine in the Bangor region,” Jack Quirk Jr., president of Quirk Auto Group, commented at a recent presentation of a naming gift to Husson College. “We want to be part of their evolution into Husson University.”

Husson College recently purchased the property at 891 Broadway from Husson alumna Marcelle Coffin. The property will house Husson’s Development, Finance, Marketing and Creative Services offices. The Bangor landmark will be known as “Quirk House.”

“This is a perfect gift at just the right moment in time. Through the generous sale of the property by Marcelle Coffin and lead gift from Quirk Auto Group, this is truly a community effort,” said Husson President William H. Beardsley. “Quirk Auto Group exemplifies entrepreneurship, family business and community service at its best. We are so thankful for their extraordinary support for our institution. We will honor their trust.”

The gift responds directly to enrollment growth that is occurring as the Husson, Bangor Theological Seminary and New England School of Communications combined enrollment is projected to exceed 3,000 students this fall.

“The 55,000-square-foot Meeting House will be open for classes to accommodate student growth. Quirk House will allow for centralization of institutional activities and affiliations,” said Husson Vice President of Development Albie Smith.

“As Husson College becomes Husson University, our charitable gift ensures Husson College will have the resources it needs to fulfill its mission of providing an educational experience that is second to none,” Quirk added. “Graduates of Husson have gone on to become successful regional, state, national and global leaders. The Quirk House at Husson will facilitate this tradition and allow Husson continued growth, prosperity and advancement. We look forward to being an integral part of Husson University’s future.”

Quirk Auto Group owners include John “Jack” J. Quirk Jr., Robert S. Quirk, James A. Quirk, Thomas C. Quirk, David M. Quirk and retired owners John “Jack” E. Quirk Sr. and Ronald C. Verow.

Born, raised and educated in the state of Maine, the Quirk family has been selling and servicing automobiles in Bangor for more than 35 years.

Recently, they expanded their automotive corporation by purchasing Bangor Chrysler Dodge, Forest City Chevrolet in Portland, Augusta Ford and Kallis Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep and Mercury in Belfast, renaming all dealerships under the corporate name “Quirk.”

In addition, the company launched MotorCity, a used vehicle franchise with locations in Bangor, Augusta, Belfast and Portland and Cars By Us, a wholesale-to-the-public franchise with locations in Augusta, Bangor and Portland.

In little more than 30 years, their corporation has grown from five employees to more than 400, from one franchise to 15, from three family members to 16.

Husson College will become Husson University in October.

It is a private institution founded in 1898 and located in Bangor, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Its five schools are Business, Health, Education, Pharmacy, Science and Humanities. Husson shares its Bangor campus with the New England School of Communications and the Bangor Theological Seminary.

Husson also has education centers in South Portland, Presque Isle and just recently The Boat School in Eastport, as well as Unobskey College in Calais.

Husson is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, State of Maine Department of Education, American Association of Intensive English Programs and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.