ORONO – On June 9, 1934, the University of Maine Class of 1909 presented a check for $1,000 to the newly formed University of Maine Foundation.

The foundation’s investment of that gift and the many gifts that followed has resulted in total assets now exceeding $185 million. This includes $145 million in endowed funds that provide scholarships and other forms of financial support for University of Maine students, faculty and programs.

The foundation is planning a 75th anniversary celebration on June 9, 2009, with a reception and dinner that will honor five University of Maine alumni who were able to earn an education and go on to contribute to their profession and their community in momentous ways because of the scholarship assistance they received at UM. The foundation is seeking nominations to help identify candidates for this recognition.

Members of the selection committee include volunteers with a strong commitment to UM and knowledge of its history, appointed by the foundation. Robert Daigle a 1971 UM graduate, president and chief executive officer of Camden National Corp., serves as chairman of the selection committee.

“Enabling aspiring students to realize their dream of a college education through the benefit of scholarship aid and, in turn, seeing these same individuals make a profound impact on societal well-being is the ultimate reward for those of us who choose to support the University of Maine through the foundation,” says Daigle.

“Our committee’s charge to identify just five alumni out of the hundreds of successful UMaine graduates who are making a difference will be both challenging and rewarding,” he said.

Nominees for the award must be UM graduates who have not been honored previously by UMaine, its Alumni Association or the foundation. Nominees must be living, presently active in their profession and-or community and noted for their dedication, advancement and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Names may be submitted by mail to the University of Maine Foundation, 75th Anniversary Selection Committee, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792, or by e-mail at round@maine.edu. Those submitting nominations should include their name, address, telephone number and e-mail address with their submission no later than Friday, Sept. 19.