BANGOR – A new publication of the University of Maine System designed to help Maine residents better understand the role and value of the state’s public universities is being mailed out to businesses, educators and professionals around the state.

The 28-page report, titled, “University of Maine System: Maine’s Most Valuable Public Asset; The Catalyst For Maine’s Future,” highlights the system’s mission areas in teaching, research and public service. It also includes facts about the system’s enrollment, revenues and expenditures, alumni profiles, and its vision for the future.

Members of the Legislature received an advance copy of the report in February, with another 6,500 copies distributed this week. The report also is available on the Internet at www.maine.edu/pdf/report05

.pdf.