USM's Future President Richard L. Pattenaude has been making the point on and off campus that USM is moving ahead, providing the foundation of the economic and cultural life of southern Maine. Now, to keep our momentum moving forward, USM needs to find support in the private sector.
Legislative funding needs to be supplemented through grants and donations.
The 21st Century Campaign for Excellence, the most ambitious and significant campaign in USM's history, will create the financial resources to enable the university to continue our leadership role in the community. The campaign leadership is now in place, Pellegrino recently announced. Leon Bien, president of the financial consulting business LJB and Associates and former senior vice president of Key Bank, will chair the steering committee of off-campus campaign volunteers. The honorary chairs are longtime supporters of USM, Dr. Harold L. and Peggy L. Osher. It also will develop a greater sense of public stewardship for the university that underpins the health of this region.