USM Foundation Achieves $6 Million Promise Scholarship Matching Challenge

The University of Southern Maine (USM) Foundation has announced the successful completion of a $6 million matching challenge for the Promise Scholarship endowment, a transformative milestone achieved in less than six months through the collective efforts of donors – alumni and friends of USM dedicated to empowering Maine students.

In October, the USM Foundation announced a remarkable challenge issued by two anonymous donors: if the Foundation could raise $4 million for the Promise Scholarship endowment by the end of the calendar year, they would contribute an additional $2 million. Demonstrating unwavering community support, the Foundation surpassed the goal in just a few months, adding $6.6 million to our efforts to permanently endow the Promise Scholars program.

The final gift to complete the challenge was $1 million given by the estate of Kathleen “Kaye” Flanagan. Flanagan was a 1973 graduate of USM, an accomplished nurse, and a nonprofit innovator who served Catholic Charities, the Children’s Center in Augusta, and many other Maine organizations. She passed away just weeks before the challenge was announced. Her nephew, Robert Hillman, and his wife, Margie, were inspired by the lives that the Promise Scholars program has changed. Their $1 million contribution to the challenge will support a Promise Scholar seeking a career in nursing, honoring Kaye Flanagan’s lifelong calling. Flanagan was predeceased by her husband David Flanagan, a Maine business icon and the 12th President of USM.

“My aunt Kathleen would be delighted to know that talented nursing students will be able to pursue a career of caring as a result of this gift,” said Robert Hillman. “When you think about her life’s work, caring was at the heart of everything she did. We are so proud that her memory will live on through the Promise Scholars, who represent the best of the state she loved so much.”

“This remarkable achievement underscores the transformative power of collective generosity. The Promise Scholars program opens doors to education and opportunity for our students, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of their dreams. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed to this milestone,” said Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson, President of USM.

The Promise Scholarship program is designed to support Maine students with high potential who face significant barriers to higher education. Beyond financial aid, the program also provides a comprehensive suite of supports, including mentorship, leadership and career development, and access to a network of resources to foster academic success and personal growth.

Daniel Barton, Director of the Promise Scholars program, reflected on the impact of this milestone, saying, “The success of this matching challenge represents a real turning point for the Promise Scholars Program. These additional funds will put us closer to fully endowing 100 USM Promise Scholars and will deepen the support we provide to our scholars, ensuring that they have the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and beyond.”

Corey Hascall, President and CEO of the USM Foundation, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “When our anonymous donor couple approached us, raising $4 million before the end of 2024 seemed like a tall order. This achievement highlights the power of our community to unite around a shared vision for the future. Reaching this $6 million milestone brings us significantly closer to our ultimate goal of a $20 million endowment.” Hascall went on to add, “It was also deeply meaningful to have Kaye Flanagan’s family come in with a transformative $1 million gift to complete the challenge. We know how deeply Kaye cared about USM and it is fitting that her final gift will support a nursing Promise Scholar in her name, forever.” 

With the $6.6 million boost, the Promise Scholars endowment is now over $12 million – over 60% toward the $20 million goal. 

The USM Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the anonymous donors whose generosity sparked this challenge and to every individual who contributed to meeting it. Together, this collective investment will unlock life-changing opportunities for deserving students, creating a ripple effect of success that extends throughout Maine and beyond.