Faces of Philanthropy - Bank
of America Donates Hutchinson Center to University of Maine
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"Bank of America is a strong supporter of
higher education here in Maine and throughout the country," said
Elizabeth T. Greenstein, president, Bank of America Maine. "This
gift is another affirmation of the strong relationship between
Bank of America, the University and the community. We are
pleased this facility will continue to provide nontraditional
students and faculty with a top-notch learning environment in
which to thrive."
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Bank of America announced the donation of the
Fred Hutchinson Center, located on Route 3 in Belfast, to the
University of Maine System. The building and grounds are assessed
by the City of Belfast at $3.3 million.
The center, named for Dr. Fred Hutchinson,
president of the University of Maine from 1992 to 1997, measures
19,500 square feet and is situated on a 12- acre lot. It contains
eight class and seminar rooms, a 105-seat auditorium, a large
atrium and a kitchen. MBNA Corporation, which merged with Bank of
America earlier this year, constructed the facility in 2000.
"Bank of America is a strong supporter of
higher education here in Maine and throughout the country," said
Elizabeth T. Greenstein, president, Bank of America Maine. "This
gift is another affirmation of the strong relationship between
Bank of America, the University and the community. We are pleased
this facility will continue to provide nontraditional students and
faculty with a top-notch learning environment in which to thrive."
Since the center opened in 2000, it has served
more than 5,000 students, 95 percent of whom are over 21 years of
age and take classes at night or on the weekends. The university
has awarded more than 40 MBA degrees through the center to date.
In addition, the center's "senior college," serving students over
50 years of age, is the second largest in the state.
"We are extremely grateful to Bank of America
for this extraordinary gift," said Robert Kennedy, president,
University of Maine. "Bank of America's generosity will allow the
University of Maine to continue offering educational and outreach
programming at this wonderful facility. The Hutchinson Center is a
vital part of our university and we look forward to continuing the
great tradition started in Belfast six years ago."
In addition to offering more than 200
undergraduate and graduate courses each semester, the center has
grown to become the largest conference facility in midcoast Maine
and is in use nearly every day of the year.
"Bank of America has been a wonderful partner
for the state of Maine," said Governor John Baldacci. "The
University of Maine System and the entire state of Maine will
benefit from this very generous gift and I would like to
personally extend my gratitude towards Bank of America for it."
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