Buchanan Alumni House
5th Anniversary
June 2, 2007
Robert A. Kennedy, President, University of Maine
• Thank you for the
opportunity to be here, to join you in celebrating this wonderful
occasion. Five years...it is hard to imagine what UMaine was like
without this beautiful Buchanan Alumni House.
• Let me begin by thanking you. I know that many people here contributed
to the mammoth effort involved in raising the funds to build this
building. It was, as you know, the largest single fund-raising effort in
UMaine's history and, I would argue, perhaps the most transformative.
• Because of the generosity of so many, we now have a facility that
reflects the quality of the University of Maine and its people,
especially its alumni.
• As UMaine's "front door," Buchanan Alumni House has literally changed
the face of the university's landscape. It is a real landmark,
distinctive and extraordinary in every way.
• In five years, Buchanan has hosted many important events, including
presentations, receptions and meetings. It gives UMaine an indispensible
place to invite friends and to put our best foot forward.
• When John Glenn and Madeline Albright visited campus, for example, to
present Cohen Lectures, this is where we brought them for receptions. We
don't think twice when a major event is coming--if it can fit in
Buchanan, this will always be our first choice.
• And by the way, thanks to the Alumni Association leadership, the
Foundation leadership, and the wonderful staff in this building. With
people like Kathy Hill and Paula Paradis helping make things work here,
every event is first-class, befitting the facility itself.
• For many prospective students and their families, Buchanan is often
the first place they see. Having this building as the launching point
for campus tours gives a great first impression, and we all know just
how important that can be.
• This facility has also allowed us to bring our partners in the
Foundation to campus, where they can work closely with the Alumni
Association, the Development Office and others on campus to accomplish
their important goals.
• It also gives Amos the opportunity to keep a close eye on Alpha Gamma
Rho, just down the street.
• Seriously, having this arrangement is very efficient and advantageous
in many ways. For our students, for our visitors, for our alumni, and
for many of us conducting the daily business of the university.
• Buchanan Alumni House is a terrific resource, and we appreciate very
much that it is here, and we are thankful to all of those who have
worked so hard to make it an important part of all that we do.
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