USM has seen over $2.8 million in budget cuts this year. The state has withheld these funds in an effort to deal with its own $1 billion shortfall. Certain programs, however, are still being funded through newly received federal monies. These federal funds are specifically allocated for certain programs and construction projects. While such funding doesn’t help the hiring freeze, it expands programs and facilities. This in turn may raise enrollment.
A Feb. 19 memo from President Richard Pattenaude recapped the completion of “21st Century Campaign for Excellence,” a fundraising initiative that earned the school over $22 million. The money was donated by over 5,500 alumni, businesses and other organizations. The president then announced the University received notice that $3 million in earmarked funds would be given to the University as part of the new federal budget bill.
$1 Million of the federal monies will be used to complete an addition on the John J. Mitchell Center in Gorham. Another $1 million will go toward technology and equipment to fill the new addition. The Mitchell Center will be able to offer students and local businesses a look at some of today’s most sophisticated manufacturing technologies. $450,000 will be given to the New England Environmental Center. This will allow the Center to complete research and form initiatives concerning Maine’s environment. An additional $500,000 may be awarded to the Center to fund a project in northern New England that will help build and promote environmentally sound rural communities.
According to Pattenaude’s memo, these funds have been awarded largely because of the lobbying done by the University. “I believe we can make the case for more funds because of our role in supporting the community,” Pattenaude said.
More information on the earmarked funds can be found on the USM website at http://www.usm.maine.edu.