Pride of Place

From Capital Campaign to Endowment Funding

Funding a dream into a reality

The University of Maine’s sense of place is based on its history and leadership in the state, its responsibility in higher education, and its commitment to people. Buchanan Alumni House is the epitome of that sense of place.

Buchanan Alumni House opened in 2002, as the official front door; the architectural gateway to the UMaine campus. Alumni, who refer to it as a place to call home, planned the $7.3 million facility, and it was constructed in an amazing 13 months – from April 2001 to May 2002. More than 13,000 alumni and friends contributed to the Capital Campaign to construct Buchanan Alumni House, making it the most successful private fundraising project in the University of Maine’s nearly 150-year history.

Endowing the future

More than any other word, “pride” describes the feeling expressed by virtually everyone who has visited Buchanan Alumni House. The building is far more than the sum of its parts; it is a reflection of the thousands of UMaine graduates whose accomplishments have had such an important impact on our state, our country, even our world. Maintaining Buchanan Alumni House and adding the finishing touches every new home needs, requires significant resources. The constant use and high volume of traffic the house experiences causes wear and tear that, if left unattended, will soon take a toll on our treasured facility.

At the present time, an annual budget is needed to preserve the excellence of Buchanan Alumni House. Entitled “Pride of Place: Endowing the Future of Buchanan Alumni House”, the endowment fund initiative will continue the brilliant vision and goals which thousands of UMaine graduates have invested in already. By building a substantial endowment, we make a commitment to showcase the best of our University for generations to come.

Levels of Giving:

Giving Societies for “Pride of Place: Endowing the Future of Buchanan Alumni House”

PRIDE OF PLACE SOCIETY: $500,000 and above

Buchanan Alumni House occupies pride of place at the University of Maine, and it has set a new standard of excellence for our alma mater. The Pride of Place Society represents the highest level of commitment to its goals and preservation.

CUPOLA SOCIETY: $250,000 – $499,000

The crowning glory of Buchanan Alumni House is its handsome, classically designed cupola that is constantly illuminated. Gifts to the Cupola Society sustain Alumni House at its loftiest levels.

URSA MAJOR SOCIETY: $100,000 – $249,999

Pinpoints of light inside Buchanan Alumni House’s cupola represent Ursa Major, “The Great Bear”. A visual reminder for the Maine Black Bear, the Ursa Major Society encourages donors to “reach for the stars”.

SIX COLUMNS SOCIETY: $25,000 – $99,999

The six columns in the Grand Foyer represent the University’s first graduating class – the Class of 1869 – and its six members. Gifts to the Six Columns Society symbolize the leadership and spirit of these pioneering alumni.

HERITAGE SOCIETY: $10,000 – $24,999

More than any other facility on campus, Buchanan Alumni House captures the heritage of our alma mater. Donors to this society preserve this long legacy of excellence with their major gifts.

Leadership Hall

Recognition in Andrews Leadership Hall was originally intended for leading contributors to the Capital Campaign. This has since changed to also include those giving to the Endowment Fund. Individuals, classes, and corporations who have achieved giving levels of $25,000 and above are listed in this prestigious hall celebrating the University of Maine’s most prominent alumni.

 

Buchanan Alumni House Leadership Societies:

LEADERS: $250,000 and above
FOUNDERS: $100,000 – $249,000
PARTNERS: $50,000 – $99,999
BUILDERS: $25,000 – $49,999

Many exceptional naming gift opportunities remain in Buchanan Alumni House. Your gift to the endowment will be recognized through the Endowment Society, and if applicable, by the naming of a room or other physical space. Your gift may even be fulfilled over a three-to-five year period.