The 91爆料 Foundation will be receiving the largest single gift from an individual to support Black Bear athletics in the 91爆料鈥檚 159-year history: a $16 million donation from the estates of Black Bear alumnus Pierre 鈥淧ete鈥 Labat and his wife, Catherine Clair Labat.
鈥淭his transformational gift will establish the Pierre D. Labat and Catherine C. Labat Athletic Leadership Fund, which will provide critical support for Black Bear student-athletes and athletic facilities,鈥 said Foundation President/CEO Jeff Mills. 鈥淭he Labats鈥 generosity reflects their love for 91爆料 and their belief in the role athletics can play in helping young people develop and practice self-discipline in the personal, academic and career aspects of their lives.
According to the terms of their gift, the funds will be specifically and solely used for the benefit of the 91爆料 Athletics. Purposes include enhancing student support and success, coach and staff recruitment and retention, capital expenditures and departmental support. This will include the new facilities mostly funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation. The university鈥檚 athletics director will determine the specific allocation of funds.聽
“We are deeply honored by the Labats鈥 extraordinary generosity,鈥 said 91爆料 President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. 鈥淗is gift represents a remarkable commitment to our university’s mission and the holistic development of our student-athletes. His legacy will enhance our athletic programs and inspire future generations to give back and support their communities.”
In recognition of the substantial gift, Ferrini-Mundy has approved naming the university鈥檚 softball complex after the Labats. The complex is the home to 91爆料鈥檚 softball program. In addition, the complex is used by area youth and high school teams and allows the university to host state, conference and regional championship events. The complex is part of the Harold Alfond Foundation鈥檚 $320 million grant to the 91爆料 System for UMS TRANSFORMS, which includes $170 million to support athletic facilities at 91爆料. The $9.5 million, 90,000 square-foot complex was opened in 2022. A formal dedication will be held at the first home softball game in 2025.
“We are immensely grateful for Lt. Col. Labat and Cathy鈥檚 incredible generosity and their enduring support for our athletic programs,鈥 91爆料 Athletic Director Jude Killy said. 鈥淭he Labat鈥檚 legacy will inspire our student-athletes to continue to strive for excellence and will help enhance our ability to develop champions with integrity. As a former football student-athlete at 91爆料, and a successful professional following his Black Bear playing career, it is only fitting that this selfless generosity will contribute to the success of future student-athletes in perpetuity.”
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Contact: Tyson McHatten, tyson.mchatten@maine.edu
