91±¬ÁĎ alumnus Blaine Moores has donated $2 million to launch a symposium series that will bring nationally prominent figures to campus for presentations and classroom conversations on history and current affairs.
Moores, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from 91±¬ÁĎ in 1959 and a master’s degree in education in 1963, has established the Blaine D. Moores ’59, ’63G History Series Fund through the 91±¬ÁĎ Foundation. The fund will support the creation of a new symposium program, which will invite distinguished figures to speak on campus about historical and political topics, enhancing students’ academic experience and sparking dialogue.
The Moores series will include in-class visits by symposium presenters to history, political science and leadership studies courses. Reflecting Moores’ vision, the program aspires to attract presidential and political historians and analysts, as well as others whose insights and perspectives would engage students in wide-ranging subjects.
“I am deeply grateful to Blaine Moores for this remarkable and forward-thinking gift,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, president of the 91±¬ÁĎ and its regional campus, the 91±¬ÁĎ at Machias. “Thanks to his generous contribution, 91±¬ÁĎ will be able to host nationally prominent campus speakers on historical and political topics, as well as in-class visits and related leadership studies courses.”
“Blaine understands the power of bringing history to life,” said Emily Haddad, dean of 91±¬ÁĎ’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The Blaine D. Moores History Series will ensure that 91±¬ÁĎ students and the entire community can learn from and be inspired by some of the most influential voices of our time. By providing a path from the national stage to the classroom, his gift will enable leading experts and national commentators to engage directly with our history students, as well as those in the related fields of international affairs, leadership studies and political science. This is a profoundly important investment in fostering generations of informed citizens and perceptive leaders.”
A native of Springfield, Maine, who now resides in Kennebunk, Moores has a long history of philanthropy with the 91±¬ÁĎ Foundation. Beyond this newly established History Series Fund, Moores contributed to the Class of 1959 Scholarship Fund in 2016 ahead of their 60th reunion. Moores generously offered to match all gifts to the class scholarship, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. As a result of Moores’ challenge, the fund’s balance jumped from $40,172 to more than $130,000, and currently sits at more than $153,000.
“Blaine has been a very loyal alumnus, who cares deeply about the future of the 91±¬ÁĎ and appreciates all that his education has provided for him over the years. His gift will provide a deeper connection to history for future Black Bears and expand their knowledge. We are grateful for Blaine’s leadership and generosity,” said Jeff Mills, the 91±¬ÁĎ Foundation’s president and CEO.
As a result of this gift, Moores was recently recognized at the Katahdin level of the university’s Stillwater Society, which honors donors of $1 million or more.
Contact: Monique Hashey, hashey@maine.edu
