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The University of Maine at Fort Kent Foundation unanimously accepted three endowed scholarships in support of education, nursing and business students at its recent board meeting, held Friday, March 15 on the UMFK campus.

The three new scholarships are:

· The Elsie S. Dow Memorial Scholarship, which was established on behalf of the University of Maine at Fort Kent on behalf of the UMFK Foundation in December 2012 by Mrs. Dow's family. Mrs. Dow, a member of the classes of 1922 and 1963, was a lifelong learner and a dedicated teacher. She taught at the Old Model School on the campus of the Fort Kent State Normal School, a predecessor of UMFK, during the 1950s and 1960s, where she was well respected and loved by her students. She also was an inspiration to many young people pursuing a career in education. The scholarship will be awarded to students enrolled in their third or fourth year in the UMFK Education program. The scholarship was created by Allan and Patricia Dow, and Allan's brother, Ralph Dow. Patricia Dow currently serves as a director on the Foundation.

· The John B. & Noreen L. Pelletier Scholarship was established in December 2012 at the University of Maine at Fort Kent on behalf of the UMFK Foundation. The scholarship will benefit students from Aroostook County who have completed their first year of study enrolled towards an undergraduate degree in Nursing or Business programs. John Pelletier currently serves on the UMFK Foundation Board of Directors, and is a UMFK adjunct faculty member and coordinator of business internships.

· The Estate of Esther C. Labbee Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Esther C. Labbee in 2013 at the University of Maine at Fort Kent on behalf of the UMFK Foundation. Ms. Labbee graduated from the Fort Kent State Normal School in 1949. Following her graduation, she toured the United States. Later, she received a master's degree in California. Ms. Labbee taught school for more than 25 years in Manchester, Connecticut, where she made her home. She passed away in November 2012 at the age of 84, and provided UMFK with a bequest.

The UMFK Foundation supports endowed scholarships, student and faculty research, state-of-the-art technology upgrades, cultural events, library collections, and other campus investments. The Foundation is responsible for running the Annual Fund in support of UMFK.

Last year the Annual Fund raised more than $194,000 for student scholarships and other worthwhile causes. The Foundation also is engaged in the University's first-ever comprehensive campaign – La Cloche de Fer – which is well on its way to raising $3 million to support the University's scholarship, stewardship, and capital needs.

The Foundation's Board of Directors consists of 21 members from area businesses and the greater Fort Kent community, and beyond.