Benefactors Tom and Sally Savage donate $500,000 to support Black Bear athletics

Tom (Class of 1968) and Sally Savage of Key Largo, Fla. have donated $500,000 to help fund University of Maine upgrades to athletics facilities at Alfond Arena and Memorial Gym.

“Once again, Tom and Sally have overwhelmed us with their extraordinary generosity,” says UMaine President Paul Ferguson. “This gift provides a tremendous boost to our efforts to upgrade these facilities, which are critically important to our student-athletes, our coaches and the thousands of fans who enjoy Black Bear sports.”

Tom Savage is a retired attorney. The Savages, who have a summer home in Searsport, have long been among the university’s most generous benefactors. In 2007, they were recognized with UMaine’s Stillwater Society Presidential Award, given to university supporters who are notable for extraordinary achievement in their professional and personal lives.

Seventy percent of the donation, $365,000, is earmarked for the recent renovations at Alfond Arena, home to the UMaine ice hockey and basketball programs. That $4.85 million project features significant infrastructure upgrades including new seating, upgraded ice-making infrastructure and a new air-handling system. The balance of the gift will help fund a $14 million upgrade to the Memorial Gym and Field House. The University of Maine System Board of Trustees will discuss ratifying the final plan for that project at its November meeting.

“Tom and Sally have been great friends to everyone involved in UMaine athletics,” says Steve Abbott, UMaine’s athletic director. “The Alfond Arena upgrades are already making a big difference for our fans and student-athletes, and there’s incredible excitement surrounding the Memorial Gym and Field House plans.  These developments are only possible because of gifts like this one, and we are most thankful for their support.”

Oct. 26, 2011
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571