College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Linda and Clement McGillicuddy visit the McGillicuddy Humanities Center

On Friday, September 22, the University of Maine’s Humanities Center was officially dedicated the Clement and Linda McGillicuddy Humanities Center.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences was honored to welcome Linda and Clement for the unveiling of the new sign and for a tour of the newly renovated McGillicuddy Humanities Center and Maine Folk Life Center, made possible through their generous support.

On hand for the McGillicuddy’s visit were UMaine President Susan Hunter; Jeff Hecker, UMaine vice president for academic affairs and provost; Jeffery Mills, UMaine Foundation president and CEO; Emily Haddad, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Kreg Ettenger, director of the Maine Folk Life Center; and Katrina Wynn, archivist and humanities professional at the McGillicuddy Humanities Center.

Clement McGillicuddy ’64 and his wife Linda of Hobe Sound, Florida and Northeast Harbor, Maine, support the Humanities Center through a fund they established at the University of Maine Foundation. The two met in New York City while working in the computer industry, and are committed to “giving back” to a state that means a great deal to their family.

Clement and Linda McGillicuddy appreciate the Humanities Center’s diverse activities in Orono and across the state. They are especially appreciative that the Center’s outreach extends well beyond classroom learning and opens new horizons for high school students and other Maine citizens. Clement cites poetry as a long-time, personal interest that is celebrated by the Center, and lauds the Center’s director, Jennifer Moxley, as “a splendid poet and inspirational speaker”.

“An important role of the University of Maine is to advance — and advocate for — the humanities,” says UMaine President Susan J. Hunter. “Humanities teaching, research and engagement are critical to fulfilling our statewide mission. In collaboration with private and community partners, we help ensure that culture enriches the human experience.”

“The McGillicuddys are champions of the arts and humanities,” says Jeffrey Hecker, UMaine vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Their support for the Humanities Center will impact students and faculty, but also countless people of all ages who benefit from the partnerships the center has built with humanities organizations throughout the state. Their commitment to the arts and humanities, especially here in Maine, is inspiring.”

Please visit the McGillicuddy Humanities Center and Maine Folklife Center websites for more information.