UMaine Athletics receives record-setting estate gift
The University of Maine Foundation will be receiving the largest single gift from an individual to support Black Bear athletics in the University of Maine’s 159-year history: a $16 million donation from the estates of Black Bear alumnus Pierre “Pete” Labat and his wife, Catherine Clair Labat.
“This 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,” said Foundation President/CEO Jeff Mills. “The Labats’ generosity reflects their love for UMaine 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 UMaine 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’s athletics director will determine the specific allocation of funds.
“We are deeply honored by the Labats’ extraordinary generosity,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “His 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’s softball complex after the Labats. The complex is the home to UMaine’s 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’s $320 million grant to the University of Maine System for UMS TRANSFORMS, which includes $170 million to support athletic facilities at UMaine. 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’s incredible generosity and their enduring support for our athletic programs,” UMaine Athletic Director Jude Killy said. “The Labat’s 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 UMaine, 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.”
Read the full story on the UMaine Athletics website.
Contact: Tyson McHatten, tyson.mchatten@maine.edu