Forest Hart Sculpture Centerpiece of Nutting Hall Courtyard; Dedication Saturday
Contact: Judy Round, 581-3229
ORONO –The Forest Hart sculpture “Cub Scouts” will be the centerpiece of the renovated Nutting Hall Courtyard at the University of Maine. The revitalized courtyard, which will be dedicated on Saturday morning, is part of a three-year celebration of the 100th anniversary of UMaine’s forestry program.
The nine-foot bronze sculpture of three Maine black bear cubs was chosen because it symbolizes forest resources, youth and promise for the future. The base of the sculpture was donated by FreshWater Stone and Brickwork, Inc. from Orland. The family of Earle Bessey, Jr., a 1940 forestry graduate and owner of E.D. Bessey and Son in Hinckley, gifted the placement of the sculpture in his honor. The family has also created a scholarship in Mr. Bessey’s name to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the forestry program. Both Bessey and his son Chip are expected to speak at the dedication, which is scheduled as part of UMaine’s Homecoming, this weekend.
The courtyard project was funded through private donations from alumni, faculty, students, Maine’s natural resources industries and other Maine-based companies. The courtyard will be dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 9 a.m., in honor of all those who have passed through the University of Maine to study, teach, and advance the fields of forestry and wildlife.
The event is open to the public.