2026 Bodwell Center Awards Program

In an effort to recognize the fantastic volunteer work of students, staff, and the community, the Bodwell center presents several awards annually.

The Servant Heart Scholarship

Since 2007 the Servant Heart Scholarship Fund has awarded $202,000 to 81 UMaine students to support their education.  

This scholarship fund is made possible by an anonymous gift to benefit students who are committed to community service and volunteer outreach.  The Servant Heart Scholarship is offered as an expression of the donors’ Christian faith.  The scholarship fund is intended to benefit students who connect public service with their academic work and who apply practical solutions to real world problems.  Applying students must exhibit their devotion to community service by having been recently involved in community service activities. The 2026 scholarship program includes 4 scholarships of $3,000 each.

2026 Recipients:

Victoria Ashton – Nursing Major
Gabriel McKenney – Construction Engineering Technology Major
Emma Morrison – Microbiology Major
Cooper Sawyer – Civil Engineering Major

Black Bear Mentors Big Paw Award (Selected by Program Staff)

The Bodwell Center’s Big Paw Award recognizes unwavering dedication and exceptional contribution to our Black Bear Mentors Program. Black Bear Mentors began in 2003 and has matched hundreds of UMaine students with local youth to share knowledge, skills, and wisdom to encourage personal growth and post-secondary aspirations.

2026 Recipient – Rebecca Long – Child Development & Family Relations and Spanish Double Major
(completed 5 years in the program working with the same youth!)

Questions can be directed to Lisa Morin, Coordinator of the Bodwell Center, at lisa.morin@maine.edu or (207) 581-4194.