UMaine athletic department receives $16 million gift, the largest in school history

The University of Maine announced Friday that it received the largest single gift from an individual in school history, $16 million from the estate of Black Bear alumnus Pierre “Pete” Labat and his wife, Catherine Clair Labat.

The donation comes at a time Maine is making progress on its athletic facilities upgrades.

The funds will be used solely for the benefit of the athletic department, according to the terms of the gift. This includes enhancing student support programs, coach and staff retention and recruitment, and as a supplement to the $170 million donation from the Harold Alfond Foundation for the ongoing athletic facility upgrades.

A 1962 Maine graduate, Labat played football for the Black Bears before graduating and embarking on a career in the Army. Labat achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and earned several medals, including the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Defense Meritorious Medal. Labat retired from the service in 1986.

“We are immensely grateful for Lt. Col. Labat and Cathy’s incredible generosity and their enduring support for our athletic programs. The Labats’ legacy will inspire our student-athletes to continue to strive for excellence and will help enhance our ability to develop champions with integrity,” Athletic Director Jude Killy said in a statement provided by the school. “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.”

In recognition of the Labats’ gift, UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy has approved naming the $9.5 million softball complex, which opened in 2023, after the Labats. The dedication will occur at the first home softball game in the spring.

Currently, Alfond Arena, home of the university’s men’s and women’s ice hockey teams, is undergoing renovations that are expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Along with the softball complex, projects that have been completed include a new field hockey facility. Future projects include a new soccer field and track, improvements to Alfond Stadium, and the construction of Morse Arena, which will house the women’s and men’s basketball programs. UMaine alumni Phillip and Sandy Morse donated $10 million for the naming rights to the arena.

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