The Impact Newsletter | November 2025 | | Ribbon cutting celebration at the Crewe Center for the Arts, October 3, 2025 | | |
Greetings!
I sit down to write this letter well aware that your mind (and stomach) might already be drifting to thoughts of Thanksgiving. I know mine are. But amid those pre-food- coma daydreams, I am also reflecting on another extraordinary year for the University of Southern Maine. Watching my alma mater continue to rise—through bold new achievements, inspiring student stories, and the generosity of this community—has been one of the great privileges of my work.
This issue of Impact captures so much of what has made this year special. It's Dan Crewe, Tony Shalhoub, Governor Janet Mills, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and other luminaries cutting the ribbon on our amazing Center for the Arts. It's the momentum of the “Name Your Steinway” campaign that helped USM become the world's 250th All-Steinway Institution. It's the magic moment when our community responded with heart and urgency to SNAP delays that left students struggling. And it's the opportunity to kickstart your #GivingTuesday by lifting up the student-centered programs that change lives every day, from the ROCC to the Emergency Fund.
I can get a little excited about the Power of USM, but today I'm also bringing receipts. Our new Economic Contribution Analysis underscores what we’ve long known: USM is a powerful engine for Maine. Our students and alumni strengthen industries, energize communities, and help build a more vibrant future for our state.
As we enter this season of giving and gratitude, I hope you feel as proud as I do. Your support ensures that every Husky has the opportunity to succeed—and that USM can continue to do big things for Maine.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable community.
Warmly,
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Corey Hascall '99
President & CEO
USM Foundation
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| USM Foundation Board Chair Steve deCastro and President/CEO Corey Hascall '99. | | |
1. 88 Keys to a Lasting Legacy
USM became Maine's first All-Steinway Institution of higher education this October, thanks to a huge boost from philanthropist and music champion Dan Crewe '22H. His "Name Your Steinway" matching challenge vaulted our fundraising efforts forward, helping us raise $2 million of the $2.8 million total needed to fund the 26 new Steinways in the Crewe Center for the Arts.
Many generous donors rose to the challenge with gifts to name a piano in honor of a family member, friend, or mentor, including the family of USM Foundation Board Chairman, Steve deCastro. A $300,000 gift from the Edson deCastro 2007 Trust has named a Steinway D piano with Spirio technology for Steve's late father and stepmother, Edson and Eileen DeCastro. The DeCastro piano will take center stage in the new Performance Hall. An additional $200,000 from the Trust will name a music classroom in the Crewe Center.
We are deeply grateful to the deCastro family for their extraordinary leadership...and for bringing us so close to the "Name Your Steinway" grand finale.
| | Pres. Edmondson, USM staff, and Oakhurst leaders celebrate the naming of the Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry in 2022. | | |
2. The USM Community SNAPs into Action.
Oakhurst Dairy, our neighbor and valued partner, has long been committed to "doing what's right" for the health and wellbeing of our communities. In 2022, they made a $250,000 Founding Sponsorship gift to USM – half to support the construction of the McGoldrick Center, and half to address an issue of rising concern on campuses around the country: the rapid increase in student food insecurity.
Today the Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry serves all three USM campuses and is more critically important than ever.
Recently, because of the delay in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, our community snapped into action with a two-pronged food drive and fundraising campaign. Students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to create teams and donate much-needed items to the Oakhurst Community Food Pantry. The wider community was encouraged to give the Pantry additional resources to sustain their critical work.
You answered the call. Since the beginning of November, 37 USM teams have delivered 2,200 pounds of food to pantry staff for the benefit of USM students! The Foundation has simultaneously raised an additional $8,000 over the same time period. We are so grateful to this community for rallying to meet the need, and there is still time to make a difference!
| | USM's transformed Portland campus with the new Crewe Center for the Arts | | |
3. Measuring Impact: USM’s Role in Maine’s Economy
As the only public university in southern Maine, USM plays an important role in Maine’s economy. Just how important? That’s the subject of a newly released report initiated by President Edmondson and conducted by USM Professor of Economics, Dr. Rachel Bouvier. USM’s first comprehensive Economic Contribution Analysis includes many points of pride, such as:
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USM supported nearly $385 million in total economic activity across Maine in the past year through its operations, payroll, construction, and student and visitor spending.
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USM supported more than $264 million in value added to Maine's economy – the equivalent of the University's contribution to the state's gross domestic product.
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Because of our affordability, generous scholarships, and programs like the Promise Scholars, 36% of our undergraduate students graduate without student debt, which is higher than the national average.
We encourage you to read the full report to understand how USM is helping to fuel Maine's economy.
| | Student support programs like the ROCC (Recovery Oriented Campus Center) provide hope for the future. | | |
4. A Time for Giving...and Giving Thanks.
We see every day how deeply our community cares – and we are grateful. Because of you, students who might have faced food insecurity, a financial crisis, or personal challenges instead find strength, encouragement, and hope.
Your support powers essential programs like the Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry, the Recovery-Oriented Campus Center (ROCC), and the Student Emergency Fund – programs that meet students’ most pressing needs.
As the demand for these student supports continues to rise, your generosity matters more than ever. December 2 is Giving Tuesday, but you can make your gift right now. Help ensure that no USM student ever has to face hardship alone.
| | WMPG Begathon Brings in Record $$$ | | |
It was a record Begathon for USM's beloved community radio station, WMPG. Their annual fall fundraiser met and exceeded its goal, raising $60,000 in just one week!
Thank you to the 570 donors who pitched in to support WMPG, which started in a dorm room 50 years ago and now broadcasts music, public affairs and cultural programming throughout Maine and the world on 90.9 and online.
Curious how it all started? Watch the trailer for "An Extraordinary Place," an award-winning film about WMPG. And keep an eye out for future screenings.
| | | A simple way to do more good. | | |
You can ensure the steady, reliable support our students count on by giving to USM each month. Your generosity provides stability for the University and sustains your impact throughout the year. And, it's easy to do:
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Visit our Online Giving page
- Click on Recurring
- Choose the amount and frequency of your gift
- Complete the form and go to Checkout.
You can also contact us for assistance.
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