Since its founding in 1878, the University of Maine at Fort Kent has been a beacon of light throughout the St. John Valley, northern Aroostook County, and beyond. Five generations of families have studied and succeeded at UMFK.

Forty-six students enrolled in the initial class at the Madawaska Training School, as the University was then known. Today, more than 1,100 students from across the Valley, and from around the world are enrolled and are enriching their lives at UMFK.

Thousands of individuals have succeeded at UMFK over the years. We see them every day in our students, our faculty, and our neighbors. The many success stories can be attributed to the small classes, the dedicated faculty and staff, the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, and the individualized learning, for which UMFK is renowned.

Throughout UMFK's history, the same traditional principles have guided its course: providing quality, affordable and accessible education. The University's academic and economic value has been recognized locally for many years.

Regionally, UMFK is known for its outstanding undergraduate programs in education, nursing, forestry, business, and environmental studies, among others. Now, leading national publications have begun to notice UMFK. For the past four years, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the prestigious publication, The Princeton Review, rated UMFK as "A Best Northeastern College." Clearly, UMFK's star is rising.

But it takes more than laurels to advance the University's mission. It also takes private support. State funding -- your tax dollars -- only provides 33 percent of UMFK's operating budget. To continue our mission of quality, affordable, accessible education, we depend on you: our alumni and friends.

Last year, thanks to an overwhelming response to UMFK's Annual Giving Campaign by 431 donors (300 of whom are alumni), the UMFK Foundation was able to generously support deserving students and outstanding faculty members through a number of programs.

Your generous support of UMFK's 2008 Annual Giving Campaign is central to providing a sixth generation with the means to make its dreams a reality, and ensure its success.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and helps make UMFK's goals possible. We welcome you to make a contribution to this year's campaign and help UMFK continue its tradition.

We also accept donations in the form of stock transfers. Transferring your gift of stocks is very simple! Click here to learn how.