PRESQUE ISLE – Machias Savings Bank, a financial services institution with a branch network of 11 locations in four Maine counties, including Aroostook, has made a $12,500 contribution to the recently announced major gifts campaign at Northern Maine Community College.
The Campaign for the County’s College, established to raise $2 million over the next year to support both student scholarships and instructional technology, as well as to assist the College in new and ongoing efforts to respond promptly to community needs, is named to reflect both the impact of the campus in the region, as well as how the College community mirrors the aspirations of Aroostook and its people.
“As a community bank, we have a valued interest and a sound commitment to the economic development of Aroostook County. We are proud to support Northern Maine Community College and their efforts to serve the educational needs of this region,” said Chris Fitzpatrick, regional vice president for Machias Savings Bank.
Fitzpatrick, who is based in the Houlton branch, is well aware of NMCC’s role in regional education and economic development initiatives. The community leader serves as a member of the College general advisory council.
The contribution by Machias Savings Bank will establish an endowed scholarship fund with the NMCC Foundation to benefit deserving students from Aroostook, Penobscot, Washington, or Hancock County enrolled in a business-related field of study at the institution annually. The fund will be used to provide scholarships and/or awards to students to fund tuition, books, tools and equipment.
“We are extremely pleased that Machias Savings Bank has joined the Campaign for the County’s College. The commitment of the bank, not only to NMCC but to the economic development of Aroostook County, as evidenced by this gift, is commendable,” said Brian Hamel, campaign tri-chair.
In addition to raising scholarship dollars through what is called the Accessing Opportunity Fund, money raised can be allocated in two other areas, the Investing in Innovation Fund, a technology endowment fund that will ensure the college keeps pace with changing instructional technology, and the College and Community Advancement Fund, which provides an immediate source of funding, allowing NMCC to launch new curricula and respond promptly to evolving community needs.
Machias Savings Bank was established in 1869. In addition to an Aroostook County presence in Houlton, the bank has 10 branches in Washington, Hancock and Penobscot counties that employ 200 people.
