Great University Campaign Committee

Daniel Crewe ’22H
Chair, Great University Campaign
Chair, USM Foundation Board of Directors
Chairman and President, The Bob Crewe Foundation

“Twenty-nine years ago I got involved with the USM School of Music through family ties.  I quickly realized what a gem we have here.  USM plays a leadership role in the expansion and improvement of Maine’s social, business and economic life.  I believe we are on our way now to a bright future.”

Justin Alfond
USM Foundation Board of Directors
Co-Director, Full Plates Full Potential
Former State Legislator
“I am proud to be part of this group because I admire the commitment to higher education and to the students.  The relationship of students and advisors drives performance at USM.  I also love greater Portland and have always felt that USM has so much potential.”
Kate Cheney Chappell ’83, ’12H
Kate Cheney Chappell Art Space
Director, Tom and Kate Chappell Family Foundation
“What we are building at USM will enhance citizenship and service in Maine.  We will see a physically transformed Portland campus that will be a hub of creativity and a destination.  The students will experience a new confidence, a feeling that they can step out in the world with confidence.”
Edward McKersie
Founder, Live and Work in Maine
President, ProSearch
“As a long time supporter of the University of Southern Maine, I am excited to be part of the effort to create new opportunities for USM students and long-lasting partnerships between the University and Maine employers. The Great University Campaign is shaping the future of USM and benefiting the city of Portland and the great state of Maine.”
Becky McKinnell ’06
USM Foundation Board of Directors
Founder and CEO, iBec Creative
Founder and Designer, Wildwood Oyster Co.
“I feel connected to USM and have really enjoyed being on the board. USM has done so much for me. I met people from the community, way back when I was a young college student, that I am still in touch with today. My career has been an adventure, but it started at USM. USM is critical to our community because of its connections to businesses in Portland.”
John Ryan
USM Foundation Board of Directors
President, Wright-Ryan Construction, Inc.
“This campaign will open doors for students, some who never imagined that they might be in college.  Students will experience feeling fully supported in realizing their aspirations.  I’ve been supporting USM for over 25 years.  Seeing the difference a USM education makes in a young person’s life, thinking about the role of USM as an urban university, and making that kind of change happen is what keeps me enthusiastic.”
Lois Skillings ’91G
USM Foundation Board of Directors
President and CEO, Mid Coast-Parkview Health and Mid Coast Hospital
“My life in leadership was influenced by my graduate program at USM. I feel like I owe my success and my career to what I learned at USM. It made me a leader and helped me along my leadership journey. I recognize the value and importance that USM brings to Maine people and to grow Maine as a center for prosperity and the education and development of our people. I am so excited to see USM come into its own and start to blossom and grow.”
Tom Chappell ’12H
Director, Tom and Kate Cheney Chappell Family Foundation
Co-founder, Tom’s of Maine

Thomas M. Chappell of Kennebunk is a socially conscious entrepreneur, environmentalist, and writer. With his wife, Kate, he co-founded Tom’s of Maine and Rambler’s Way Farm, and is the noted author of two books, “The Soul of Business” (1993) and “Managing Upside Down” (1999). Tom is recognized for his continuing societal impact on entrepreneurship, theology, environmental ethics, and philanthropy in Maine and New England. He received an honorary degree from USM in 2012.