Orono, Maine – University of Maine Athletics is proud to announce a $1 million gift from Phillip H. and Susan K. Morse, both members of the Class of '64. The latest gift from the Morse benefactors will support UMaine's Athletic Facilities Master Plan, part of the UMS TRANSFORMS initiative launched in October of 2020 by the Harold Alfond Foundation's historic $240 million commitment to the University of Maine System.

"After 57 years, Sue and I continue our strong bond with the University of Maine that was forged in the early 1960s," says Morse. "Our current donation is just a continuation of the commitment I made to Harold Alfond back in 1997, when the idea of the joint venture for a new stadium and new synthetic field was born. Harold would be proud today. Sue, myself, and our daughter Katherine ('95) will continue to support our alma mater for years to come."
 
The generous gift, which is an unrestricted commitment to directly aid UMaine's capital effort, continues the longstanding relationship between the Black Bears and the Morse Family.
 
"Phil and Susan Morse have been incredible supporters of UMaine for many decades," UMaine Director of Athletics Ken Ralph says. "Their unwavering support for our students is an inspiration. We are so pleased they have chosen to support the Athletics Facilities Master Plan with their latest gift. The Morse Family recognizes the importance of building and keeping a strong athletics facility inventory and their gift will assist us in moving our plan forward. We are very grateful."
 
The Morse Family has contributed nearly $5 million to support the University of Maine. The family made a pledge of $1 million in 2007 to provide a significant upgrade to UMaine's Morse Field playing surface at Harold Alfond Sports Stadium. In 2013, the Morse family presented UMaine Athletics with an $800,000 gift to be used to install the high-definition video scoreboard on Morse Field.
 
​​"I want to thank the Morse family for their longtime support of our Athletics program," says University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. "Their generous gift will help us build best-in-class facilities for future Black Bears, and will inspire other alumni and friends of UMaine to support transformative investments and initiatives at UMaine and across the University of Maine System."

Phillip Morse, an owner and vice chairman of the Boston Red Sox, and his wife met at the University of Maine. They have three children and currently reside in Glens Fall, New York and Jupiter, Florida.

"Phil and Susan are special supporters who have always been there for us," says UMaine Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development Seth Woodcock. "It is even more meaningful when you consider Phil's relationship with Harold Alfond. Both believed in the University of Maine and encouraged others to join them in their philanthropic efforts. Their collective vision played a significant role in laying the groundwork for who we are today and their most recent generosity will help shape what we will become in the near future. We couldn't be more grateful to have the support of the Morse family. It is always rewarding to work with donors who give for all the right reasons. We are a stronger university and Athletic Department thanks to their steadfast and loyal generosity."

-UMaine-