Tuna Tourney endows scholarship at CMCC

Roger Philippon, center, dean of planning and public affairs at Central Maine Community College, accepts a check from representatives of the Sturdivant Island Tuna Tournament. From left are SITT secretary Dr. Chuck Gregory, treasurer Tom Hey, Philippon and president Phil Grondin Sr.

AUBURN — The Central Maine Community College Education Foundation has received a significant gift from the Sturdivant Island Tuna Tournament. The presentation was made at a reception and dinner held recently at Southern Maine Community College. Representatives from York County Community College, Washington County Community College, Northern Maine Community College and SMCC were also on hand to receive scholarship donations from SITT totaling $37,500.

Based at Spring Point Marina in South Portland, the STTT has made nearly $500,000 in charitable contributions since it began in 1998. Many of the funds raised have been donated to establish scholarships at Maine community colleges. In addition, funds have been given to the Byron R. Gouzie Foundation, the McAuley Residence at Mercy Hospital and the Isaac Baker "Baker-Mobile."

The STTT earned national recognition last year as one of only 10 community college donors in the country to receive the Benefactor Award by the national Council for Resource Development, an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges.

The proceeds from the tournament have endowed a scholarship fund through the CM Foundation that provides valuable financial assistance to students in need.