PRESQUE ISLE (AP) — Northern Maine Community College officials say a $5 million gift from a Presque Isle native who now lives in California will have a “transformative impact” on the college.
The gift from Mary Barton Akeley Smith of Portola Valley, Calif., announced Wednesday at the Presque Isle campus, will provide most of the $6 million needed to renovate two campus buildings. What now houses the dining commons will be transformed into a fitness center, and the college gymnasium will become a new student center.
Smith last year gave the college $1.2 million that advanced the school’s alternative energy program offerings, and also gave $1 million to expand the city’s library.
Northern Maine Community College President Timothy Crowley says Smith donation will have a transformative impact on the school’s service to students and the community.
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