Corey Hascall '99

President & CEO

USM Foundation

A match made in music.

This past spring, as the date for the opening of the Crewe Center grew closer, philanthropist Dan Crewe '22H issued a challenge: If we could raise $250,000 before the ribbon cutting on October 3, he would double it with a $500,000 gift from the Crewe Foundation.

Anne and Vincent Oliviero hit the high note. Their gift of $250,000 met the challenge, adding a named Steinway piano to their long legacy of support for USM. We are deeply grateful.

But wait for the encore! Dan has now doubled his pledge, and will donate another $500,000 if we can raise an additional $250,000 in our effort to name every one of our 26 new Steinway pianos. Inspired by the Olivieros, we're hoping others will join in and make every note count.

Game on.

This past Monday, we were so proud to celebrate the grand opening of the Collab: Esports Arena by Town & Country – an important milestone for USM and for the students whose energy and passion are at the heart of the amazing Husky Esports program.

A special thank you to our partners at Town & Country Federal Credit Union for their vision, leadership, and the founding gift that made the Arena possible. Thanks also to SMRT Architects and Engineers for their creativity in shaping such an innovative space, and to the members of our Husky Esports team who showed us firsthand the community, talent, and teamwork that make Collab such a powerful hub of belonging.

The arena is already buzzing with excitement, and we look forward to seeing the ways it will foster new friendships, sharpen digital skills, and connect students across our community.

Powerful USM women anchor our Fall Appeal.

Becky McKinnell '06 and Lizzy Lynch '26 may be 20 class years apart, but this fall they're on the same team. They are helping us raise money for scholarships, emergency funds, and other student supports by telling their stories about what USM means to them:

Becky: When I transferred to USM, I knew I had found the perfect place for me. It offered a major that combined my two passions in design and business through Art and Entrepreneurial Studies. That program gave me the confidence, creativity, and foundation to launch my own company, iBec Creative, right out of college. Just as importantly, USM connected me to Portland’s business community – mentors, clients, and supporters who made my entrepreneurial journey possible. I believe deeply in the mission to ensure that every student has access to a best-in-class education paired with strong community connections so they can thrive and prosper here in Maine.

Lizzy: When I graduated high school, I set my sights on a goal elusive to generations before me: being the first in my family to get a college degree. I packed my car in the Berkshires and drove to Maine, my path to USM made possible by a scholarship. It was a true leap of faith. I didn’t know what to expect, but I quickly found a home here. Since then I’ve worked in Residential Life, the mailroom, and countless other campus jobs, and now I have the honor of serving as our Student Body President. I believe that caring about people is the best way to support the USM we all know and love.

Will you join Becky and Lizzy in their mission to support USM?

Homecoming & Family Weekend

October 3–5, 2025

A glorious fall weekend is in store for Huskies revisiting their old haunts at USM. In addition to the Crewe Center Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Friday, October 3, there will be a full lineup of activities on the Gorham and Portland campuses, from athletic events, to networking socials, to Octoberfest and other family activities.

See the full schedule of events here.