WATERVILLE, MAINE, August 2025 — Thomas College announces it has raised over $3 million dollars within the last 18 months for the Laurie Lachance Leadership Fund to support college-bound Maine students.
Lachance was the President of Thomas College for 12 years before she retired earlier this summer. To honor her decades of supporting Maine students, the Laurie Lachance Leadership Fund was designed to support students at key times in their higher education careers, and to increase college access and affordability, particularly for first-generation college students.
The Laurie Lachance Leadership Fund will support academic scholarships, paid internships, and student success grants.
“As a first-generation college student myself, I remember how difficult it was for me and my family to pay for and navigate college. This fund will help make students’ college dreams possible and not just have impact at the beginning of their journey, but the entire time they are at Thomas College,” said Lachance. “I am so grateful for the generosity of those who donated, particularly the Lunders, who believe so deeply in the transformation of a college degree.”
Peter and Paula Lunder, long-time supporters of Thomas College, gave $1 million dollars to launch the creation of the Laurie Lachance Leadership Fund.
“The Lunder Foundation is pleased to support this scholarship fund, to honor the accomplishments of Laurie Lachance as President of Thomas College. Laurie has helped to improve the lives of so many Maine students and their families over the years, and this fund will continue that work,” said Kevin Gillis, President of the Lunder Foundation.
“We are so appreciative of the support that our donors, in particular the Lunders, have given to Thomas College over the years,” said Thomas College President Jeannine Diddle Uzzi. “There is no better way to honor Laurie’s legacy than giving students the opportunity to realize their dreams.”
Thomas College recently graduated its largest class ever which included 40 percent who identify as first-generation college students and 75 percent who graduated with honors. Historically, 73 percent of Thomas College graduates stay in Maine after completing their degree.
Donations are still being accepted for this Fund. To honor Laurie’s impact and donate to ‘The Laurie Lachance Leadership Fund’ please contact Erin Merrill, Vice President of Advancement at [email protected] or 207-859-1206.
About Thomas College
Thomas College, located in beautiful Waterville, Maine, is defining what it means to be the College of the Future. With a strong commitment to innovation, career readiness, and community partnerships, Thomas College is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of Maine’s top colleges for social mobility. Our distinctive Guaranteed Job Program™, accelerated undergraduate degrees, and flexible graduate programs empower students to advance faster in business, entrepreneurship, education, technology, applied STEM, and arts & science fields. At Thomas, belonging isn’t a buzzword; it’s a promise. We create a supportive, welcoming environment where every student is seen, valued, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at [email protected] or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.