Alfond Fund Ambassador “A person who acts as a positive, goodwill representative and promoter of Maine Athletics”
“I was thrilled to be part of the team that organized the inaugural Alfond Classic Golf Tournament on Aug. 4, and what a great day and event it was. Being an ambassador for the only Division I athletic program in the state is exciting, and I look forward to more people joining the Alfond Fund Ambassadors and to being involved in future signature events.” Alfond Fund Ambassador Janine Tremble ’86
In spring 2017, the University of Maine Department of Athletics created and launched the Alfond Fund with a generous grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation®. The fund provides support for student-athletes, streamlines fundraising efforts and affords the department the opportunity to establish a comprehensive volunteer structure. The new structure, named the Alfond Fund Ambassadors program, invites people who are passionate about UMaine Athletics to enhance the studentathlete experience. The Alfond Fund Ambassadors program helps teams meet the constant and growing demands of NCAA Division I athletics, as well as strengthens the Black Bear brand and creates a strong local and national community of UMaine volunteers and supporters. “Through the generosity of the Harold Alfond Foundation®, we are excited to announce a new way for volunteers to help the Athletics Department meet the growing demands of funding successful Division I sports programs,” says Director of Athletics Karlton Creech.
“The change from individual team volunteers to a centralized structure allows us to maximize the talent of all of our volunteers by enabling them to serve all of our programs. With an emphasis on Alfond Fund membership and donation growth, and the successful execution of a small number of signature events, the ambassadors will be an essential part of our future success. We look forward to welcoming existing and new volunteers in the Alfond Fund Ambassadors program.” The Belgrade Lakes Golf Club was the site of the Alfond Fund Ambassadors’ first signature event — the inaugural Alfond Classic Golf Tournament on Aug. 4. A committee of volunteers was tasked with, and met, a goal of attracting 44 teams to the dual-flight tournament. “It was energizing to watch the cooperation and positive rapport between the UMaine athletic administration and this group of Alfond Fund Ambassador volunteers,” says Jim Dyer, organizer of the Alfond Golf Classic. “They combined to coordinate what was an exciting day of golf for the participants and supporters of UMaine Athletics.” 7