In this new series on named, endowed scholarships at UMF, we’ll shine a light on the students who are supported by the generosity of alumni and friends — and give you an opportunity to see how philanthropy plays a pivotal role in their success.
By Marc Glass, August 2019
A year ago, the James Toner Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at UMF to honor the life of the late Director of the UMF Fitness and Recreation Center and Founder of the University’s Mainely Outdoors program, who passed away in July 2018.
James Toner, 1959–2018, engaged in one of his favorite pastimes.
Throughout his life, Jim found satisfaction and purpose in helping people enjoy — and expand their access to — outdoor recreational activities. Through founding the University’s Mainely Outdoors program, he realized a vision of providing UMF students and community members with guided trips, transportation, and the requisite gear so they could learn activity skills and gain a deeper appreciation for Maine’s many outdoor recreation opportunities.
The James Toner Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a UMF sophomore, in good academic standing, who demonstrates a commitment to continuing his life’s work. The scholarship selection criteria includes demonstrated involvement in academic and/or co-curricular programming that emphasizes the importance of outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as programs related to physical fitness, municipal recreation, or sports management. Preference is given to students who have demonstrated participation and leadership in the University’s Mainely Outdoors program and/or UMF’s Fitness and Recreation Center.
Jennifer Hancock ’21, the 2019–20 recipient of the James Toner Memorial Scholarship. (Photo by Marc Glass)
The inaugural recipient of the scholarship is Jennifer Hancock, an Outdoor Recreation and Business Administration (ORBA) major from Gilmanton, N.H., who came highly recommended for the scholarship award by staff associated with Mainely Outdoors and the University’s Fitness and Recreation Center.
Hancock is a graduate of Gilford High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the school’s alpine ski team. At UMF, she has achieved Dean’s List and competes on University’s alpine ski team. She also has been a program supervisor at Mainely Outdoors since fall 2017 and works with 360 Adventure Collective, a nonprofit association composed of outdoor recreation representatives whose goal is to support and grow the industry.
Hancock says she’s honored to be the first recipient of the James Toner Memorial Scholarship.
“Jim was my supervisor at Mainely Outdoors during my freshman year at UMF. Even though I did not know him for long, he made a tremendous impact on my life and helped shape my career interests,” she says. “With the experience I’m gaining through Mainely Outdoors and ORBA, I look forward to working in the outdoor recreation industry after graduating from UMF. I’m deeply grateful to receive this award. It’s very highly appreciated as it directly supports my ability to pursue my bachelor’s degree.”
Andrew Willihan ’06, the University’s assistant director of snowsports, head alpine ski coach, and coordinator of outdoor recreation, says Hancock’s commitment to outdoor recreation and the unassuming way in which she goes about her work at Mainely Outdoors make her an ideal recipient of the scholarship.
“Jenny is deeply respectful of others and never does her work in a way that calls attention to herself,” says Willihan. “She does what Jim did when it came to outdoor recreation — she takes on the tasks that others would not, with quiet dedication, and takes on challenges that take her outside her comfort zone. It’s been gratifying to see her find her passion for outdoor recreation, sport, and event promotion and planning through her work with Mainely Outdoors and competing on UMF’s women’s alpine ski team. I look forward to seeing what she will accomplish in the years ahead and beyond UMF.”
Learn more about the James Toner Memorial Scholarship, including how to make a contribution to the fund.