The James Toner Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the University of Maine at Farmington in 2018 to honor the life of the late Director of the UMF Fitness and Recreation Center and Founder of the University’s Mainely Outdoors program.
Whether he was hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, or canoeing, Jim became even more joyful when he shared his passion for outdoor recreation with others.
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 many of Maine’s outdoor recreation options.
The James Toner Memorial Scholarship will be 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 will be given to students who have demonstrated participation and leadership in the University’s Mainely Outdoors program and/or UMF’s Fitness and Recreation Center.
Donations of any amount will help grow the scholarship fund in perpetuity and provide UMF students the opportunity to help others derive health, happiness, and wellness from outdoor recreational activities.
Contributions can be made online at www.umf.maine.edu/giving. Just click the “Scholarships” option on the main page and, when prompted to provide the name of the existing scholarship fund to which you wish to designate your gift, please enter “The James Toner Memorial Scholarship.” You may also call the UMF Office of Alumni & Development at 207-778-7090 for assistance.
Make a Gift TodayIf you wish to make a gift by check, please make your check payable to “The James Toner Memorial Scholarship” and mail your gift to:
The UMF Office of Alumni & Development
Ferro Alumni Center
242 Main Street
Farmington, ME 04938
Thank you. Your gift will make a difference in the life of a UMF student and help provide an enduring legacy that honors Jim. Here is some information about the inaugural recipient of the James Toner Memorial Scholarship who has directly benefited from the generosity of those who have given to the:
Jennifer Hancock, a junior Outdoor Recreation and Business Administration (ORBA) major from Gilmanton, N.H., came highly recommended for the scholarship award by staff associated with Mainely Outdoors and UMF’s Fitness and Recreation Center. Jennifer 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 works at Mainely Outdoors and with 360 Adventure Collective, a nonprofit association composed of outdoor recreation representatives whose goal is to support and grow the industry.
“I am honored to be the first recipient of the James Toner Memorial Scholarship,” said Jenny. “Jim was my boss at Mainely Outdoors during my freshman year at UMF and even though I did not know him for long, he made a tremendous impact on my life and helped shape my career interests. With the experience I’m gaining through Mainely Outdoors and ORBA, I look forward to working in the outdoor recreation industry after graduation. I’m deeply grateful to receive this award. It is very highly appreciated as it directly supports my education.”