The Southern Maine Community College Foundation is happy to announce the 2023 Light on the Point Award winners, which are listed below. The Foundation will host its annual Light on the Point fundraiser on Thursday, November 2 (view details here) to pay tribute to alums, faculty, staff and the business community for contributions to SMCC and to recognize awardees.
2023 LOTP Award Recipients:
- Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award: Given to an SMCC employee who exceeds expectations while promoting the College’s mission to both the internal and external community.
- Awarded to: Wendy Laverdiere, Associate Director of Financial Aid and Kristen Baker, Administrative Specialist in the Admissions Office.
- Wendy was a significant leader in helping navigate the complexities of Maine’s Free College (MFC) Scholarship. Beyond understanding the parameters of the new program and building systems to identify those students, there is a complex interplay between the MFC and the existing Financial Aid rules. Wendy also deals with difficult conversations with grace and understanding.
- Kristin stepped up during the leadership transition in the Admissions Office to ensure the team continued working to complete a heavy workload, especially with the surge in the MFC applications. Her upbeat attitude and team spirit make everyone around her better every day.
- Outstanding Alumnus Award: Given to an alumnus of SMCC who has excelled in their industry and contributed to the greater well-being of the community and the College.
- Awarded to: Jon Smith, owner of Great Falls Construction
- Since graduating from SMCC in 1988 with a Building Construction degree, Jon has been a constant contributor to not only SMCC but also his home community of Gorham, Maine. Jon founded Great Falls Construction in 1988 and has since built the business up from a one-person operation to having nearly 25 employees, running several projects simultaneously while maintaining high industry standards. Throughout his career, Jon has served his community in many roles, including the SMCC Building Construction Advisory team, Gorham School Committee, Gorham Educational Foundation, Ethical& Responsible Behavior Committee and the Gorham Schools Business Roundtable, to name a few.
- Outstanding Business Award: Given to a business or organization that has supported the College and/or made a significant impact within the business community.
- Awarded to: Heather Perry, Superintendent of the Gorham, Maine School District
- Heather was the catalyst for building the partnership that led to the Educator Apprenticeship Program. The program has the goal of helping people earn a living as they learn, eventually becoming certified Education Technicians II, filling jobs that are in critical need right now. Heather has been a fantastic leader, helping aspiring educators take that next step into a true career.
- President’s Award: Given to an outstanding charitable group, community-based organization, trade association, or program that has demonstrated excellence within the local community, state or region and deserves extraordinary recognition.
- Awarded to: Bath Iron Works
- SMCC has closely worked with Bath Iron Works (BIW) for many years. We have been privileged to see our relationship continue to grow and develop. BIW has been a true partner in every sense of the work, proudly being a catalyst for many of our developmental workforce training projects. The steadfast partnership remains dedicated to solving issues and problems within several industries while offering the citizens of Maine a chance to have a long, meaningful and rewarding career. BIW has been a long-time economic engine in Maine, and they have been an essential part of the Department of Defense strategy to keep Americans safe and out of harm’s way.
- Awarded to: Bath Iron Works
- Awarded to: Heather Perry, Superintendent of the Gorham, Maine School District
- Awarded to: Jon Smith, owner of Great Falls Construction
Tickets & Sponsorships
Tickets to A Light on the Point can be purchased on the event’s registration and ticket page. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event’s webpage or contact the SMCC Foundation at foundation@smccME.edu or 207-741-5559.
The SMCC Foundation raises funds that are used to enhance academic programs, revitalize classrooms and equipment, and provide scholarship support for deserving students. In any given year, the Foundation awards scholarships of over $300,000 to nearly 300 students, with scholarship applications far exceeding the available funding.