The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024 Light on the Point Award winners, who are listed below. The
Foundation will host its annual Light on the Point fundraiser on Thursday, November 7 (view details here) to pay tribute to alums, faculty, staff, and the business community for their contributions to SMCC and recognize awardees.
2024 LOTP Award Recipients:
- Outstanding Faculty Award: Given to an SMCC employee who exceeds expectations while promoting the College’s mission to both the internal and external community.
- Awarded to: Daniel Abbott, Professor, Architectural and Engineering Design.
- Daniel Abbott has been a member of the SMCC family for 35 years. To say Dan has been an integral community member is an understatement. Dan helped develop College curriculum while co-founding the Architectural and Engineering Design department. His love for being on the water as a boat captain led him to support SMCC’s Marine Science program in many critical ways. Dan played a vital role in supporting Workforce Development, Precision Machining, Facilities, and many other mission-critical programs and initiatives. His dedication to his students, the College, and the community is on display daily.
- Awarded to: Daniel Abbott, Professor, Architectural and Engineering Design.
- Outstanding Staff: Given to an SMCC staff member who exceeds expectations while promoting the College’s mission to both the internal and external community.
- Awarded to: Ellen Culberson, Director of Social Services – Advocacy Resource Center (ARC).
- Although relatively new to SMCC, Ellen has profoundly impacted the community. When she arrived on campus, she quickly became known for championing the needs of SMCC students, proving to be a passionate advocate. As Director of Social Services, Ellen works tirelessly to ensure student access to critical support resources. It is especially fitting that she is recognized today, as the Advocacy Resource Center, under her leadership, is the beneficiary of funds raised at the 2024 A Light on the Point event.
- Awarded to: Ellen Culberson, Director of Social Services – Advocacy Resource Center (ARC).
- 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: Chris Cohen, Founder of Eclipse Sports
- Like many of our students, Chris was looking for a new career pathway when he came to SMCC – which is just what he found. With some real-world experience in manufacturing and supply chain processes, Chris explored classes within SMCC’s Precision Machining & Manufacturing and Composite Science & Manufacturing programs. SMCC was the catalyst for his new path. After exploring product design, he spent four years prototyping and eventually released Launchpad, a revolutionary piece of baseball equipment that is now setting new standards in the industry.”
- Awarded to: Chris Cohen, Founder of Eclipse Sports
- 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: Johnson & Jordan, Mechanical Contractors
- Johnson & Jordan is a full-service mechanical contractor that provides in-house engineering services. They are an exemplary business partner with vocal leaders who support SMCC, its workforce training programs, and the Maine Community College System as a whole. The foundation of this partnership is Johnson & Jordan’s employee-owners, who enthusiastically embrace the learning opportunities afforded by the strong ties between the company and the College.
- Awarded to: Johnson & Jordan, Mechanical Contractors
SMCC President Kristen Miller will announce the recipient of the 2024 President’s Award at a later date. Watch for the winner who deserves this extraordinary recognition for outstanding dedication to their community.
Tickets & Sponsorships
Tickets to A Light on the Point can be purchased at the events registration and ticket page. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event webpage or contact the SMCC Foundation at foundation@smccME.edu or 207-741-5559.
The funds raised at this year’s LOTP, presented by the SMCC Foundation, will support SMCC’s Advocacy Resource Center (ARC). The ARC currently works to identify available resources and connect students with them but does not have an independent operating budget to provide funds directly to students. With the funds raised, the ARC can provide some of the most critically vulnerable student populations with funding towards items that are essential for them to attend college, complete their education, and support the workforce. Financial support may be provided for childcare, transportation assistance, and housing.