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Gala's Glorious Return

For the first time in two years, Scholars and Friends of the Mitchell Institute reunite for Fall Gala on September 16, 2022

By Mitchell Institute

September 28^th, 2022

In an Evening of Inspiration, Scholars Are Front and Center

In welcoming the event-record number of sponsors and guests at Brick South–Thompson's Point in Portland, Mitchell Institute President and CEO Jared Cash previewed the night's program, including remarks from Scholars, two special tributes, the announcement of the new Pioneer Scholars by Senator George J. Mitchell and the ever-popular raffle of a 16-day trip — taking in the Pyramids of Giza or touring the Amalfi Coast — courtesy of Bruce and Becky Epstein of Odysseys Unlimited.

“For all that we have lined up for you this evening, I believe the Scholars themselves are the main event,” Cash said.

"Tonight, in this room, we have 60 of our 571 currently enrolled Mitchell Scholars," he continued. "They are eager to connect with you at your tables and share their stories and goals they hold for their future. So as you enjoy the delicious entrees that will be served this evening, I hope you will take some time to talk with and get to know the Scholars seated at your table. I’m sure you will find that they are absolutely delightful. "

Scholars Speak of the Institute’s Impact on Their Lives

Paul Suitter — the 2005 Mitchell Scholar from Southern Aroostook Community School, graduate of Bates College and Harvard Law, and Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maine — spoke of his experience as a Scholar, Alum, and Board member. Then he made a powerful closing argument for supporting Maine's premier scholarship organization.

"I could confidently stand before you this evening and state that someday in the future, a doctor will deliver a baby because a Mitchell Institute fellowship covered the costs of his MCAT exam prep. A small business will open, expand, and employ dozens of Mainers because the Mitchell Institute was there to help its founder through that rough semester of college when she wasn’t sure if she could make it. And someday a researcher will make an important new scientific discovery because the Mitchell Institute was there to help them nail their interview for an internship at Jackson Lab, sparking their passion and leading to a transformational career. I said that I could confidently say those things will occur someday in the future, but the fact is they are already happening — as a result of decades of unwavering support from the Mitchell Institute and the philanthropy that makes it possible.

"As I said earlier, every Mitchell Scholar’s story is unique — but not atypical. The ways in which the Institute has helped me are indicative of how the organization has helped so many others. By supporting the Mitchell Institute, you are doing so much more than providing a scholarship. You are forging the futures of the people who will continue to lead Maine into the 21st Century. You are helping to make sure that a speed bump in the road does not derail a promising future. I’ve seen it as a scholar. I’ve seen it as an alum. And now I see it every month as a board member — where my colleagues are constantly coming together to ask how we can continue to improve to do right by our scholars and by you — the people who entrust us to be good stewards of your generosity."

“By supporting the Mitchell Institute, you are giving life to Senator Mitchell’s mantra that no one in life should be guaranteed success, but that everyone should have a fair chance to succeed,” Suitter said.

Paige Thibodeau, the 2018 Mitchell Scholar from Penobscot Valley High School and recent graduate of the University of Maine at Augusta's Veterinary Technician program, spoke from the heart in explaining how the Institute has helped her personally, academically, and professionally.

"So what does it mean to be a Mitchell Scholar? To me, being a Mitchell Scholar is an honor, but also an opportunity to build a brighter future for yourself. The Mitchell Institute and its staff have been nothing short of a blessing to me. This community is a family that I have learned from and leaned on when I needed them. They are a significant reason I am the person I am today. They made all the difference in my college experience and have contributed to the lives and dreams of thousands of other Scholars just like me. Not only did they ease my financial burden, but they saw the potential in me and taught me how to be a successful, compassionate, and self-aware human being, which is far beyond what I could’ve asked for."

“I am forever thankful that I have become part of this family,” Thibodeau said.

A Special Tribute to Truc Huynh

"This year, we mourned the loss of a remarkably gifted Scholar Alumnus, Truc Huynh, who passed away at the age of 40, on June 18," said Mitchell Institute President and CEO Jared Cash.

"As was reported in several media stories, Truc died as a result of a tragic fishing accident on East Outlet on Moosehead Lake.

"At the time of his passing, Truc was doing what had become a hallmark of his adult life: raising money for a youth-serving program.

"He was the 2001 Mitchell Scholar from Portland High School and a 2005 graduate of Bowdoin College. He became a prominent leader in greater Portland and was widely known for his gregarious and generous spirit. He was beloved by our organization.

"In reflecting on Truc’s legacy, Senator Mitchell said, 'Truc was the epitome of a Mitchell Scholar, a first-generation college graduate who never forgot his roots, worked hard to achieve his dreams, and dedicated his life to giving back to his community.'

"What is not widely known is that Truc made financial contributions back to the Institute at a level that matched and eventually surpassed the entire amount of the scholarship award that he was awarded by the Mitchell Institute.

"Since then, several alumni have been inspired to do the same. So this evening, we are establishing something truly special.

"Tonight, we are announcing the Truc Huynh Alumni Giving Society, to honor all Alumni who have made financial contributions back to the Institute at a level that surpasses the scholarship assistance they were awarded as Scholar. This group of alumni will be celebrated annually at a networking event hosted annually by the Institute.

"Please join me in a silent moment of gratitude for the amazing and inspiring life of Truc Huynh, whose legacy our organization will never forget."

The Presentation of the Institute's First Higher Education Professional of the Year Award

A first at this year's Gala was the inaugural presentation of the Mitchell Institute's Higher Education Professional of the Year Award. The honor recognizes higher education professionals whose extraordinary service to students supports the Institute’s mission of helping young people from Maine to pursue, afford and achieve a college education.

“These are the advisors, coaches, career counselors and members of admission, financial-aid and student-life staffs, who are boots on the ground and working longer than normal work weeks to lift up and support Maine students,” said Cash. “Ron Milliken, our inaugural selection, sets a very high bar.”

Milliken, the longest-serving director of financial aid at a Maine college or university in recent memory, was unable to attend Gala, but he had a worthy representative receive the honor in his stead: his identical twin brother, Rick Milliken, seen above flanked by Ron's children, Molly and Michael.

Learn more about the award

Video: The 2022 Pioneer Scholars

Senator George J. Mitchell was not able to attend physically, but through pre-recorded video remarks announced three new Pioneer Scholars — the Bob Bahre Pioneer Scholar, the Ben Deitz Pioneer Scholar, and the College Club of Portland Pioneer Scholar. Each was established with endowed gifts of $250,000 or more to the Institute.

“The Pioneer Scholar Program, a partnership between generous supporters and the Mitchell Institute, provides the opportunity to recognize specific Mitchell Scholars and Alumni who, through their contributions to school and community and their demonstration of certain qualities — as students and as citizens — stand out for acknowledgement,” Senator Mitchell said. “We are honored that these donors have made investing in our Scholars a philanthropic priority. The Pioneer Scholars program is incredibly important to the sustainability of our organization, and I am deeply grateful to these donors.”

Watch the video

By the Numbers: Proof of the Institute's Impact

In her turn at the podium, Board Chair Sara Burns shared data that proves, "the impact of the Institute’s support is transformational."

"I can recall clearly that I was drawn to this organization because of the compelling vision, but even more so that it was a data-informed organization," she said. "I can tell you the data has led this organization to outcomes that are the envy of most higher-education institutions in the state."

"The four-year rolling graduation rate for Mitchell Scholars is 88%," she continued. "This past year it climbed another notch higher to a remarkable 91% graduation rate. That’s more than 30 percentage points higher than the national average.

"Data from the Institute’s recent Alumni survey shows that 49% of recent Mitchell Scholar graduates enter careers with earnings that are higher than their entire family household income at the time they applied for the Scholarship — that represents real economic and social mobility.

"And quite important in our landscape today, a strong majority of Scholars — more than 60% —report to us that they graduate with less than $20,000 of student debt, and 85% report they have secured jobs in meaningful pathways to their careers. These two outcomes are positive indications that our Alumni are positioned for success.

"While the data and statistics are compelling, I believe the Scholars, themselves, are even more impressive."

“Last year, as many of you know, we celebrated this Gala virtually. Even without an in-person Gala, 95% of our sponsors continued to support the Institute this past year. We greatly appreciate your generosity during a continued time of uncertainty. As many of you know, this evening is of the utmost importance in terms of fundraising for the Institute, and I want to especially thank our sponsors and donors—at all levels—for their ongoing support of Scholars and our mission.” — Senator George J. Mitchell

And, Finally, About Those Chocolates

In addition to delicious food prepared and served by Blue Elephant Catering of Saco, 2022 Gala attendees savored boxes of chocolates produced and generously donated by Paige Piper, the 2008 Scholar from Poland Regional High School, and her husband, Robbie Carroll, co-owners of Chatham Candy Manor of Cape Cod, Mass.

Piper and Carroll donated 500 samplers, along with 10 additional boxes of dairy-free chocolate — a gift-in-kind of more than $3,500 to the event.

“The Mitchell Institute opened up a lot of doors for me,” said Piper, who graduated from Bentley University. “It’s really important to me to support the organization and community however I can.”

Learn about All of our 2022 Gala Sponsors

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