UMaine's athletic department receives a record $16 million donation

New York City native Pierre “Pete” Labat played for the memorable 1961 University of Maine football team that went 8-0-1 and won the Yankee Conference championship, one of only two undefeated teams in program history.

The estates of Labat, who died in 2023, and his wife Catherine, who died in 2021, have gifted $16 million to the University of Maine Foundation for the athletic department, UMaine announced Friday.

It is the largest single donation from an individual to support UMaine athletics in the university's 159-year history.

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity. It gives us the opportunity to support our students and staff in ways we could only hope for,” said UMaine Athletics Director Jude Killy. “It doesn’t solve all of our challenges, but it certainly gives us a boost beyond some of our major projects.”

Killy said a portion of the funds from Labat's donation will be used to “enhance the student-athlete experience” and assist coaches and staff in recruiting and retaining athletes.

UMaine has already received a $170 million donation from the Harold Alfond Foundation to improve all of the school's athletic facilities.

New softball and field hockey facilities have already been built and a $45 million renovation of Alfond Arena is currently underway. A new soccer field, an outdoor track and a basketball facility are also in the future plans.

The Pierre D. Labat and Catherine C. Labat Athletic Leadership Fund is being established to “provide critical support for Black Bear student-athletes and athletic facilities,” said Jeff Mills, president and CEO of the University of Maine Foundation. The softball facility is also named after the Labats.

“Their generosity reflects their love for UMaine and their belief in the role athletics can play in helping young people develop and practice self-discipline in the personal, academic and professional aspects of their lives,” Mills said.

UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said the Labats' generosity is “a remarkable commitment to our university's mission and the holistic development of our student-athletes.” His legacy will enhance our athletic programs and inspire future generations to give back and support their communities support.”

Labat graduated from UMaine in 1962 and went on to have a distinguished career in the U.S. Army. He was a Vietnam veteran who received several awards including the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

By the time of his retirement in 1986, he had reached the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The Cabats' estate executor, Joanne Z. Bruno, said that because the couple had no children or immediate family, they had to look after their neighbors, friends and charities. Pete Labat's UMaine education sparked his love of football and provided him with leadership and service opportunities through the college's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, Bruno said

“I am confident that both Pete and Catherine would be thrilled to know that so many students can benefit from the UMaine experience, both in the classroom and in athletics, thanks in part to their generous legacy,” Bruno said.