FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington’s 150th anniversary celebration will have something in common with a typical wedding. There’s a gift registry.

The registry fundraiser is one of the early aspects of the yearlong celebration marking UMF’s sesquicentennial as Maine’s first public higher education institution, said university spokeswoman April Mulherin.

The school also will host a Charter Day event in October to celebrate the founders’ signing of the original school charter that month in 1864.

Mulherin said the school will host a series of other commemorative events that are still in the planning stages. She said the school is excited about marking its continual commitment to accessible education over the past century and a half.

The 150 for 150 Anniversary Registry is a 150-item wish list. The online registry’s requested items were identified by students and faculty and staff members.

UMF president Kathryn Foster said in a university news release that she thought of creating a gift registry as a unique way to celebrate the anniversary.

People can search the registry by price or by whichever department would use the gift. Some of the pricier items included a new $75,000 greenhouse, a $70,000 lighting upgrade for the Alumni Theater and $20,000 to fund faculty travel and international research.

For those on a tighter budget, there is a list of items costing less than $100, such as $75 for varsity athletes’ rain parkas and $40 for 12 pairs of headphones for students practicing in the piano laboratory.

Mulherin said at least five items already had been pledged as of Friday afternoon.

Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252

kschroeder@mainetoday.com

Copy the Story Link