SOUTH PORTLAND — Nine Maine community college students were awarded full tuition scholarships in honor of Leon A. Gorman for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year. The students were celebrated May 18 in an online event with Gorman family members and L.L.Bean leadership.

The scholarship supports three students at Southern Maine Community College, the largest college within the Maine Community College System, and one student at the other six colleges. Each of the nine Gorman scholars will receive an award equal to a full year of tuition at a Maine community college.

The scholarship was established in 2014 by the children of Leon and Lisa Gorman in honor of Gorman’s 80th birthday. The scholarship supports Maine community college students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to community service, a hallmark of the scholarship’s namesake.

“My family and I are so impressed with how hard these students have worked to get to college, to stay in college and to help others stay in college. This year’s recipients are pursuing nine different career paths, but they share many of the same qualities as Leon: determination, empathy for others, and most importantly, leadership. I know Leon would have been proud to have these student scholars represent his legacy,” said Lisa Gorman, according to a news release from The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges.

The 2021 Leon A. Gorman Scholars are:

Miranda Kelly of Camden, nursing, Central Maine Community College, Auburn;

Autumn Mowery of Franklin, liberal studies, Eastern Maine Community College, Bangor;

Daryn Gilbert of Waterville, respiratory therapy, Kennebec Valley Community College, Fairfield;

Joshua Morneault of Madawaska, electrical construction and maintenance, Northern Maine Community College, Presque Isle;

Brian Determan of South Portland, marine science, Southern Maine Community College, Brunswick;

Robert Henline of Amherst, New Hampshire, business administration — sports management, Southern Maine Community College, Brunswick;

Astrid Mumpalala of South Portland, medical assisting, Southern Maine Community College, Brunswick;

Bryon Barton of Hodgdon, mechanical technology, Washington County Community College, Calais; and

Shelby Varney of Turner, veterinary technology, York County Community College, Wells.

Gorman was the longtime president and CEO of L.L.Bean. He was deeply committed to the people and places of Maine and recognized the power and potential of Maine’s community colleges to transform people’s lives. He and Lisa worked quietly behind the scenes supporting the colleges, and the couple was central to the 2009 establishment and success of the foundation for which Lisa Gorman continues to serve as vice chair.

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