The University of Maine at Presque Isle has received its largest-ever gift — $2.16 million from the estate of its late former President Donald Zillman and his wife, Linda.

The school celebrated the donation in a ceremony Tuesday morning during which university leaders discussed possible uses of the gift, including scholarships and building improvements. UMPI’s most recent annual budget was just over $30 million.

Donald Zillman led the Aroostook County university from 2006 to 2012, and held leadership positions at other University of Maine System schools throughout his life. Linda Zillman was an art historian. He died in 2023; she in September.

In addition to the posthumous gift, the couple made several financial contributions to UMPI and other schools in the system throughout their lives.

“Their extraordinary generosity to the University of Maine at Presque Isle reflects their incredible affection for this special institution and a recognition of its essential role in improving educational attainment and cultural access in Aroostook County,” UMS Chancellor Dannel Malloy said in a statement.

UMPI is one of two public universities in Aroostook County, and has seen massive enrollment growth in recent years compared to other schools in the system, thanks in large part to an online competency-based program called YourPace.