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University of New England expands Trailblazers Program with gift from L.L.Bean
The University of New England has recently received a $75,000 gift from L.L.Bean to support the development of the University’s Trailblazers program, which encourages first-year students to engage with Maine’s great outdoors.
This gift, which includes $50,000 in cash and $25,000 in in-kind equipment donations, will allow UNE to create more outdoor pre-orientation programs and expand the University’s outdoor gear loan inventory.
“We are incredibly grateful for L.L.Bean’s support,” said Jen DeBurro, Ed.D., UNE dean of students and vice president of Student Affairs. “This gift allows us to create new opportunities for our students to explore Maine’s beautiful landscapes and provide more students with the experience of connecting with each other before orientation, fostering an inclusive and supportive community, which is a core part of our mission at UNE.”
UNE’s Trailblazer Pre-Orientation offers various experiences designed to help students transition to college life by forming friendships and building confidence through outdoor activities. The program includes trips such as coastal explorations, wellness activities, and adventure-based experiences in Maine’s and Northern New England’s scenic locations.
“With the expansion of Trailblazers, we can continue to foster strong bonds and a sense of community among first-year students, which are essential elements for navigating the new challenges of college life,” said DeBurro, addressing the importance of on- and off-campus outdoor activities to foster students’ academic success and personal growth.
The University enriches and enhances the college experience by offering programs like Trailblazers, said Bob Eagle, director of Campus Center Operations and Recreation. Eagle noted the program exemplifies both UNE’s and L.L.Bean’s shared commitment to outdoor engagement, which is supported by studies linking time spent outdoors to improved mental health, reduced stress, and enhanced mood.
“By expanding the Trailblazers program and gear loan options, we aim to provide our students with more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, which has been shown to improve mental health and overall well-being,” Eagle said.
UNE’s Outdoor Recreation office offers a variety of programs and resources to support student engagement with the outdoors. These include the Nor’easter Bike Share, which provides free bikes for student use at multiple campus locations, and an equipment room stocked with gear for activities like camping, skiing, and aquatic activities.
For more information about the Trailblazers, visit UNE’s Trailblazer page.