With more than $3 million raised so far, the Laurie Lachance Leadership Fund aims to boost college access and accessibility, particularly for first-generation college students.
Lachance, who served as president of the Waterville school from July 2012 through October 2024, will receive Educate Maine’s Weston L. Bonney Education Leadership Award.
Jeannine Diddle Uzzi, a former leader at the University of Southern Maine, will become the sixth president of Thomas College on Nov. 1, succeeding Laurie Lachance.
"It's not just a regular job. It's really almost a calling," said Lachance, who plans to retire from her post by June 2025 after more than a decade at the helm of the Waterville school.
The Waterville college will receive $974,000 over three years to support students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in cybersecurity and related fields.Â