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May 1, 2025

UMaine nets $1M alumni gift for hockey center revamp

By Tina Fischer

University of Maine Athletics has received a $1 million pledge to support the renovation of the Harold Alfond Sports Arena and the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center at the Orono campus, from alumni David and Nancy Auger Hunt.

David and Nancy Hunt
Photo / Courtesy of the University of Maine
David and Nancy Hunt

"Nancy and I wanted to give back to the college, where we first met each other, and to the hockey program, which is near and dear to our hearts," said David Hunt, a 1984 graduate who played hockey for the Black Bears. HIs wife graduated in 1982.

After graduating, the couple helped develop the VIP Tires and Service center business, which was started by Nancy's father, Thomas O. Auger. It is now owned by John Quirk.
 
"I am extremely grateful to the Hunts for their generous pledge," said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, president of the university. "Their support is a wonderful reflection of UMaine's impact on their lives and the university's place in their hearts.”

The pledge will help the university move closer to meeting the $38 million match necessary to leverage the $170 million UMS Transforms grant from the Alfond Foundation. The Alfond Foundation's commitment to the Black Bears is one of the largest single contributions to a Division I athletics program in U.S. history, according to UMaine.

$220 million project

The total cost of the project is $220 million. Other donors who have contributed to the $38 million match include Phil Morse, $11 million; New Balance Athletics, $7 million; Tom Savage, $1 million and Rod Sparrow, $1 million.
 
Renovations for the sports arena and the hockey center will include new locker rooms for both the men's and women's ice hockey programs, a new film room, improved areas for strength and conditioning and nutrition and sports medicine. 

Other planned changes include a new concourse entrance with a hall of fame display, team store and upgrades to ticket sales and concessions areas. 
 
The project is scheduled to be completed this fall.

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