In keeping with the company’s focus on community and service to Maine’s future, Allen Insurance and Financial of Camden, Rockland, and Southwest Harbor announce the creation of an annual scholarship at Unity College.

Each year, a $2K scholarship will be awarded to a Unity College student studying in the Center for Sustainability and Global Change.  The first recipient of this scholarship is Shayne Van Leer ’13, an Agriculture, Food and Sustainability major from Berlin, New Jersey.

Photo: Left to right facing: Joe Galli of Unity College, Shayne Van Leer ’13, Richard Crossman and Sherree Craig of Allen Insurance and Financial

“We are excited to be a part of Unity College’s mission in preparing young people for 21st century environmental issues,” noted Gilbert Fifield, President of Allen Insurance and Financial. “Unity College is a tremendous asset to the region. The education provided to the environmental leaders of tomorrow affects us all and we want to do our part by supporting their ongoing efforts with this scholarship. We are proud to support students with a passion for community and sustainability.”

Joe Galli, Director of Unity’s Annual Fund, recognizes the strength in partnerships with Maine businesses. “Collaboration between educators and businesses with similar goals in supporting education and the environment are crucial to the success of those directly involved. This relationship is an outstanding example of community leadership, commitment and social responsibility.”

“Allen Insurance and Financial and Unity College share a strong commitment to sustainability and education,” explained Galli.  “Maine’s vibrant agricultural sector is a strength for the state. Shayne exemplifies the future of agriculture and a sustainable lifestyle through the work he is and will be doing. The future of the way we eat and live rests in the hands of students like Shayne. Allen Insurance and Financial recognizes the need for people to be educated in the sustainability fields who will go on to improve our agricultural practices which in turn improves the food we all eat. Students like Shayne will make a difference.”

Unity College is a small private college in rural Maine that provides dedicated, engaged students with a liberal arts education which emphasizes the environment and natural resources. Unity College graduates are prepared to be environmental stewards, effective leaders, and responsible citizens through active learning experiences within a supportive community.

In 2011, Unity College was named to the top 30 of the Washington Monthly college rankings, and was one of eighteen U.S. colleges and universities named to The Princeton Review’s 2010 Green Rating Honor Roll.

Serving clients in Midcoast Maine and around the world since 1866, Allen Insurance and Financial is an employee-owned insurance, employee benefits, and financial services company with offices in Camden, Rockland and Southwest Harbor.

Tuesday, October 04, 2011