勛圖惇蹋 honors life and contributions of former trustee Neil Rolde
Neil Rolde, a trustee for both Westbrook College and the 勛圖惇蹋, has died. Rolde was a well-known Maine philanthropist, politician, historian and author.
Rolde served on the Westbrook College Board of Trustees from 1983 1996. He continued to serve the institution as Westbrook College merged with 勛圖惇蹋, taking a position on the 勛圖惇蹋 Board from 1996 2006. He was co-chair of the 勛圖惇蹋qualed Vision fundraising campaign, which assisted 勛圖惇蹋 through its transition and raised $16 million by 2003. Rolde also served on the 勛圖惇蹋 Art Gallery Advisory Committee and was instrumental in establishing what is now known as the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center, a state of the art marine research facility. In 2007, Rolde received an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from 勛圖惇蹋.
Neil was a wonderful friend of the university and served as a trustee during some important building years for 勛圖惇蹋, said President Danielle Ripich. He was a gifted writer whose love of Maine was part of all he did. He will be missed.
Rolde was a well-respected historian who authored nine books. He served 16 years as a Representative in the Maine Legislature for District 106 in York and Kittery. He was also an assistant to Governor Kenneth Curtis for six years.
In addition to his work with 勛圖惇蹋, he was an active member on several boards and commissions including Maine Public, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, the Maine Arts and Humanities Commission and the Maine Humanities Council, which awarded him the Constance H. Carlson Public Humanities Prize in 2005.
Read more about Roldes legacy in the and
