New Scholarship Program Honors Paul Hanley

Dennis Unger, director of University College at Bath/Brunswick, is pleased to announce the establishment of the Paul Hanley Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Paul Hanley

Paul Hanley was a Phippsburg resident and long-time student at University College who passed away in 2010. Two of Hanley’s fellow students, Shannon Landry and Wendy Vrooman, established the scholarship in his honor.

“Paul felt that it was never too late to learn something new,” Vrooman said. “He was a wonderful individual who had an unparalleled zest for learning that will be carried on through this scholarship.”

Justin Marr, a classmate who graduated this year from UMA, stated, “Paul was a lifelong learner who held a deep respect for education and the learning process.  Even after he realized that his illness was progressing, Paul displayed courage and sought to lift the spirits of those around him. I think about Paul quite often, but never more so than when I am feeling overwhelmed by my work; soon I find a renewed energy to tackle whatever challenge is at hand. I will never forget him.”

Ray Sandelin, another classmate and graduate of UMA this year, added, “I first met Paul in a ‘Theories of Evolution’ class, and I knew immediately that he was someone I would like. In the short time I knew him he always had a smile and a friendly word. He was someone who always went out and sought life’s experiences without waiting for them to come to him. I miss him, and the joy and exuberance he brought with him every day.”

And, Debi Fitzgerald, another UMA graduate, noted, “I know that education was so important to Paul. He used to say that getting his bachelor’s degree and becoming a teacher was the most important goal in his life. I think that Paul’s life was vibrant and unique. I will miss him so much. He had so much to give. He would always lend a helping hand to fellow students in need.”

UMA adjunct professor Robert Baker said, “I was a contented, retired college professor–until I met Paul Hanley. I had agreed to teach a course at University College in Bath, thinking it a one-time gig. Paul was in my class. He left such an impression on me I’ve been teaching at the Bath Center ever since, going on eight years now. Thanks, Paul. My years at Bath have been the best of my 40-year teaching career.”

“Paul Hanley was one of my most memorable students,” added USM faculty member Polly Welts Kaufman. “Each time he would sign up for one of my classes, I would know that the class would be centered because he had a remarkable way of quietly giving support to the other students. Not only did he know everybody at the center, it sometimes felt that he was the spirit of this place where older students like him could return to finish their degrees. Sometimes he would take off with an assignment. I particularly remember that after I introduced him to the concept of the Irish Diaspora, he went to work and eventually found relatives on every continent including a policeman in South Africa. He is sorely missed.”

The first scholarship will be awarded for the Spring 2012 semester. To qualify, a student must attend classes at UCBB, be in a bachelor’s degree program, have earned more than 30 credits, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and have demonstrated volunteerism. Applications will be available in early September.

Paul Hanley was awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree posthumously at the University of Maine at Augusta commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14. People can make contributions to the Paul Hanley Memorial Scholarship by dropping off or sending a check, payable to UMA, to University College at Bath/Brunswick, 9 Park Street, Bath, ME 04530. Please write “Paul Hanley Memorial Scholarship” on the check.