University of New England

The George and
Barbara Bush Center

The rugged coast of Maine has special meaning to George and Barbara Bush. The village of Kennebunkport has been their anchor to windward for many decades, a retreat they return to year after year to relax, reflect and renew. Known as the summer White House, their ocean-side home on Walker's Point is a special place where they have hosted world leaders, foreign dignitaries and heads of state.

The proximity of the University of New England is one of the many reasons George and Barbara Bush are excited about the dedication that took place Oct. 3, 2008 and November opening of the George and Barbara Bush Center on UNE's waterfront campus a few miles north of Walker's Point. 

"Barbara and I are thrilled the University of New England’s new Center will bear our names. The University is a wonderful institution and a special neighbor."

Construction Progress
Click on arrows below photo to view images of the construction.

The George and Barbara Bush Center anchors the heritage of George and Barbara Bush in New England. The Bush Center's water views provide students, faculty and visitors the same opportunities to relax, reflect and renew as Walkers Point has done for George and Barbara Bush and their family over the years.

The George and Barbara Bush Center includes:

• South Elevation

  West Elevation

  The Learning Commons Café on the ground floor includes an inviting entrance, outdoor terraces and flexible areas for students to study, meet and socialize with informal dining and wireless Internet connectivity.   
• The Bush Legacy Library  houses material anchoring the Bush legacy in Maine, including memorabilia on loan from the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A & M University.  Particular attention is given to the family’s New England heritage and to George and Barbara Bush’s special love affair with Maine. 

The University of New England is forging an exciting academic partnership with the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M which may include faculty exchanges, student internships, distance learning, and graduate study. 

"Barbara and I are thrilled the University of New England’s new Center will bear our names. The University is a wonderful institution and a special neighbor. The coast of Maine has always been 'our anchor to windward'." - George H. W. Bush 41st President of the United States Click for a letter from George and Barbara Bush

• The Bush Memorabilia Exhibit Space pays tribute to the living history of one of America’s most distinguished families.  The Bush Exhibit Space is used in conjunction with the President’s Gallery and is available to community groups to host receptions and other gatherings at the Bush Center.
• The President’s Board Room is a distinguished space for hosting meetings of the University’s Board of Trustees, other faculty, student, and administrative gatherings as well as community groups.  UNE’s Board of Trustees contributed over $1 million to name this space in honor of UNE President Emeritus, Sandra Featherman.
• The third floor of the Bush Center addresses a multitude of University administrative needs.

Find out more about the Bush Center and how you can contribute by clicking on the links at the left.