University of New England

Boston Globe photo highlights George and Barbara Bush at UNE's Bush Center dedication

The Boston Globe, as well as southern Maine's news media, covered the University of New England's dedication of the new George and Barbara Bush Center held on Oct. 3, 2008, which the former president and first lady attended.

The Globe ran a photo of the George H.W. and Barbara Bush at the dedication on Oct. 4th, along with a story on the Globe's Boston.com website on Oct. 3rd.  Newspapers and television from around southern Maine covered the story as well.

UNE President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., the Board of Trustees, and donors gathered with former president and first lady for a private tour of the new Center and its Bush Legacy Library.  The Center is the only building bearing George and Barbara Bushes’ name in the state of Maine.

The Bushes and President Ripich made remarks from the Center balcony to the UNE community gathered outside.  Special guests included Maine Senator Olympia Snowe and former Governor John McKernan.

The George and Barbara Bush Center is a central space on campus that serves as a welcoming center for greeting UNE’s dignitaries, visitors and the campus community.

Presidential Legacy Library
The Center also includes a historical presidential legacy library with a replica of the 41st Presidential desk and other Presidential artifacts.  The current exhibit entitled, “Our Friends, Our Neighbors: the Bushes at Walker’s Point,” features memorabilia from Walker’s Point, including fishing poles/gear and other items from the Bush family home.  The adjacent gallery features photos of the Bushes at Walker’s Point, from H.W.’s childhood through the present, highlighting the Bushes’ New England heritage and their special love affair with Maine.

The Windward Café on the ground floor includes flexible areas for students to study, meet and socialize with informal dining and wireless Internet connectivity, as well as outdoor terraces and stunning water views.

The President’s board room, named in honor of UNE President Emeritus Sandra Featherman, 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.  The third floor of the Center includes administrative offices and meeting space.

The University of New England has forged 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. 

Furnishings
Furnishings throughout the George and Barbara Bush Center have a Maine connection –  Kennebunkport-based Huston & Co. crafted the furniture in the gallery, library, board room and display cabinets; Furniturea designed the café tables and chairs in the Windward Café; Rheault’s Furniture provided Adirondack chairs and tables for the outdoor areas overlooking the Saco River; Maine designer Angela Adams designed the board room carpets; and photographs were provided courtesy of the Wright Gallery of Cape Porpoise, the Brick Store Museum and the Texas Museum. The painting hanging in the legacy library behind the Resolute desk was provided by Kennebunkport artist Artist Frank Handlen.  Wright Interiors of Kennebunkport provided interior design expertise.

More information on UNE's George and Barbara Bush Center.

(Press release updated Oct. 3, 2008)