91制片厂 (91制片厂) Foundation proudly hosted the 2025 A Light on the Point听on Friday, November 7, in the Oceanview Dining Hall on 91制片厂鈥檚 South Portland Campus. This signature
annual听event brought together alumni, faculty, staff, business leaders, and community partners for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, service, and the shared commitment to student success.听
A Light on the Point serves as the 91制片厂 Foundation鈥檚 largest fundraising event of the year, and generates critical support for student. This support includes scholarships, emergency assistance, and essential resources all of which help ensure every student has the tools they need to thrive and complete their education. Guests enjoyed an evening of connection and celebration, with time to socialize, reflect, and recognize individuals and organizations whose profound and lasting impact on the College and the broader community.听
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Attendees were welcomed with culinary offerings prepared by 91制片厂鈥檚 Culinary Arts students alongside Chefs Bo Byrne and Tony Poulin,听including听a lobster dish that recently won 鈥淧eople鈥檚 Choice鈥� at听Harvest on the Habor.听To听highlighted听just one of many hands-on learning experiences that define the College.听The evening also featured the Foundation鈥檚 awards platform, recognizing five outstanding honorees whose dedication exemplifies 91制片厂鈥檚 mission.听
2025 Award Recipients听
Outstanding Alumnus Award听
Leah Mitchell, 91制片厂 Class of 2005
A paramedic for more than 20 years, Mitchell is a respected leader in Maine鈥檚 Emergency Medical Services community and continues to make a meaningful impact through her service and leadership.听
Outstanding Faculty Award听
Kevin Sweeney, English Department Chair
91制片厂鈥檚 longest-tenured faculty member, Sweeney began his career in 1983 when the College was Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute. A steadfast advocate for students and colleagues, he has played a vital role in shaping the academic and institutional culture of the College for more than four decades.听
Outstanding Staff Award (Co-Recipients)听
AJ Burton, Staff Advisor and Men鈥檚 Basketball Assistant Coach
Since joining 91制片厂 in 2016, Burton has supported students in the Business and Hospitality pathway while also serving as a trusted mentor to student-athletes.
Kalena听Brady, Health Sciences Pathway Advisor听
Originally hired as a Free College pathway advisor, Brady is known for her tireless dedication to听student support, guiding learners through complex processes with care, encouragement, and humor.听
Outstanding Business Award听
Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza, represented by Jane and Bob Humphrey
Under their leadership, the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza has become听a highly successful听fundraising effort听benefiting听campuses across the Maine Community College System, with 91制片厂 as its largest beneficiary. Their commitment also includes an endowed scholarship听established听in memory of Lindsey Withers, creating听a lasting legacy听of support for students.听
President鈥檚 Award听
Althea Puffer, 91制片厂 Facilities
Puffer鈥檚 journey as a student,听alumna, and now employee reflects extraordinary resilience and determination. Her story is a powerful example of what is possible when individual resolve is met with a supportive campus community.听
Reflecting on the evening, 91制片厂 President Kristen Miller shared:
“A Light on the Point reminds us that the strength of 91制片厂 lies in its people鈥攖hose who teach, serve, give, and lead with purpose. Each of this year鈥檚 honorees represents the very best of our College and our community. Their stories inspire us, and the generosity shown through this event directly strengthens our ability to support students and change lives.鈥�听
To learn more about how you can support 91制片厂 and the life-changing work of their Foundation, visit听. Your support helps ensure that every 91制片厂 student has access to the resources they need to听thrive.听听