BOSTON –  Sappi Fine Paper North America has donated $100,000 over the course of four years to the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation to establish an endowed scholarship fund for engineers. The Sappi Scholarship Fund is a Leadership Gift to the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation's $2 million fundraising campaign, which begins this year.

Sappi's gift is made in recognition of the long-standing relationship between the company and the University of Maine. "Our relationship to the Pulp and Paper Foundation, the College of Engineering and University of Maine overall has just been excellent," says Mark Gardner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sappi Fine Paper North America. "The campaign offers a wonderful opportunity for our company and other businesses to partner with the University of Maine in supporting students as they pursue careers in an industry that continues to be a powerful economic engine for Maine."

Sappi Fine Paper North America has supported the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation since its inception in 1950. The company is a member in the Foundation, supports the foundation'sConsider Engineering Program, provides internship and co-op positions for undergraduate engineering students, and ultimately hires qualified University of Maine graduates.

Many former recipients of University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation scholarships are found at all levels of leadership throughout Sappi's two Maine-based mills in Skowhegan and Westbrook, and across the company in North America. These recipients continue to actively serve the University and the Pulp and Paper Foundation in numerous ways.

"We are thrilled with this gift, and with the leadership demonstrated by Sappi Fine Paper North America. This gift will allow us to support three additional students with full tuition scholarships over the next five years and beyond." said Jack Healy Executive Director of the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation. "This $100,000 gift will allow us to further our mission of providing highly skilled engineers to the Pulp and Paper Industry both in Maine and throughout North America. The demand by our industry for engineers continues to be strong due to expected high retirements in the engineering area during the next 15 years."