The trustees of the Higher Education Assistance Foundation (HEAF) have awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to Christopher Morley, a University of Maine at Presque Isle junior who is studying Business with a concentration in Accounting. Morley is a graduate of Thornton Academy.

HEAF student scholarship recipients must be Maine high school graduates majoring in a Business-related area in their second, third, or fourth year, and be in good academic standing. Previous recent scholarship recipients from the University of Maine at Presque Isle include Matt Tompkins in 2014, Kallie Cote in 2013, Megan Bradley in 2012, Benjamin Rosser in 2011, Laura Schools in 2010, Lance Masse in 2009, Tory Bradbury in 2008, Katie McNally in 2007, Jessica White in 2006, and Linda Gover in 2005.

“Chris is an exemplary student that demonstrates a true excellence in his field of study,” UMPI Business faculty member Stacey Emery said. “I feel he is most deserving of being the recipient of this year’s HEAF scholarship award.”

The Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation was established in the 1950’s as a guarantee fund for student loans. The founders included a wide range of banks, businesses, community organizations and individuals.  In 1990, the HEAF trustees, to continue the original intent of the founding members, initiated a scholarship program funded by the return on the original loan guarantee funds. The fund is now managed by the Maine Bankers Association, 489 Congress Street, Portland.

Colleges receiving HEAF grants each year are:  Husson University, five campuses of the Maine Community College System, St. Joseph’s College, Thomas College, University of Maine at Augusta, University of Maine at Farmington, University of Maine Fort Kent, University of Maine at Machias, University of Maine at Orono, University of Maine at Presque Isle, University of New England and University of Southern Maine.