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The 91ֱ����Ƶ’s Forum Student Building Manager Program has been recognized by Make-A-Wish Maine for its outstanding contributions to the community, receiving the prestigious Brendon Batson Youth Award in honor of the group’s sustained leadership, volunteerism, and fundraising efforts in support of children and families across the state.

The award acknowledges years of service led by the team of Student Building Managers at the Harold Alfond Forum on UNE’s Biddeford Campus, most notably through their annual , a signature community tradition that combines student leadership, athletics, and philanthropy in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Maine.  

The Forum Student Building Manager program operates within 91ֱ����ƵCampus Services and has graduated more than 100 student leaders since its inception. The program is overseen by DJ Whitten, director of Auxiliary Operations, and Cynthia Furber, executive assistant to the Vice President of Human Resources and Vice President of Legal Affairs. 

“The Forum Student Building Managers and the Teddy Bear Toss embody what community engagement looks like at UNE,” said Furber. “Our students take incredible pride in giving back, and seeing their efforts make such a meaningful difference for children and families through Make-A-Wish is truly inspiring.”

Additional initiatives cited by Make-A-Wish Maine include the program’s annual Giving Tree, supporting local families and community partners during the holiday season, and Stockings of Hope initiative, both of which recently benefitted Biddeford-based Seeds of Hope, a nonprofit community center that provides services and community support for unhoused and income-restricted individuals.

The recognition comes as 91ֱ����Ƶprepares for the . The men’s game will take place on Friday, Jan. 23, followed by the women’s game on Saturday, Jan. 24, both against Nichols College, with pucks dropping at 7 p.m. 

The Teddy Bear Toss invites fans to bring new stuffed animals and throw them onto the ice when the Nor’easters score their first goal during each game. Since its launch in 2017, the event has grown into a hallmark of community engagement at UNE, generating more than 12,500 stuffed animal donations and raising more than $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Maine.

Whitten noted that the program’s impact extends beyond any single event. 

“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects the collective, year-round commitment our students bring to service,” he said. “Their work aligns closely with the philanthropic legacy of Harold Alfond and UNE’s broader mission to strengthen the communities we serve.”

Through large-scale events like the Teddy Bear Toss and smaller, targeted service efforts, the program contributes to a wider culture of service at 91ֱ����Ƶthat includes student-led initiatives including toy drives for Biddeford schoolchildren, meal-packing events benefiting community health organizations, and fundraisers supporting pediatric care across Maine.

Make-A-Wish Maine plans to formally present the Brendon Batson Youth Award during the Teddy Bear Toss weekend in January, recognizing the students’ efforts in front of the campus and community partners they serve.