UMass President Meehan to Close Congressional Committee, Make Gift for UMass Scholarships

Thursday, June 30, 2016
GoLocalWorcester News Team

UMass President Marty Meehan has announced plans to close his congressional committee, transfer funds from the committee to an educational foundation and make a $1 million scholarship donation to UMass Lowell, his alma mater. 

“On a personal level, this is an expression of gratitude as well as a statement of commitment. But the real significance of the gift will be seen in the opportunities it provides for students and in the impact they will have on the Commonwealth and the world,” said Meehan. 

Meehan is a UMass Lowell graduate and became president of the 5-campus UMass system on July 1, 2015. 

Political Career Comes to Close 

President Meehan explained that he will close the federal campaign committee that he established when he first ran for Congress in 1992, an action signaling the end of his political career. 

“Marty Meehan has made it clear that serving as the president of the University of Massachusetts is his utmost priority and this action reinforces that point. I appreciate President Meehan's generosity for directing this million-dollar donation to a scholarship fund where it will change the lives of UMass students for generations to come,” said Governor Charlie Baker. 

Meehan represented the 5th Congressional District of Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2007, serving on the House Armed Services and Judiciary committees. 

He established a national reputation for his leadership in protecting the public from the health risks of tobacco use. His record included strong support for funding for research and consistent advocacy for environmental protection. 

Meehan's campaign account, $4.35 million, will be transferred to an educational foundation which Meehan created in 2001 and will be donated over time to educational programs which "provide high-quality, transformative opportunities."