Maine Maritime Academy has announced a $10 million gift from the estate of  Capt. William L. Bullard ('59).

The largest gift in MMA's 78-year history is the lead gift in a $20 million fundraising campaign in support of scholarship funds at the co-ed public college, which offers programs of study in engineering, management, science, and transportation.

"Currently, we can't compete with schools that have large endowments or are able to offer tuition discounts to prospective students," said MMA president William J. Brennan. "We have approximately 80 percent of our students requiring need-based aid, and we want them to be able to afford an MMA education regardless of their financial circumstances. When we reach our campaign goal, we will double the amount of aid available to MMA students."

Bullard, a U.S. Navy veteran who died in 2017, sailed as a master mariner for ten years before becoming a pilot, working in ports ranging from the Caribbean and Hawaii to Panama and Alaska. 

"He was a very private man known for his frugality," said estate trustee John Carpenter. "As someone who worked very hard professionally, I think he would be pleased to know how his gift will enhance the future of MMA and its reputation for excellence."

(Photo credit: MMA)