The family of the late Col. Paul D. LaFond, who fought in three wars and lived in Skowhegan and Falmouth, has established a memorial scholarship fund for veterans who attend the Maine Community College System.
LaFond, who died in 2011 at age 89, served in the Marines during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
LaFond’s family donated $50,000 to the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges to establish the LaFond Veterans Scholarship Fund. The donation will be matched by the Maine Community College System, providing $2,500 scholarships to about 40 men and women starting this fall.
“Returning home from three wars, our father witnessed first-hand the importance of continuing education to veterans rebuilding their lives after service to their country,” said Geoff LaFond of Falmouth. “My family is deeply grateful to the Maine Community College System for matching our donation and doubling the reach of the scholarship fund to benefit Maine’s veterans.”
To qualify for the scholarship, students must have financial need and be a Maine resident currently serving in or honorably discharged from a branch of the U.S. military. Preference will be given to Marines.
Students must be accepted and enrolled full time in an associate degree program at one of Maine’s seven community colleges and remain in good academic standing during the scholarship period.
Visit www.maineccfoundation.org for more information.
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