New York City native Pierre “Pete” Labat played for the memorable 1961 University of Maine football team that went 8-0-1 and won the Yankee Conference championship, one of just two undefeated teams in the history of the program.
The estates of Labat, who died in 2023, and his wife, Catherine, who died in 2021, have gifted the University of Maine Foundation with $16 million earmarked for the athletic department, UMaine announced Friday.
It is the largest single gift from an individual to support UMaine athletics in the university’s 159-year history.
“I am blown away by the generosity. It helps provide us with an opportunity to support our students and staff in ways we had only hoped we could do,” said UMaine Director of Athletics Jude Killy. “It doesn’t solve all of our challenges, but it certainly provides us with a shot in the arm above and beyond some of the capital projects.”
Killy said some of the funds from Labat’s gift will be used to “enhance the student-athlete experience” and support the coaches and the staff in the recruitment and retention of athletes.
UMaine already has a $170 million gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation going toward improving all of the school’s athletic facilities.
New softball and field hockey facilities have already been built and a $45 million renovation to Alfond Arena is currently in progress. A new soccer field, outdoor track and basketball facility are also in the future plans.
The Pierre D. Labat and Catherine C. Labat Athletic Leadership Fund will be established to provide “critical support for Black Bear student-athletes and athletic facilities,” said Jeff Mills, president and CEO of the University of Maine Foundation. The softball facility will also be named after the Labats.
“Their generosity reflects their love for UMaine and their belief in the role athletics can play in helping young people develop and practice self-discipline in the personal, academic and career aspects of their lives,” Mills said.
UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy said the Labats’ generosity “represents a remarkable commitment to our university’s mission and the holistic development of our student-athletes. His legacy will enhance our athletic programs and inspire future generations to give back and support their communities.”
Labat graduated from UMaine in 1962 and went on to have a distinguished career in the U.S. Army. He was a Vietnam veteran who earned several honors, including the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
He had attained the rank of lieutenant colonel at the time of his retirement in 1986.
The executor of the Cabats’ estate, Joanne Z. Bruno, said that having no children or immediate family led the couple to care for their neighbors, friends and charities. Pete Labat’s UMaine education forged his love of football and provided him leadership and services opportunities through the college’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, Bruno said
“I am confident that both Pete and Catherine would be thrilled to know so many students will be able to benefit from the UMaine experience, both in the classroom and in the sports arena, thanks in part to their generous bequest,” Bruno said.
