Statements on the passing of Leon Gorman

September 3, 2015

From MCCS President Derek Langhauser:

Leon and his wife Lisa, long-time Vice Chair of the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges Board of Directors, were the driving forces behind the creation of our remarkably successful Foundation.  Together with L.L. Bean, Leon and Lisa have been without peer in their personal and professional support and advocacy for our colleges and the good people of Maine we serve. Our System has known no greater friend than Leon Gorman, and we share deeply in the loss to the Bean family and the State of Maine. 

From Former Governor John McKernan, Chair of The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges:

With the death of Leon Gorman, Maine has lost a true visionary, business leader and philanthropist. Leon was dedicated to Maine and all that is good about our state. Through their leadership and generosity in creating The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges, Leon and Lisa made access to community colleges for Maine people one of their most important priorities. Their work has touched countless lives and opened up new opportunities to thousands of Maine families.