The University of New England is saddened to learn of the passing of UNE Trustee Emeritus Harold "Ed" Woodsum.
Woodsum, a longtime civic and philanthropic leader in the Greater Portland region, served as a trustee of Westbrook College from 1979 to 1986 and later as a trustee of UNE from 1999 to 2010. He acted as vice chair and later as chair of the board during his tenure.
A graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School, Woodsum was awarded honorary doctoral degrees from Westbrook College in 1991 and UNE in 2004. In his time studying at Yale, Woodsum became known for his star performance on the football field, setting records yet to be beaten to this day.
Woodsum co-founded the Drummond Woodsum law firm in Portland, where he practiced law for 33 years. During that time, he took a six-year leave of absence to serve as director of athletics at his alma mater.
In addition to his volunteer work at UNE, Woodsum led and volunteered with several local and civic organizations, serving as director and board chair of both the National Audubon Society and Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT).
In 2002, the MCHT named a portion of land on Marshall Island, in Hancock County, the "Ed Woodsum Preserve" in honor of his service to the organization.
Among his numerous other roles, Woodsum served as director and president of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, director of the Portland Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maine, trustee of Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, and member and chair of the Cape Elizabeth Town Council.
"I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Ed's four children and their families as well as my gratitude for the insight, guidance, and generous support their father provided this institution over the years," said UNE President James D. Herbert, Ph.D.
Ed Woodsum's wife of 57 years, Joan, passed away in 2014. Since then, the Joan and Ed Woodsum Endowed Scholarship has made an impact on the lives of UNE students from coastal Maine.
Woodsum's family has asked that anyone wishing to memorialize his life with a gift to the University direct it to this scholarship.
To make a gift, visit www.une.edu/givenow. Once there, please enter your gift amount and select "Gift Designations." Then, under "Scholarships," select the Joan and Ed Woodsum Endowed Scholarship.
