Waterville, Maine – Colby College has had a great connection with the local community, and specifically the Alfond Youth and Community Center (AYCC) right down Mayflower Hill, for many, many years. While partnership and support run through the two entities, Colby Athletics took a philanthropic step forward to strengthen this bond at the conclusion of the 2024 academic year. When Colby's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) fundraised by way of several projects, including selling tee shirts and running concessions, the group felt strongly that these monies were to go to the AYCC to support their youth programming.

"Civic engagement is a core value of Colby students, and SAAC embodies that principle," said 2023-24 SAAC co-president Jared McNair. "As active members of the Waterville community, we are all committed to fostering a meaningful relationship between the athletes on Mayflower Hill and those at the AYCC. Student-athletes and their teams champion this relationship through volunteer efforts, mentorship programs, and hosting youth clinics, creating lasting connections with the AYCC community."

Colby students play a significant role in the mentorship programming at the AYCC. There has been a strong connection in other areas between Colby and the Waterville Boys and Girls Clubs housed at the Alfond Youth and Community Center. Celebrating its 100^th anniversary this coming winter, the Waterville BGC has seen its share of Colby connections. Its first executive director was Colby alum Frank Goodrich.  The current board president is Colby's Harriet S. Wiswell and George C Wiswell Jr. Associate Professor of American Constitutional Law Joe Reisert. Furthermore, the organization's current CEO is Ken Walsh, who has volunteered as one of Colby's Assistant Baseball coaches for the last five years.

"We are incredibly blessed that the Colby College SAAC group has chosen to support the youth in our 'Pay as You Can' Athletics program," said Walsh. "Their generosity provides essential resources to children who need it the most, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, can participate and thrive in athletics. These funds will make a significant difference in the lives of those who truly rely on this support."

"One of Colby SAAC's primary pillars is to facilitate community outreach and strengthen our campuses connection to the greater Waterville area," said the other 2023-24 SAAC co-president Lucy Robinson. "This donation is just one way that SAAC hopes to support the Waterville community and ensure local kids have access to sports equipment. Playing sports was a pivotal aspect of my childhood and college experience so it is so exciting to be able to give back to our local community and invest in athletics!"

"Go to any Colby sports event, and you'll see young athletes from the Waterville community cheering us on," continued McNair. "Lucy and I felt that the best way to give back to these young athletes was by supporting the AYCC, which provides countless programs that help shape the next generation of athletes. We hope this contribution is just one of many that highlight the work of Colby SAAC, the dedication of the AYCC staff, and our investment in the future of athletes in Waterville."