I was distressed to read about the proposed cuts at the University of Southern Maine due to budget shortfalls. But then an idea occurred to me: If each student currently enrolled in the school were to raise $50 from 30 people, the gap would be closed and the cuts would not be necessary.

As a parent of an adult student set to graduate from USM this spring, I am writing my check today. In my gift letter, I am asking that the funds go to help bridge this gap.

Instead of asking what the school can do for the students, let’s see what we can do for the school.

Every business that has hired a USM graduate, every supplier to the USM campus, every parent, current and former student and members of the surrounding community, get out your checkbooks and let’s see if we can make this happen!

Kimberly N. Clarke

Fryeburg