University of Maine Foundation

U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen speaking at a tribute dinner in his honor, Jan. 12, 2001, Bangor, Maine. Photo by Michele Stapleton

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The William S. Cohen Center for International Policy and Commerce

In 1996, as he concluded a stellar 24-year career in Congress, then-Senator Bill Cohen bestowed a great honor and responsibility on The University of Maine by donating to it his official papers. The donation coincided with the University's creation of the William S. Cohen Center for International Policy and Commerce. In 2001, he added to that impressive historical archive by donating his public papers from his four years of service as U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Cohen's affiliation to UMaine dates back to 1968, when he taught business law as a member of the University's business school faculty. Throughout his public career, he maintained an active interest in UMaine, returning often and working closely with administrators, faculty and staff. The establishment of the Cohen Center reflected a shared interest of both the University and Cohen: to foster understanding of international policy issues; to use and coordinate the resources of the University to enhance the international competitiveness of U.S. businesses; and to make a difference in ways that expand Maine's place in the global marketplace and economy.

Thanks to Cohen, international figures such as then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former senator and astronaut John Glenn have lectured at UMaine, providing perspectives that have enriched the Cohen Center's leadership role in promoting economic diversity, commerce and growth. An endowment for support of the Cohen Center is managed by the University of Maine Foundation.