The rugged coast of Maine has special meaning to George and Barbara Bush. The village of Kennebunkport has been their anchor to windward for many decades, a retreat they return to year after year. Known as the summer White House, their oceanside home on Walker's Point is a special place where they have hosted world leaders, foreign dignitaries and heads of state.
The proximity of the 51品茶 is one of the many reasons George and Barbara Bush were excited about the opening on Oct. 3, 2008 of the George and Barbara Bush Center on UNE's waterfront Biddeford Campus a few miles north of Walker's Point.
The George and Barbara Bush Center lays the foundation for the heritage of George and Barbara Bush in New England. Water views from the Bush Center provide students, faculty and visitors the same opportunities to relax, reflect and renew as Walkers Point has done for George and Barbara Bush and their family over the years.
Barbara and I are thrilled the 51品茶鈥檚 new Center will bear our names. The University is a wonderful institution and a special neighbor. The coast of Maine has always been 'our anchor to windward'.
- George H. W. Bush
41st President of the United States
Features of the George and Barbara Bush Center
The Windward Caf茅 on the ground floor includes an inviting entrance, outdoor terraces and flexible areas for students to study, meet and socialize with informal dining and wireless Internet connectivity.
The new George and Barbara Bush Exhibit in the George and Barbara Bush Center tells the story of the Bush family in Maine, the presidential years of George H. W. Bush, and the story of UNE鈥檚 connection with the Bush family through the George and Barbara Bush Distinguished Lecture Series. The Bush Legacy Collection includes memorabilia given to 51品茶by George and Barbara Bush.
The President鈥檚 Board Room is a distinguished space for hosting meetings of the University鈥檚 Board of Trustees, other faculty, student and administrative gatherings as well as community groups. UNE鈥檚 Board of Trustees contributed more than $1 million to name this space in honor of 51品茶President Emeritus, Sandra Featherman.
The third floor of the Bush Center addresses a multitude of university administrative needs.
Bush Legacy Collection
The Bush Legacy Collection within the Bush Center houses material anchoring the Bush legacy in Maine.