FARMINGTON — The University of Maine System Board of Trustees will consider naming the Education Center at the University of Maine at Farmington after Theodora J. Kalikow, former UMF president, during its September meeting.

The board will meet at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, and at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

If the renaming, requested by UMF, is accepted, the building will become the “Theodora J. Kalikow Education Center” and be known as the Kalikow Education Center, according to the meeting agenda.

“Theo Kalikow led the University of Maine at Farmington with excellence, flair and dedication for 18 years. It is such a fitting tribute that we name in her honor the Education Center, a LEED-certified building conceived, designed and financially supported under her leadership,” said Kathryn A. Foster, UMF president. “It will be our honor to refer to this hallmark building on campus as the Kalikow Education Center.”

Kalikow served as president of UMF from 1994 to 2012. She left her UMS service in June after serving at UMF and in other UMS roles.

UMS policy allows the naming of facilities for any person except for current employees or members of the Board of Trustees.

During Kalikow’s time at UMF, “her leadership solidified town-(grown) relationships, clarified UMF’s role as the public liberal arts college of Maine, strengthened academic programs, promoted energy savings and environmental awareness, improved facilities, and furthered diversity and women’s contributions at UMF and throughout the System,” according to the agenda.

The 44,500-square-foot building which houses classrooms, faculty offices and a resource center, opened in 2007.

A ground-source geothermal heat pump was a large part of the building’s achievement of LEED silver status, along with other energy-saving features.

Kalikow led a capital campaign for the building and provided the vision for design and construction of the center with the goal of providing a teaching tool for UMF students and the community, according to the agenda.

Kalikow was also acknowledged for her advocacy for education programs, community connections and her many achievements, both on campus and statewide, especially in the areas of women’s leadership and environmental sustainability.

She supported the start of a master’s degree program in 2008 and the Partnership for Civic Advancement, which connects UMF interns with local businesses and organizations.

She also supported opening UMF classes to the public, creating a joint capital campaign for the town and UMF libraries, supporting the Gold Leaf Institute and led the effort by the university and community to create the Emery Community Arts Center.

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