UVM president asks legislature for inflationary increase, $1M/year for cancer center and support for multipurpose arena

Marlene Trump, president of the University of Vermont, told the House of Communications Committee on Feb. 4 that UVM is asking the legislature for an inflationary increase to its general fund appropriation and for targeted state investment to expand student aid and rural health care access.

Trump told committee members that the university has requested $1,000,000 per year for five years to support the UVM Cancer Center, saying the funds would help expand care in rural communities so “where you live shouldn't be a determining factor in your health care.” She also noted that Governor Scott’s budget proposes a $15,000,000 commitment to a UVM multipurpose center and described parallel private fundraising commitments that have reduced the institution’s expected share of costs.

Why it matters: Trump framed the requests as investments in statewide access and workforce development. She said UVM serves Vermont students and communities through tuition-aid programs and regional research and that state support preserves affordable access for Vermont residents.

Details and context: Trump highlighted UVM’s affordability programs and student composition while explaining the appropriation ask. She said the university requested an inflationary increase to preserve student aid and the tuition discounting that supports in-state students. She told members the cancer-center request is intended to expand rural access to oncology care and that the multipurpose center — a previously stalled capital project — would provide venues for statewide events, athletics and student wellness.

Philanthropy and matching: Trump told the committee that private donors have substantially advanced multipurpose center fundraising; she described a donor family pledge described in testimony as up to $20,000,000 and a separate matching commitment by a donor identified as Chuck Davis. Trump said UVM will continue to pursue philanthropic support to minimize the university’s institutional spending on the project.

Follow-up and fiscal questions: Committee members pressed for financial context. When asked about UVM’s endowment and state base appropriation, Trump gave approximate figures in testimony (reported as “approximately 800” and “about $56.09” in the hearing) but did not specify units during the exchange.

Next steps: The committee asked staff follow-up questions and identified John Kacenska as a contact for additional materials and figures. No formal vote was held at the hearing.