BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The University of New England hosted its Varsity Club Hall of Fame Ceremony on Friday (Sept. 20) at the Harold Alfond Forum. The Class of 2013 included: Jim Shaughnessy (SFC '71), Veronica Dumais (WC '96), Gabe Lucas (UNE '99) and Michele Higgins (UNE '01).

Shaughnessy was a four-year member of the St. Francis College soccer team from 1967-1970. A two-time team Most Valuable Player, he was chosen all-conference three times and was also an all-New England selection twice -- the first player from Maine to ever earn that distinction.

Dumais (formerly Veronica Scott) was the driving force behind the success of the Westbrook College women's basketball program in the mid-1990's. During her four years, she scored 1,616 points and grabbed 1,425 rebounds. Those totals rank her fourth in points scored in program history and tops in rebounds.

Lucas was a three-year member of the soccer team and is widely-regarded as one of the top defenders ever to play for UNE. Lucas was a three-time all-conference selection and voted all-New England in 1996. He was recognized as an all-American and Scholar all-American in his senior season.

A two-sport standout, Higgins (formerly Michele Plant) has a strong presence in the UNE basketball and softball record books. On the hardwood she ranks sixth in points scored (1,345), third in 3-point field goals (221) and fourth in steals (235). As a softball player Higgins totaled 139 hits, 94 runs scored, 45 runs batted in and 24 stolen bases.

Established in 2005, the University of New England Varsity Club Hall of Fame serves to honor the graduates, coaches, athletics staff and supporters of St. Francis College, Westbrook College and UNE.


Click HERE to view the Photo Gallery of the reception and ceremony