Curiosity, commitment, and friendship
The generosity of Scott MacKenzie
Humpback whale breaching, photo courtesy Allied Whale.
By COA Allied Whale Photo-Identification Catalog & Development Manager Mindy Viechnicki
Growing up in East Millinocket, Maine, Scott MacKenzie was captivated by the wonders of nature. A voracious reader with a deep curiosity about the world, he eagerly awaited each new issue of Scientific American, always thirsting for more knowledge. But Scott’s passion for discovery wasn’t confined to the pages of books—he actively sought out adventure. Whether spotting a beluga whale in the Penobscot River or identifying a rare tree species that saved his family’s Christmas, his childhood was filled with awe and wonder.
That curiosity stayed with him throughout his life and has shaped his approach to philanthropy. Today, Scott is a dedicated philanthropist, channeling his lifelong love of science and the natural world into supporting cutting-edge research and conservation efforts, particularly at College of the Atlantic Allied Whale.
A lifelong friendship and shared passion for nature
Scott’s journey from East Millinocket to becoming a major donor to Allied Whale is deeply intertwined with his childhood friendship with retired Allied Whale Research Associate Tom Fernald ’91. Their bond, forged at age four on the slopes of Feeney Hill behind Tom’s grandmother’s house, has been a constant throughout their lives. Racing down the hill on cardboard sleds and spending countless hours together at the local library exploring books on astronomy and the natural world, Scott and Tom shared a deep love of science and exploration that fueled countless adventures.
Though their geographic paths eventually diverged—Tom studying marine biology and working with whales at College of the Atlantic while Scott moved south for new opportunities—their friendship remained unwavering. Despite the distance, they stayed connected, and it was Tom’s work at Allied Whale that sparked a new chapter in Scott’s philanthropy.
Supporting whale conservation and beyond
Inspired by Tom’s commitment to whale conservation, Scott began supporting Allied Whale in 2014. COA’s pioneering work in the study of North Atlantic humpback whales, especially the development of photographic identification techniques, resonated deeply with Scott. In 1977, Allied Whale published the first catalog of North Atlantic humpback whales, which initially contained just 120 individual whales. Since then, Scott’s generosity has been a driving force in the expansion of the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog, which now includes more than 12,000 whales. This critical work in tracking migratory patterns, studying whale populations, and monitoring their health is essential for the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
Over the past decade, Scott’s contributions to Allied Whale have totaled more than $1 million, playing a pivotal role in supporting the ongoing research and conservation efforts that continue to shape the future of marine biology.
Scott’s giving isn’t limited to whale conservation. His commitment to preserving the beauty of our planet—as wide-ranging and boundless as his childhood curiosity—spans many organizations.
A philosophy of giving back
When asked what drives his philanthropic efforts, Scott simply says, “It’s good to give back.” For him, this philosophy is rooted in a belief that each of us has a responsibility to make a meaningful impact on the world. Whether it’s supporting groundbreaking scientific research, protecting marine life, or contributing to the greater good of the planet, Scott’s generosity is a reflection of his values and his commitment to the world around him.
Continuing adventures and lasting impact
Scott and Tom’s 65-year friendship remains a powerful force in both their personal lives and their shared efforts to protect the natural world. Even in retirement, the two continue to explore the wonders of nature together—most recently traveling to Wyoming in search of dinosaur bones.
Scott’s support of Allied Whale reflects the enduring power of curiosity and friendship. From their beginnings in a small Maine town to their ongoing adventures, Tom and Scott are helping to shape a future where the next generation of explorers, scientists, and conservationists can continue the work of protecting our planet.
