Meredith Strang Burgess ’78 embodies the spirit of lifelong dedication to education, service, and community engagement stemming from her deep-rooted ties with the University of Maine. It is for her incredible history as a leader in service to her class, community, and alma mater that she has been selected for the Suzanne Kay Hart ’68 Alumni Service Award.
Burgess’s service to UMaine began while an undergraduate. She participated in the Student Alumni Association, playing a vital role in organizing the annual Reunion Weekend. During her senior year, she pioneered the creation of the Senior Council, an initiative vitalizing the Class of 1978 and steering it through her leadership as President, a position she has upheld with distinction for over 45 years. She was also a member of All Maine Women and has stayed connected with the group since. She fulfilled the duties of Class Correspondent for two decades and has been actively involved in fundraising for her class and the Class of 1978 scholarship.
Since graduation, Burgess has a long-standing, robust history of service and support of her UMaine community and beyond. She has served on the UMaine Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Portland Alumnae Chapter, Southern Maine Executive Club of the University of Maine, Maine Mentors, Alumni Ambassador Program, and as the President and member of the UMaine Alumni Chapter of Southern Maine. She held several leadership positions on the UMaine Board of Visitors including Advisory Member, Vice Chairperson, and Chairperson. She served as an Incorporator of the University of Maine Foundation. As a political volunteer, organizer, and multi-term state legislator, Burgess was a loyal advocate for UMaine and UMaine alumni, working with the Alumni Association to promote the passage of several state bond referenda campaigns. In 1993, Burgess was the deserving recipient of the Block “M” Award, which is awarded to individuals who, over a period of years, advance the strength and success of their alumni class, Chapter, and/or Alumni Interest Group.
Burgess currently heads Burgess Advertising & Marketing in Portland, Maine, where she has served as President and CEO since 1986.
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