Hello, Class of ’97!
I hope to see you all at next year’s Homecoming in person! Kudos to UMaine and
the Alumni Association for moving Homecoming online! Like us all — adapting
and pivoting as needed in these unique times. My focus: preparing the roastery
for winter and unknowns. Which means ordering outdoor heaters for the roastery
walk-up window in August so they can arrive and be installed just in time for cold
temperatures. Or explaining delays in our more common coffees like Colombian
or Peru. Keeping perspective, we’re good. Hoping you and yours are well. News?
Email me at yolandasly@gmail.com or via Facebook Yolanda Sly Kozuha.
It was wonderful hearing from York Hall friend Elaine DiFalco Daugherty ’05G. It
also reminded me of how time flies, especially as kids get older. Hearty
congratulations are in order! In May she completed her terminal degree (the
highest degree available in any given academic discipline) — an MFA in Theatre
Pedagogy from the University of Idaho. She teaches at Central Michigan
University. Her twins are 11, and her son just finished drivers ed.
Congratulations to Eben Shaw for being named Maine’s Principal of the Year for
2020 by the Maine Principals Association, reported WMTV 8. He’s been the
principal of Leavitt Area High School since 2010, after being assistant principal
since 2007. As part of the MPA recognition, Eben was applauded for
implementing mindfulness processes for stresses, opportunities to attend truck
driving school, providing many club opportunities, and supporting his staff with
coaching and professional development.
Congratulations to Stacy Shaw, who was promoted to senior vice president, chief
information officer at MMG Insurance, reported the Bangor Daily News. Stacy
joined MMG in 1998 and has held a variety of roles. He is a member of the
University of Maine at Presque Isle Foundation Board, Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers, and a past director and president of the board of directors
for the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations to William “Bill” Furbush on being named Epping, NH’s, school
superintendent, reported Seacoastonline.com. His extensive K-12 career
includes teaching, and the roles of principal, assistant superintendent, and most
recently superintendent for SAU 28 in Pelham, NH. “I felt my skill set was a great
fit to continue the great work of moving this district further.” He expects to receive
his doctorate of education from New England College in May 2021.