Victoria Abbott
Augusta, ME
vabbott13@gmail.com
facebook.com/groups/UMaineClass2003/
Nate Cotnoir has been promoted to senior vice president, Northern Maine director of commercial banking at Camden National Bank (Maine). Ryan Smith ’95, executive vice president of commercial banking, had this to say about Nate, “Nate is very dedicated to helping his customers succeed, and he’s played a key role on our commercial banking team here at Camden National Bank. He is a talented leader, and we’re proud to see him grow into his new role.” Nate has been working in commercial banking for more than 13 years and in the banking industry since he graduated.
Joshua Toothaker has been a familiar face as a teacher in the Searsport District Middle and High schools (Maine) over the past nine years. Superintendent Chris Downing ’94G, ’10 C.A.S. appointed him principal in the RSU 20 schools, and Joshua said he is, “excited and humble for this opportunity.” One large asset he brings to his new role is how long he has been living and working in the community and his complete dedication to the schools. Congratulations, Joshua!
To say Jennifer Neves has been on the move since graduation would be an understatement. From her youth on her parents’ bean farm in Freedom, ME, to working the agricultural extension at UMaine, her work ethic has been steadfast. She graduated with a degree in molecular biology and returned to Freedom to work on her parents’ farm while waiting to hear back from her Peace Corps application. Jennifer spent two years in Senegal with the Peace Corps with a group of urban agriculturists. During that time, she began writing. After completing an MFA at the Ranier Writing Workshop in Tacoma, WA, she returned to Maine with her husband and young son to work on her second book, Freedom Farm. This piece is a collection of essays that delves into what it means to be a farmer’s daughter, a Mainer, and a mother. Jennifer takes a deep dive into the power of the stories we are told, and the ones we choose to re-tell. She lives and works in Palermo, ME.
Driven by a need to serve others, Victoria Abbott has held a lifelong career in philanthropy. She recently took her talents to Spectrum Generations in Augusta as their community engagement director. Since graduating, she has honed her skills in fundraising, marketing, and public relations at small and large Maine nonprofits. Victoria’s work at Spectrum Generations will continue to support their mission of advancing the well-being and independence of older and disabled adults throughout six central Maine counties.
Congratulations to Ben Hale ’10G for his nomination to the 2021 National History Day Behring Teacher of the Year Award in the Senior Division. This spring, Ben received a stipend at the virtual awards ceremony. Ben currently teaches history and social sciences at John Bapst High School in Bangor.
In other news, Marcus Despres‘s daughter, Nicole ’21, graduated last spring from UMaine. During her final semester, she and her roommate, both nursing students, volunteered to assist in the COVID-19 vaccination effort, and provided shots to numerous Mainers.
Mia Dubois ’17G was recently promoted to system director of patient experience at Northern Light Health in Brewer, ME. Mia has been a nurse since graduating in 2003, and in 2017 she completed her MSN in nursing administration. Congrats, Mia!
Wishing you all a safe summer to live out loud! Enjoy the great outdoors in your own backyard, or as far as your travels will take you, as the world reemerges stronger!