Class of 1999 — there’s a lot to report, but we need your help. There is a vacancy for a class correspondent — someone to write the class news for this column two times a year. Please contact the Alumni Association or email abigail.zelz@maine.edu to pitch in.
Laurie Dionne Babcock wrote with an update. She graduated with her MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is a writer for FGCU 360, the magazine of Florida Gulf Coast University.
Since 2015, Rachelle Curran Apse has served as the executive director of the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. During that time, she has worked to provide access to the outdoors, increase the trail networks, and initiated conservation measures for towns around Portland, including Windham, Westbrook, and Gorham.
Kara Hay has been CEO of the Bangor nonprofit Penquis since 2014. Serving mostly people of low and moderate incomes in the counties of Penobscot Piscataquis, and Knox counties, Penquis has more than 75 programs that promote affordable housing, financial stability, reliable transportation, school readiness, and more. Kara received the national Lyndon Baines Johnson Leadership Award from the National Community Action Partnership last summer.
Kyle Parker spoke at UMaine last April about his experiences. Kyle has traveled to Ukraine multiple times since the Russian invasion, including to the front lines. Kyle is senior professional staff at the Committee on Foreign Affairs at the US House of Representatives.
Martin Puckett ’04G resigned after serving 11 years as Presque Isle’s city manager. Martin is now the executive director for Central Aroostook Association, which helps people with developmental disabilities.
Jason Clay is the new owner of Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery. Jason, who has worked at Governor’s for 17 years, bought the chain of five Maine eateries from the founding Wadleigh family.
And congratulations to football wide receiver Rameek Wright, who played at UMaine from 1994-98 and was a two-time all-conference pick. Rameek was inducted into UMaine’s Sports Hall of Fame in September.
There’s more news, but we need your help to report it. Please consider becoming the Class of ’99 correspondent and writing the class news.