Greetings, classmates, it’s time for another update from UMaine Y2K. For the first time in several years, I have something to share. My wife, Nichole Clark Werle ’02 (social work), and I are relocating to Atlanta when the kids’ school year ends! I accepted a job offer with a different agency of the US Department of Agriculture that will put us in an exciting metropolitan area and bring some added financial security for our family. Surely everybody visits Atlanta at some point, and if you do, please look me up!
Next, I need to mention my old friend Dan Cashman (mass communication). Danny and I played together in Dr. Lidral’s jazz band in the then-recently constructed Class of 1944 Hall. I always enjoyed tuning in to his radio show when visiting family in Maine, but Danny also went on to host “The Nite Show with Danny Cashman” on WABI TV and had a lot of success interviewing local celebrities and performers. Well, Danny recently announced he is ending his 14-year run with the Nite Show, and I know this must come with mixed feelings for him and his audience both. But I also know it will free up a lot of time for his family, and that can only be a good thing. Be sure to catch the last season of his show, Saturdays at 11:30 p.m., while you still can!
Molly Barker Gilligan (international affairs-history) recently was chosen as a shareholder for Maine’s largest law firm, Bernstein Shur. Molly helps employers with their labor and healthcare issues, but also has worked in the past with the U.S. Department of Labor and the IRS. Congrats on this great accomplishment, Molly!
Coach Amy Vachon (education) got some great news this winter, with a four-year contract extension to continue leading our Black Bear women’s basketball team! It seems like a no-brainer since Coach Amy has been a four-time Conference Coach of the Year. “I’m thankful to them for their belief in me and their support. I love Maine,” she said. Hopefully this new contract lets you know that Maine loves you too, Coach!
Next up, Jon Doty (elementary education) received a big award this winter, with the inaugural Robert A. Cobb Award for Extraordinary Service to the College of Education and Human Development. Jon has been a committed Black Bear with four degrees from UMaine —’00, ’04G, ’06 CAS, and ’18 Ph.D. — and is currently assistant superintendent of RSU 34. Jon previously taught technology, middle school math and science, coordinated gifted and talented services, and has been very active in his local outdoors community. Congrats, Jon, on receiving this well-deserved recognition!
Samuel Farrell (secondary education) coached the Brunswick Lady Dragons to their first-ever state championship in girls basketball in early March. He has spent 15 years as the head coach of Brunswick and 19 years as a varsity coach, compiling over 250 wins.
Tony G (education) and Lori Doucette Tomah (food science and human nutrition) had an unusual experience in helping their daughter Natalie move into her new college dorm room; they brought her to their own alma mater in Orono! The couple met as students and their daughter was excited to have more opportunities to explore her Native American identity than she could have elsewhere. “I could have gone to an in-state (Rhode Island) college, but nothing fit like UMaine fit.” This should make Homecoming even more special for the Tomah family!
Lastly, I want to mention my fellow Alpha Gamma Rho alumni who celebrated our chapter’s 100th anniversary at UMaine last spring! All those great experiences at our fraternity house prepared me for my career ahead, and that stretch from 1924-2024 must represent a lot of significant impacts that Psi Chapter AGRs have made in promoting a broader and better agriculture for our nation.