The University of Maine Alumni Association recognizes the annual Black Bear, Block ‘M’, and Class Correspondent awardees for 2024 with six new individuals and one couple.
Block “M” Award
Each year the Alumni Association presents the Block “M” Award to deserving individuals who, over a period of years, advance the strength and success of their alumni class, Chapter, and/or Alumni Interest Group. No more than six awards may be given annually, and only alumni are eligible.
Virginia “Gina” Barnes Grogean ’63 has expertly balanced family responsibilities and a demanding career as an anesthesiologist while dedicating herself to the University of Maine. Her service to UMaine spans decades, beginning with her work on the UMaine Alumni Association board in the 1990s. More recently, Gina has served on the Class of ’63 Executive Committee, helping to plan reunion activities and rally her classmates in support of their alma mater. Alongside her husband Tom, Gina established a scholarship for deserving students from Hancock County, and they actively participate in both campus and alumni events on Mount Desert Island. Beyond her Black Bear commitments, Gina is a respected figure on the Blue Hill Peninsula, engaging in Blue Hill Heritage Trust events and dedicating herself to hospice care and Alzheimer’s Disease research. Her contributions to both the coastal and university communities reflect a rare blend of emotional connectivity and intellect.
Josh Dow ’96 has lived and practiced law in the Portland area for the last 20-plus years, promoting and advancing the reputation of the University of Maine and its alumni. Dow was a 1996 Senior Skull and is a graduate of the UMaine School of Law ’99. Additionally, he has been on the Board of the University of Maine Alumni Chapter of Southern Maine for over 15 years, serving on the golf committee since 2007. He was also a member of the UMACSM scholarship selection committee when the Chapter selected the recipients. In 2011, Josh was voted in as the Registered Agent for UMACSM. Josh’s dedication and leadership have impacted UMACSM’s ability to raise just over $320,000 for the Chapter’s two endowed funds, producing scholarships for Black Bears from Cumberland and York counties.
Evelyn “Evie” Stevens Smith ’59 has been very involved in the leadership of the Class of 1959, serving as class president and class representative to the Senior Executive Committee. She also took on the role of super fundraiser and managed to triple the class scholarship endowment in two years. Her love of the University of Maine further manifested itself in her long-time support of the women’s basketball team and her emphasis on scholarships for non-traditional students. Over the years, Evie has been an extraordinary, if unofficial, ambassador for her class and the University of Maine.
Jane ’70 and Bob ’68 Weir are a real team effort of support for the University, especially when it comes to their work for the Mid Coast Alumni group. Jane takes the lead in event planning, as Bob, also on the executive committee, is integral in making events happen. Jane thoughtfully researches potential speakers, locations, programs, and activities that would interest alumni and friends in our area, always keeping in mind the goal of raising money to provide scholarships for deserving midcoast students. Her impressive organizational skills and attention to detail, along with Bob’s ever-present support and assistance, have resulted in numerous successful events that have helped reach those scholarship goals. Bob and Jane’s dedication to UMaine is not confined to the Mid Coast area, though, as their involvement on the Orono campus and throughout the state further exemplifies their devotion to their Alma Mater. They express their loyalty in many ways, such as being members of the Foundation’s Charles F. Allen Giving Society, frequent trips to the University for Forestry department events, and attending reunions.
Black Bear Award
The Black Bear Award is presented annually in appreciation of exceptional service through continuous, outstanding advocacy for the University of Maine in ways that increase or enhance UMaine’s reputation and public appreciation in academics, athletics, the arts, and/or alumni success. The award is inscribed with the legend: “For devotion and loyalty to the highest traditions of the University of Maine.” No more than four awards may be given annually, and both alumni and non-alumni are eligible.
Sue Heinonen Pate ’83 and Cherie Damon are individuals whose commitment to volunteerism is well-known to many. While they individually earned Black Bear awards, you can often find this dynamic duo working together for the betterment of UMaine.
The time and energy put into Maine Athletics, specifically, goes beyond the expectations of a typical volunteer. Sue and Cherie have spent thousands of hours supporting the M Club and UMaine Athletics, including helping to host visiting teams for conference championships, decorating the AD suite for hockey home games, hosting the silent auction at the annual Alfond Golf Classic, and helping manage multiple fundraisers and events to support the hockey program both at home and on the road. Perhaps most importantly, they serve as trusted liaisons between the community and the athletic department and programs.
Cherie is a former President of the Black Bear Board of Advisors in support of athletics and is also involved in community events in support of the American Legion and veterans events.
Sue is involved in many community events in Orrington and Brewer, including Orrington’s Old Home Week, is on the board of the Orrington Landing Committee, the town’s Selectmen’s Economic Advisory Committee, and much more.
Since 2018, the two have helped to pull together all aspects of the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame ceremony. In addition, they are instrumental in helping the M Club pull off many events, including football tailgating and other special team and athletic support activities.
Hilda A. Sterling ’55 Class Correspondent Award
The Hilda A. Sterling ’55 Class Correspondent Award is presented annually in recognition of exemplary service to the class as a class correspondent. Recipients of this award must demonstrate a consistent commitment to high-quality communications for their University of Maine class. One award may be given annually, and only alumni are eligible.
Louise Soucy ’84 has been a dedicated and faithful Class Correspondent since 2002. Louise wears her Black Bear pride on her sleeve. She is a tireless advocate for connecting Black Bear alumni with their alma mater. Her twenty-plus years of service as a Class Correspondent is eloquent testimony to her devotion to doing the best job possible. In addition to her service as a Class Correspondent, Louise and her husband, Jim Geary, are energetic and regular-attending Black Bear fans, especially during football season. Their football game tailgate festivities have a reputation for themselves. Louise is also a leader on the planning team for the UMaine Foundation’s Outreach Leaders’ Club on Mt. Desert Island. Louise routinely makes personal follow-up calls to alumni in her area to attend events and deepen their engagement with the University. Louise is also an advocate for local high school students to choose a UMaine education – not only a great economic value but also a life-changing experience.
Award recipients are selected through a formal nomination and review process through the Alumni Association. To read more or nominate an alumnus, visit https://www.umainealumni.com/alumniawards/.
Established in 1875, the University of Maine Alumni Association is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the interests of UMaine and its 100,000 alums.
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