May 2025
Since 1963, the University of Maine Alumni Association has presented one member of the UMaine faculty with our Distinguished Maine Professor award, recognizing a faculty member who excels in the areas of teaching, research, and public service. It is a great opportunity for me personally to get to know these amazing faculty members more closely, and for the Alumni Association to engage with current and past recipients of this honor. We are proud that the faculty views this as the highest faculty honor at UMaine. This year, I had the pleasure of getting to know our 2025 recipient, Dr. Mark Brewer, who is a professor and Chair of the Political Science department at UMaine. Although he is a Yankees fan, he has many other redeeming qualities! Participating in the stage party at UMaine commencement this past weekend with Dr. Brewer was an honor. He is indeed a Distinguished Maine Professor.
We had an amazing night celebrating outstanding alumni, friends, and faculty of the University of Maine at our Alumni Achievement Awards dinner on May 2. Among the many fun parts of the evening was to be in the presence of three of my predecessors in the role of President & CEO for the Alumni Association. Joining us were President Emeritus John Diamond ’77, ’89G, past President Todd Saucier ’93, ’97G, ’44H, and past President Jeffery Mills ’82, ’44H, who is now the President & CEO for the University of Maine Foundation. All have been great advisors and mentors to me, and we are so grateful for their continued support of the Alumni Association!
Each spring, we partner with the University of Maine Foundation to host the annual “True Blue Toast” champagne reception at Buchanan Alumni House. This reception expresses our gratitude to students who have made a gift to the University of Maine. At this reception, students also receive a “philanthropy cord” to be worn with their regalia at commencement. The students and I raised a glass to the college of our hearts always!
I was honored to be invited to attend and speak at the 100th anniversary gala for the All Maine Women honor society held on campus in late April. Over 100 current and past All Maine Women attended the weekend, which culminated with the induction of the incoming All Maine Women for the 2025-26 academic year. I enjoyed welcoming All Maine Women alumnae home to UMaine and seeing that their attendance spanned many decades of alumnae! Pictured here with me are (left to right) Paige Eggleston ’13, Liz Downing ’77, ’44H, Sarah Gallant ’12, and Hannah Hudson ’12, ’14G.
Go Blue!
Tom Peaco ’88
President & CEO