As has been the case for Native Americans most everywhere, for centuries Maine’s original inhabitants have maintained their Tribal Nations as well as resisted and struggled against powerful political and social forces for the rights, opportunities, and protections legally retained by them as indigenous people and promised to them in treaties. While minor progress has…
The University of Maine’s 218th Commencement honored the achievements of the more than 2,000 UMaine students receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in 2021. In place of a traditional face-to-face commencement, the university created a virtual commencement presentation, which included video of students’ in-person stage walks, congratulatory remarks by valedictorian Bailey West, and a keynote by…
Bailey West, a biochemistry major from Stockton Springs, was the 2021 valedictorian and Drew Bennett, a mechanical engineering major from Brewer, was the salutatorian. West was the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture, and in the Honors College. On campus, she was a peer tutor and teaching assistant, and…
Ben Barr becomes the fifth head coach in the modern era of Maine Hockey. Ben Barr was named UMaine’s head coach for men’s ice hockey in May. Barr comes to UMaine from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was associate head coach and recruiting coordinator for the past five years. “We are thrilled to…
UMaine Athletics released a video in February outlining plans for the $90 million gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation. The funds will advance the state’s only Division 1 athletics program and benefit athletes in addition to providing a space for community events. UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy noted that when completed, the master plan and the…
Oliver Crosby, a member of the Class of 1876. When the final beam of the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center was installed during a virtual Topping Off Ceremony in February 2021, the Crosby Clip played a part. The Crosby Clip is part of the legacy of UMaine mechanical engineer-ing graduate Oliver Crosby, a member…
Wesley Dunkle of Rockland, ME, is the 2021 winner of the Alumni Association’s annual Tuition Raffle. On May 6, UMaine Alumni Association president and CEO John Diamond ’77, ’89G drew the winning ticket, which Daniel ’95 and Christine Thurston Dunkle ’96 submitted for their son, who will be a sophomore in the fall. The ticket…
A forthcoming book about the 1979 murder of a UMaine history professor was the subject of a webinar co-hosted by the Alumni Association and the Maine Historical Society. Amy Banks and Isaac Knapper, co-authors of Fighting Time, have unique perspectives. Banks was the teenage daughter of Prof. Ronald Banks, who was killed in a street…
Three new deans recently joined the University of Maine. Penny Bishop is dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Norm O’Reilly is dean of the Graduate School of Business, and Diane Rowland was named dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture. Bishop was previously a professor of education and former…
The University of Maine has established the Portland Gateway to provide a one-stop connection and point of access to the vast array of innovative research, education, and outreach resources, programs, and services at the state’s research university in Orono and its facilities statewide. Portland Gateway acts as the front door for the university engagement in…
In May, the University of Maine System trustees voted to change the name of C.C. Little Hall to Beryl Warner Williams Hall. Beryl Warner Williams ’35, ’40G, ’72 Hon. was the first Black graduate to earn a degree in mathematics at UMaine. “She serves as a model and exemplifies the kinds of accomplishments that we…
SEVEN INDIVIDUALS and one family have been selected as recipients of the Alumni Association’s 2021 Alumni Achievement Awards. The 2021 awards program was sponsored by The Jackson Laboratory. The Hon. George Singal ’67 was selected to receive the Alumni Career Award, the Alumni Association’s highest honor. Singal has had a long, distinguished career in law.…