Recent News

February 6, 2020

Don’t Miss the Black Bears of Boston Event Next Month!

The Black Bears of Boston will host an after-hours networking social for alumni and friends on Thursday, March 19 at the Legacy Club, located across the street from Boston’s TD Garden.  The alumni club is led by Dodge Tucker ’15, ’17G and Theresa Lee ‘87. The March 19th event is co-hosted by several Boston-area UMaine…

January 30, 2020

Powell Named Distinguished Maine Professor

RICHARD J. POWELL, a member of the University of Maine’s political science faculty for nearly two decades, has been selected as the 2020 Distinguished Maine Professor, the university’s most prestigious faculty award. Powell was chosen from among six finalists by a review panel representing alumni, current and retired faculty, and the UMaine student body. He…

Jennifer Vachon
January 29, 2020

Takes One to Know One

JENNIFER HIGGINS VASHON ’93 is an expert on black bears—the animal kind, not the ones who roam the hallways of UMaine. As a wildlife biologist for Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Vashon is a researcher, public educator, and advisor to policy makers. The University of Maine’s wildlife management program—and the connections she made…

January 29, 2020

The Negotiator

WHEN HE FIRST ARRIVED in Orono in 2000 to start his college career, Matt Rodrigue ’04 understandably had no idea that in less than 15 years he would become a leading figure in resolving one of the United States’ biggest public financial crises. But that’s exactly what happened, as the Farmington native became a prominent…

January 23, 2020

An Enduring Fight

  PENOBSCOT AMBASSADOR Maulian Dana ’06 learned early on to speak her truth. Dana feels the voices of her ancestors running through her blood and bones. Appointed in 2017 as ambassador to the Penobscot Nation, she endeavors to honor the past and address present-day tribal issues — all while keeping her eyes focused on the…

January 17, 2020

Here’s Your Opportunity to Participate in the Alumni Impact Survey!

On Friday, January 24th, Black Bear alumni will receive an email with the subject line “UM Alumni Impact Survey” inviting them to participate in an online survey. Please participate! The survey is a key part of a study commissioned by the Alumni Association to document the educational, economic, cultural, civic, and community roles and influences of its 109,000 members.…

UMAA Logo
January 17, 2020

Alumna Grows Chamber of Commerce

Shanna Cox ’15 is working to grow the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Hired as the organization’s CEO last fall, she is building a model that encourages more businesses to join, participate, and benefit from chamber membership. Read more about her efforts here.

January 17, 2020

Homecoming Weekend 2020 Dates Set

The University of Maine’s Homecoming will take place this year October 16th through the 18th. Homecoming Reunion classes include 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. The weekend will feature a “Welcome Home” reception, Alumni Village Tailgate, football game, Maine Marketplace, and more! Save the date!

January 17, 2020

Remembering Chuck Peddle ’59

News media around the world recently reported the passing of computer pioneer Chuck Peddle ’59, one of the most consequential Black Bears of all time. Peddle, the 2019 Alumni Career Award recipient, is widely credited as “the father of the personal computer.” This New York Times feature is just one of many news stories that…

Black Bear Road Trip
January 16, 2020

Black Bear Road Trip Events Set for Next Month

The 2020 Black Bear Road Trip will begin in late February with alumni gatherings in Tucson and Phoenix, AZ. On March 5, Black Bears will cheer on the Red Sox as they take on the Houston Astros at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, FL, for a spring training game and barbecue. More information about the…