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…
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…
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…
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.…
The Alumni Association is partnering with Collette Travel to take Black Bears and friends to tropical Costa Rica November 6-15, 2020. The informational webinar about the itinerary and Costa Rica’s spectacular sights is available here. If you have additional questions please call Collette Travel at 800-581-8942 and refer to booking #974904.
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.
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!
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…
Edniesha “Eddie” Curry, UMaine’s assistant coach of men’s basketball, coauthored a New York Times video opinion piece called “Where Are All the Women Coaches?”. Despite Title IX, women still represent a minority of coaches of women’s, and a tiny fraction of men’s teams. Watch the video here.
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…
The University of Maine has introduced a podcast series that informs listeners about a range of topics. The Maine Question explores research topics and interviews with alumni, faculty, and the campus community. Recent podcasts have introduced listeners to topics ranging from food science challenges to Maine’s reuse economy and what eDNA means for Maine’s coastal…
The Machine Tool Lab has provided space for mechanical engineering technology students to gain hands-on experience since it was constructed in 1934. This nine-minute video traces the lab’s history. The building will be replaced by a state-of-the-art lab located within the Ferland Engineering Education & Design Center.