The University of Maine Alumni Association has announced the 2025 Alumni Award winners, honoring outstanding graduates and supporters for their achievements, service, and dedication to UMaine. These individuals exemplify leadership, innovation, and commitment, making a lasting impact on the university and beyond. Read on to celebrate their remarkable contributions.
Alumni Career Award
Ambassador Pamela White (ret) ’71, ’16 Hon. is a prominent leader whose distinguished career in public service has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals both abroad and at home. Pam began her remarkable journey by joining the Peace Corps shortly after graduation, which launched her into a 39-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Over the course of her career, she served as Ambassador to The Gambia and Haiti, leading efforts in critical foreign policy initiatives. Pam’s service with USAID was equally impressive, where she directed high-impact programs in Mali, Tanzania, and Liberia. In Mali, she revolutionized education and health initiatives, while in Tanzania, she led a successful malaria control program, reducing the incidence of the disease by 85%. Her leadership in Liberia helped guide the nation’s post-conflict recovery, implementing a $400 million development program that spanned various sectors. After retiring in 2015, Pam continued her commitment to service by mentoring students, serving on multiple boards, and engaging in public speaking. She has been an influential member of the University of Maine’s School of Policy and International Affairs Board of Advisors, shaping the next generation of global leaders.
Distinguished Maine Professor
Dr. Mark Brewer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Maine, has been named the 2025 Distinguished Maine Professor, the Alumni Association’s most prestigious faculty award. Dr. Brewer joined the University of Maine faculty in 2004 and, over the past 20 years, has taught a total of 15 different courses in political science and leadership studies. He is a long-time core faculty member in the Honors College and has changed the lives of countless students as both an educator, advisor, and mentor. With over 1,500 media appearances, Dr. Brewer is considered to be the go-to political expert for Maine and national media. He has held numerous leadership positions in professional associations, such as serving as the editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Political Science for the past 14 years. Dedicated to his local community, he has served as an elected member of the Orono School Board for many years and has volunteered as a coach at Orono High. Since his arrival at the University of Maine, Dr. Brewer has earned ten additional awards and recognitions including Outstanding Faculty Award in 2019, Faculty Excellence Award in 2018, various grants, and research awards. He has published six books with high-ranking presses, including Oxford University Press, as well as dozens of peer-reviewed articles. He is the author of two textbooks, one of which is the best-selling textbook in the field and is currently in its tenth edition.
Spirit of Maine Achievement Award
Sean Sibley ’14, ’15 C.G.S., ’18G, ’19 C.G.S., ’24 Ph.D., a first-generation college graduate, has been awarded the Spirit of Maine Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to healthcare and education. As Clinical Assistant Faculty and Family Nurse Practitioner Program Coordinator at UMaine’s School of Nursing, Project Director for UMaine’s Advanced Nursing Education Workforce, and a Nurse Practitioner at Cutler Health Center, he has played a vital role in both academia and patient care. On campus, Dr. Sibley provides inclusive healthcare, specializing in LGBTQ+ care and mental health, including substance abuse treatment. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in shaping policies and ensuring safe student care. As Principal Investigator of a $1.9 million HRSA ANEW Program grant, he has worked to strengthen Maine’s primary care workforce by supporting graduate nursing students. His scholarly contributions focus on enhancing nurse practitioner education, with published research and conference presentations advancing the field. A dedicated mentor, he has advised honors societies and supported faculty development. His excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Susan J. Hunter Presidential Research Impact Award.
Suzanne Kay Hart ’68 Alumni Service Award
Pamela Beal ’69 has been honored with the Suzanne Kay Hart ’68 Alumni Service Award for her lifelong dedication to the University of Maine and its alumni community. Since arriving as a first-year student in 1965, she has been a passionate advocate for UMaine, demonstrating exemplary leadership and service. Pam has played a pivotal role in alumni engagement, serving on the Alumni Association Board in the 1980s and 1990s alongside Suzanne Kay Hart. She helped navigate critical financial decisions with precision and commitment. As the longtime president of the Class of 1969, she fosters strong connections among classmates and continues to support university initiatives. Her leadership extends to the UMaine Alumni Chapter of Southern Maine and the Portland Alumnae Chapter, where her enthusiasm has strengthened alumni participation. Pam’s dedication has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Block M Award in 1984 and the Black Bear Award in 1994. Her kindness and unwavering support, especially for older alumni, have left a lasting impact. Whether attending university events, championing UMaine causes, or serving on committees, Pam embodies the true spirit of alumni service.
Champion of UMaine Award
Michael and Johneen Eckardt have been honored with the Champion of UMaine Award, which acknowledges the contributions of an individual or couple who are not alumni of UMaine for their outstanding advocacy and sustained support of the University. Michael, a former Senior Scientist at the National Institutes of Health and UMaine’s Vice President for Research and Public Service (2003–2013), played a key role in recruiting top faculty and advancing research initiatives. Following retirement, Michael and Johneen became dedicated volunteers, contributing significantly to various UMaine programs. At the Hudson Museum, Michael meticulously reviewed and updated nearly 10,000 records in the collection database, a years-long effort that ensured accuracy and consistency. His work was instrumental in launching the museum’s public access database in 2020. He also assisted with inventory management, conservation efforts, and educational programming. Joheen actively volunteers for the Hudson Museum as well. Their commitment extends beyond the museum. Both Mike & Johneen have served on the Advisory Board for the Collins Center for the Arts for over 10 years, and Michael has contributed to the Collins Center for the Arts and Fogler Library, assisting with book restoration and database projects. Together, they have supported students by knitting mittens for the Black Bear Exchange and have established endowed funds for the arts, education, and sustainability. The Eckardts should also be recognized for their service for several years as ushers at UMaine Commencement, where they specifically worked to support Commencement guests who were differently abled to their seating area and to support any needs they had while at Commencement. Through their tireless service and generosity, Michael and Johneen have left a lasting impact on the UMaine community.
Fogler Legacy Award
The Jacobs family has been honored with the Fogler Legacy Award for their longstanding dedication to the University of Maine and their community. Their legacy began with Stephen L. Jacobs ’44, ’63G, a World War II veteran who earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His commitment to preserving history led to the publication of The Class of 1944 in World War II, honoring the sacrifices of his classmates. Spanning three generations, the Jacobs family’s connection to UMaine includes Stephen ’44, ’63G, Isabel Ansell Jacobs ’45, Charlie Jacobs ’71, ’86G, and Lauren Jacobs ’17G, ’22 Ph.D. Their contributions include establishing scholarships for English and Music students, supporting the Outdoor Leadership Program, and aiding in the establishment of the Buchanan Alumni House. Dr. Lauren Jacobs has been a leader in outdoor education, founding UMaine’s Outdoor Leadership Program and shaping state policy on outdoor activities. She played a key role in developing Maine’s first K-12 educator course for trip leader certification, advancing outdoor education statewide. Through their dedication to service, education, and leadership, the Jacobs family has made a lasting impact on UMaine.
Rising Star Award
Dr. Justin Richards ’15 has been honored with the Rising Star Award for his outstanding commitment to the University of Maine and his community. A proud Black Bear, Justin’s journey at UMaine began as an undergraduate from 2011 to 2015, where he excelled academically and was recognized as Resident Assistant of the Year and Homecoming King. His involvement extended to Greek Life, Res-Life, the Woodsman Team, and the Senior Skull Society. After earning his Doctorate in Pharmacy in 2019, Justin made a significant impact as a community pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic, administering vaccines and ensuring public health. He has since transitioned to veterinary pharmacology at Covetrus, where he oversees national medication dispensing operations and holds licensure in over 15 states. Beyond his professional achievements, Justin is deeply engaged in public service, serving on the Board of Directors for the Baxter Academy for Technology and Science and the Maine Pharmacy Association. He also serves his communities through the Freemasons and Shriners Children’s Hospitals. Justin’s dedication to UMaine remains strong as Vice President of the Senior Skull Society Alumni Interest Group, where he played a key role in revitalizing the organization. He has also been instrumental in the Alpha Tau Omega Alumni Association, actively fundraising for fraternity house renovations.
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 110,000 alumni.