Sometimes the stars align, and you are in the right place at the right time. I had one of those moments in March when I had plans to visit my parents in Pennsylvania. Living in Kansas I don’t have the opportunity to watch much UMaine hockey and was thrilled to catch games on TV as UMaine hockey won the Hockey East tournament for the first time in 21 years. Even more exciting was that they would play in the NCAA Regionals in Allentown, PA, while I was there. Thanks to the Alumni Association, there was a large pre-game gathering at a local restaurant where we were entertained and hyped up by the UMaine pep band, took photos with Bananas T. Bear, and watched the Naked 5 get ‘painted up.’ These hearty Maine students each don a letter on their chest (M-A-I-N-E) and celebrate goals with laps around the arena. It’s a legacy position passed down by a graduating senior who selects his successor.
Maine fans had a good showing at the PPL Arena and were quite vocal against the local crowd of Penn State fans. The first early Maine goal had us elated, but unfortunately, Penn State was able to score more times and defeated Maine. While the outcome was not what we had hoped, it was such a treat to be surrounded by Maine fans. Living far from New England, this brought back incredible memories of Friday and Saturday nights spent in Alfond Arena. Thanks for a great season, team!
Melissa Smith, CEO and president of the Portland-based financial services firm WEX, was interviewed in MaineBiz about her experience growing up in the small town of Winn, a town of 400 in Penobscot County. Melissa shared that growing up in a small town fostered a sense of community and developed a grit and work ethic that can’t be found in classroom lessons.
Carl Gartley’s retirement as superintendent of the Regional School Unit 18 (Oakland, Belgrade, China, Rome, and Sidney) was only temporary as he signed a contract for a new advisory role with RSU 18 only weeks after announcing his retirement. In the advisory role, he is overseeing his successor’s transition. However, until mid-2026 his responsibilities will only be half time, so he can start easing into retirement.
As a number of classmates are dreaming of their retirement plans, some are ready to act or at least give them a test drive. Joan Fortin G, newly retired from the CEO role at Bernstein Shur, is taking an extended break with her husband, Chet Randall. Joan isn’t sure of her next professional move, but during this pause to reset and recharge she is spending a few months exploring New Zealand with plans to backpack, car camp, and live in a van for a month! She’s updated her LinkedIn profile to “enthusiastic traveler.” Personally, that sounds amazing. Hope you have wonderful adventures, Joan. Please share some highlights!
If any classmates have their own adventures to share, please send along your news for the next column.
M-A-I-N-E, Gooo Blue!