You’ll read this as the Black Bears prep for another football season — I’m writing it with baseball on the radio — and we’re still celebrating a successful men’s basketball season and an outstanding hockey season! I love your comments when I post on our Facebook page regarding any of the UMaine teams. This past winter there were memories of the new Alfond Arena and the first official hockey team, the $35 sports pass, Rufus Harris ’83, Andre Aubut ’82, and John Tortorella! I hope some of you made it to Boston for the Hockey East title game — and to Allentown for the regional. Keep sharing those memories, post your pics on Facebook, and come back to campus this fall to see all the exciting upgrades to our athletic facilities!
The mailbag was once again a bit empty, so good old social media provided me with a few tidbits to toss your way. This time around we moved down from The Hill to Stewart Complex and asked for some memories. Ben Kassel went wild but couldn’t seem to engage any other pals that spent time in the Gannett penthouse, so we’ll give him all the ink! His first tale told of the tradition of leaving Stewart Commons at night and chucking ice cream cone remnants at third floor windows. Eventually, Mother Nature would erase the sticky mess. He also recalled ordering a minimum 20 Pat’s pizzas for Monday night football (evidently, studying was not a priority on Mondays!). His favorite was double dough, double cheese, green pepper, onion, and mushroom. Do you suppose he filled his amber glass Gannett/UMaine beer mug with a little something to wash down that pizza? Yes, he still has that mug, and you can see it on our Facebook page! Another fond memory of Ben’s was Bill Chinnock and the Pousette-Dart Band playing in the Memorial Gym. (Editor’s note: I found a Pousette-Dart album at an estate sale recently and promptly grabbed it for a dollar for old time’s sake!) And Ben’s final recollection of his days in the penthouse — storming the commons on Friday, February 22, 1980. He quizzed classmates on Facebook as to why — but, with no answers, it remains a mystery! Visit our page and add your recollection of this insurrection!
Val Haynes Morton chimed in with her favorite tune from her years in Stewart Complex — ”I wish they all could be Androscoggin girls!” Ben promptly reminded her that many young co-eds could be seen walking between Gannett and Andro on Sunday mornings, a.k.a “the walk of shame!” Val also shared that she spent last Thanksgiving in Bentonville, Arkansas, visiting her daughter. She was joined by Mark Gnade and his wife, Lynn, and they enjoyed some sightseeing along with their turkey!
In other Gannett Hall news, a group of former residents that spanned the years from 1976 to 1985 have banded together to establish the “Gannett Hall 2 North Alumni Scholarship” through the UMaine Foundation. This scholarship will benefit current residents of Gannett 2 North. This group of guys have also started holding an annual reunion each September in Old Orchard Beach. If you’re interested in donating to the scholarship and/or attending the reunion, contact Jim Hussey at jimhuss54@gmail.com or Ray McGowan ’80 at mcgowan17@verizon.net.
A sincere congratulations to Carl Lusby G on being selected the Citizen of the Year by the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. Carl retired from his 37 years as an educator in Hancock County, after serving his final 11 years as the principal of the General Bryant E. Moore School in Ellsworth. In 2008, he transitioned to real estate and is an associate broker with Sargent Real Estate in Ellsworth. Along with his dedication to youth in the community, Carl was cited for his active participation in the Ellsworth Rotary Club’s many projects.
Here’s your annual reminder that our Class of 1981 Scholarship Fund could use a shot in the arm. As we approach our 45th Reunion, it’s time we stepped up our game. Last year’s recipient received just shy of $500. That’s a drop in the pot today and it would be nice to beef up the fund so that a more meaningful amount could be awarded. Send along $45 — or $450 — whatever you can do will be much appreciated by a deserving student. Until next time, be well and stay in touch! Go Black Bears!