August 2025
Greetings, fellow Black Bears!
It’s hard to believe we’ll start seeing students return to campus in just a few short days. Even though the summer has gone quickly, it’s been a terrific summer for connecting with fellow alums!
I made a quick one-day trip to our nation’s capital for a terrific alumni reception on July 16. Over 50 people gathered in DC to reconnect with fellow Black Bears and hear updates from Orono. We were grateful to have several representatives of the University with us, including President Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Dean Jason Harkins from the Maine Business School & Graduate School of Business, and Dr. Habib Dagher of the Advanced Structures & Composites Center. Rep. Chellie Pingree also stopped by to greet our alums, many of whom work in congressional offices or other federal agencies.
We love having alumni stop by to see us at Buchanan Alumni House, and I was so pleased to have a quick visit from Jennifer Dill Ouellette ’89 and Scott Ouellette ’89, who provide terrific leadership for our Lowcountry chapter in South Carolina. These loyal Black Bears came home to Maine for their annual summer visit, and we loved welcoming them to Buchanan. I look forward to seeing them again soon, as we’re working with our Lowcountry chapter to host a tailgate before Maine football at Georgia Southern University on September 20. If you’re anywhere near Georgia Southern and want to join us for the game, please check our website for details!
In late July, it was off to Cape Cod for a delightful gathering at the summer home of the Ellms family. We are so grateful to our wonderful hosts – Carlton “Chip” Ellms ’71, his wife Sally Devereux Ellms ’70, and their son Garth. I’m grateful to UMaine Foundation President Jeff Mills ’82 and Senior Director of Philanthropy Pat Cummings ’89 for joining us there, along with three dozen alumni and guests. During the event, I had a nice chat with Jill Hindley Lawrence ’94 and Sean Tynan ’94, who asked me to send their warm regards to their former track and cross-country coach at UMaine, Ann England Maxim ’84, ’86G.
I hope to cross paths with you soon, either on campus or on the road.
Go Blue!
Tom Peaco ’88
President & CEO