The Alumni Association is proud to announce and honor our 2025 Block M Award recipients, our Black Bear Award recipients, and our 2025 Class Correspondent Award winner.
Arthur “Ace” Conro ’60 has dedicated 65 years to strengthening his class and supporting the University of Maine through his leadership, advocacy, and unwavering loyalty. As Class Agent and later Class President, he expanded the Class of 1960 Scholarship, inspired exceptional class giving, and kept classmates closely connected to UMaine. For his lifelong service, steadfast involvement, and enduring impact, he is proudly honored with the 2025 Block M Award.
Roberta Morrill ’58 has dedicated decades to strengthening the UMaine alumni community, serving as a cornerstone of the Portland Alumnae Chapter for more than 30 years. As the club’s longtime secretary and a devoted ambassador for alumni engagement, she has provided steadfast leadership, encouraged participation across generations, and supported fellow alumni with warmth and generosity. In recognition of her enduring service and Black Bear spirit, she is proudly honored with the Block “M” Award.
For nearly 50 years, Diane Ingalls Zito ’62 has kept her classmates informed and connected through her long service as Secretary and Class Correspondent, including writing the class column for MAINE Alumni Magazine since 1977. Her thoughtful leadership has shaped meaningful reunions, strengthened class giving, and reflected a deep commitment to UMaine, while her volunteer work, historical research, and community service showcase her enduring dedication beyond campus. For her decades of leadership, service, and unwavering loyalty, she is proudly recognized with the 2025 Block “M” Award.
William “Bill” Butterfield ’76 is nominated for the Black Bear Award for his tireless advocacy for UMaine and the UMaine Pulp and Paper Foundation. Throughout his 43-year career with major global companies, he continually supported UMaine through equipment donations, student lectures, corporate sponsorships, leadership on the Pulp & Paper Foundation’s University and Industrial Support (UIS) Committee, and extensive mentorship of students, including organizing international trips for students to Europe to visit numerous manufacturing sites, supplies, and paper manufacturing plants. His sustained educational, financial, and professional contributions-along with establishing a UMaine scholarship-reflect his lifelong commitment to giving back to the university that shaped him.
Robert M. Frank ’88 is honored with the Black Bear Award for his longstanding leadership and service to the University of Maine, including eight years on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and representation on key university boards. He has been a dedicated advocate for students and faculty, serving on the Civil Engineering Advisory Board, mentoring students, and promoting research and innovation across campus. Rob’s community involvement, enthusiastic alumni engagement, and generous philanthropy further demonstrate his deep commitment to UMaine. For these lasting contributions, the Alumni Association proudly recognizes him with this prestigious award.
Isabelle Birdsall Schweitzer ’75 has been a devoted member of the UMaine community since her student days, where she was an active Sophomore Eagle and AOII sister known for her enthusiasm, hard work, and leadership. She has maintained lifelong connections with classmates and built an impressive personal legacy as a marathon runner, completing races in all 50 states. Since 2008, Isabelle has served faithfully as class correspondent, writing her class column for the Maine Alumni magazine, consistently meeting deadlines and keeping classmates connected through thoughtful, well-written updates. For her dedication, reliability, and exemplary service, she is highly deserving of the Hilda A. Sterling ’55 Class Correspondent Award.