Alumni

July 15, 2019

‘School’ is Out for Janes ’04

After more than four years and an estimated 1,250 performances, actor Merritt David Janes – “DJ” to family and friends – is taking the summer off from his leading role in the hit musical comedy “School of Rock.” Janes plays Dewey Finn, a frustrated rock-star wannabe who fakes his way into a teaching role at…

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July 15, 2019

Black Bears Land Internships with Disney

Rachel Largay ‘19 (pictured right) and Mikayla Burridge ‘21 (pictured left) are spending nine months as cast members at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, having earned coveted paid internships through the Disney College Program.  The program provides on-the-job experience in various operational aspects of Disney’s theme parks and resort properties as well as academic…

July 15, 2019

2019’s ‘Cocktails on the Coast’ Photos Are In!

Attendance at the annual Cocktails on the Coast social and networking event was again strong, thanks to great weather and new program elements.  Organized by the Black Bears of Portland with assistance from the Alumni Association, the popular gathering of UMaine alumni helps   raise funds for a newly-established scholarship to support UMaine students from…

July 15, 2019

Reunion 2019 Is Approaching

The classes of 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, and Senior Alumni will celebrate their reunions September 12th through 14th. The three-day Reunion will feature campus tours of new and exciting buildings on campus, a full riding tour of campus, lecture by Dr. Dana Humphrey, Dean of the College of Engineering, discussing the new Engineering Education and…

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June 17, 2019

Kachmar ’94 Receives 2019 Block “M” Award

The Alumni Association recently presented Jim Kachmar ’94 with a Block “M” Award for his leadership and participation in the Alumni Chapter of Southern Maine. Kachmar’s involvement within the chapter also includes his service on the board, a term as president, and involvement in planning the chapter’s signature event, the Golf Classic. Using his network…

June 17, 2019

International Alumni Reunion in DC

A group of international alumni recently reconnected in Washington, D.C. Alumni in the photo are as follows: back row (left to right): Orlina Boteva ’04G, ’05G (Office of International Programs staff), Kannan Sockalingam ’00, ’02G, Shamarukh  “Malina” Mohiuddin ’03, Zeynep Turk ’95G; and bottom row: Brian Berger ’18 (OIP staff), Mireille Le Gal (OIP staff),…

June 17, 2019

A ‘Jack of All Trades’ Turns to Writing

Jack Cashman ’73 has worn many hats in his adult life. A long career in the insurance and commercial real estate businesses. Magazine publisher. Old Town City Councilor and Maine State Legislator. Major policymaking roles as Special Advisor to Maine Governor John Baldacci ’86, State Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, and Maine Public Utilities…

June 17, 2019

Online Site Helps Grads Manage Loan Debt

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has online resources for managing student loan debt. In Maine, nearly 60 percent of college students surveyed in 2017 graduated with debt, and the average debt was $29,752. Maine graduates owe more in student loans than many of their peers, and have the 15th highest rate of college debt…

June 17, 2019

Leighton ’87G Ends 45-Year Career as Gouldsboro Educator

Sally Leighton ’87G, Peninsula School Principal and longtime Milbridge, ME resident, will retire from her career in education this month. “I’ve just enjoyed [my work] so much,” she reflected in an interview with the Ellsworth American. “I’m really going to miss it. But it’s time.” During her long career Leighton frequently explained to students why…

June 17, 2019

Sign up for Cocktails on the Coast 2019

Join fellow Black Bears and friends at Jones Landing on Peaks Island for another Cocktails on the Coast! This year registration will be held at The Thirsty Pig in Portland from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Guests will enjoy light snacks, an OBC Tap Takeover, and the opportunity to give to a new scholarship. From…

May 20, 2019

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Travel to Italy with Fellow Alumni

Registration for our Alumni Travel Program trip to Italy closes on May 24th! From the canals in Venice to the Colosseum in Rome, we’ll take in all that these beautiful Italian vistas have to offer! Join us November 11-23, 2019. Watch the informational webinar to get your questions answered: https://bit.ly/2GSVpye. Or call Collette Travel at 800-581-8942…

May 17, 2019

NASA Scientist Ziegelaar ‘96 Tells 2019 UMaine Graduates that Teamwork is the Key to Success

Bridget Ziegelaar ’96, an Old Town native, addressed more than 1,700 students at the University of Maine’s 217th Commencement on May 11 in Orono. Ziegelaar, the operations manager for NASA’s International Space Station Research Integration Office, is responsible for leading process improvements that maximize research and development on the International Space Station. She is in…