As the State of Maine’s commissioner of economic and community development, Heather Finnemore Johnson ’92 coordinates the efforts of more than two dozen experts across several government bureaus. Their mission: to help communities and businesses plan and prosper through a variety of programs that provide everything from targeted tax relief to community block grants to…
The UMaine Sports Hall of Fame will induct 7 individuals and a team this fall, adding athletes from men’s soccer, cross country, football, women’s soccer, field hockey, track & field, and baseball. This year’s Hall of Famers were selected by the M Club and approved by UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Athletic Director Ken Ralph. The…
When the mission that accomplished the United States’ first moon landing, Apollo 11, took off Dick Cattelle ’64 was a young engineer helping prepare for the Apollo 12 launch, the second moon landing which occurred four months later. On the 50-year anniversary Cattelle reflects on his experience with NASA, stating that it was an exciting…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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),…
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…
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…
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…