Ten Black Bears competed in last winter’s Olympics in Italy By Chad Finn ’94 Two current athletes came home with precious medals. Another came oh-so-close to doing the same. And all 10 former University of Maine athletes that competed in the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, over three weeks in February came…
Good Returns: Upward Bound alum and director Rusty Brown gives back to transformative program By Casey Kelly ’19G, ’25 CGS In the early 1990s as a student at Belfast Area High School, Rusty Brown ’98, ’01G admits that he was “floundering” somewhat on his educational journey. At a particularly low moment, coming off a three-day…
UMaine’s Original On-stage Bear Pair by Troy R. Bennett Ron Lisnet and Julie Arnold Lisnet’s now 43-year love affair with each other, and the University of Maine, did not begin with a thunderbolt from heaven back in 1982, when they met inside the Cyrus Pavilion Theatre. In fact, it started with a snide comment. “I…
The University of Maine is proudly represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with seven Black Bear alumni competing on the world’s biggest stage. From the ice to the bobsled, these former UMaine student-athletes are representing their countries and their alma mater in Milan-Cortina 2026. Ice Hockey Jeremy Swayman ’20 – Team USA Eduards Tralmaks ’19…
This Black History Month, we’re honoring two trailblazing University of Maine alumni whose legacies reflect leadership, service, and lasting impact, both on campus and beyond. Jim Varner ’57, was one of UMaine’s first Black student-athletes, competing in football and track & field. He later returned to UMaine as Assistant Director of Admissions for Minority Recruitment…
by John Ripley ’90 Robert Dana’s ’80 curriculum vitae is impressive enough — it boasts a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt — but his true legacy is etched not on parchment but in smiles, high-fives, hugs, tough-love advice, and shoulders for crying. And laughing. Lots of laughing. You cannot look at an image of Robert Dana without…
On August 5, 1875, six recent alums (they were all recent alums back then!) met to form what is known today as the University of Maine Alumni Association. Of course, this month marks 150 years since that meeting, so it seems most appropriate to turn our alumni spotlight this month onto the six alums who…
The University of Maine’s Athletic Department is in the beginning stages of an unprecedented investment in upgrades to athletic facilities. An addition to the Alfond hockey arena, new soccer and track facilities, new field hockey complex, a new softball field, and a new basketball arena are all included in the expansion that will give UMaine…
Nate Wildes ’12 of West Bath, ME, has been elected chair of the Board of Directors of the University of Maine Alumni Association. The board held its election of officers and directors at the Association’s annual meeting on June 13 in Portland. Wildes is managing partner of Flight Deck Brewing in Brunswick and also…
In 1925, Mildred “Brownie” Schrumpf graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Home Economics, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree. A century later, as we look back on 150 years of UMaine Alumni greatness, we reflect on the enduring impact of a woman whose passion for Maine’s…
On Saturday, May 10, grads were invited to campus for a “Hearty Maine Farewell,” a new program started by UMaine Student Life this year. The campus was open for graduates and their guests to revisit favorite spots before graduation, shop at the UMaine Bookstore, and enjoy local eats at a food truck hub. Photographers were…
In 1935, Maine Day began as a campus cleanup, later evolving into a celebration; in fall of 2024, it transitioned to Spirit Week, a full week of beautification, service, and school spirit events. April 30, 2025 was reserved for Maine Day of Service this year, and it did not disappoint. From beautification projects to a…