Hello, classmates! I hope you are doing well and are enjoying life. We have a big class Reunion this fall during Homecoming weekend. I hope you can make it! The years pass so quickly, and yet our college memories are still so vivid and alive. Let’s plan to catch up with one another at Homecoming on October 24-25!
I heard from Ray McGowan, who is working with some former Gannett Hall classmates and the UMaine Foundation to establish a scholarship for future 2N Gannett residents. In addition, Ray is helping to plan a reunion this September for past 2N Gannett residents. Any former 2N Gannett residents interested in either activity should contact Scott Round ’76 (sfround@gmail.com), Bud Newell ’77 (cyclingbud207@yahoo.com), or Ray McGowan (rmcgowan17@verizon.net.) Ray retired in 2022 after a 30-plus year career in the environmental field, and continues to reside in Midlothian, VA.
Roy Teal retired to the mountains of northwest Montana several years ago after almost 30 years with the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he was the senior manager of geographic information and engineering. Roy notes, “The surveying engineering program at Maine did an excellent job in preparing me for an enjoyable career in GIS, mapping, and surveying.”
Roy adds that most of his time is now spent in the mountains: hiking, paddling, skiing, camping, and biking.
John Yates ’83G writes that he is a professor at the Scripps Research Institute, where he has had a research laboratory for many years. Although John has lived on the west coast for the last 35 years, he still feels a strong connection to the University of Maine.
Agronomy professor Greg Porter ’82G, who helped develop a popular new variety of potato, retired after 38 years at the University of Maine.
Robert Manter, owner and manager of Maine Pines Racquet & Fitness in Brunswick, ME, was awarded the national 2024 Manager of the Year for Small Racquet Facilities by the US Professional Tennis Association. Rob was a business major at UMaine and also played tennis for the university.
Corry Johnson shared that he is “happily retired after a 42-year career in global sales management and business development in various high-technology markets and segments.”
Debbie Gilmer ’84G retired after more than 20 years of service at Syntiro, including her role as president and executive director for the past 13 years. Debbie is esteemed for her heartfelt dedication to equity and inclusion.
James Newett ’89G, a veteran distance runner, is being inducted into the Maine Running Hall of Fame. He has 30 Boston Marathons to his credit, including 28 in succession!
Jeff Hewett, Skowhegan’s director of economic and community development, is retiring after 34 years employed with the town of Skowhegan. Jeff reports that he has never been bored at his job, noting, “It’s always been interesting.”
Looking forward to seeing you at Homecoming 2025 at our Reunion!