Hello, classmates!
Do you remember your first year as a student at UMaine? For me it was exciting and terrifying! I was 500 miles from my home in New York and didn’t know anyone on campus. Luckily, I had a great roommate, Larry Schaub from Springfield, MA. We lived in Dunn Hall overlooking the football field. As an engineering major, I remember writing my first computer programs using an IBM card punch machine. We’d type out each line of code on a card, then drop off the stack of 50 or more cards to the computer center desk and be back in the morning to pick up our printed-out results. The digital world has certainly changed since 1972!
What are your memories from freshman year at Orono?
I received an email from Janet LePage Beecher, who writes that she lived in Stuart Commons and participated on the swim team when she attended UMaine. She added that she was invited to receive her varsity letter at Homecoming weekend. Janet is a retired clinical RN, with 45 years of service.
Mike and Elaine Towne Fletcher sent an update to all their classmates. Mike was a CPA, and CFO and part owner of a construction company. Elaine taught art in Yarmouth for 30 years, where they raised their three sons. After retiring, they began hiking, then bought a small motor home and explored the USA, from northern Maine to California. They made three two-month cross-country trips, exploring 31 national parks, and totaling over 31,000 miles in 37 states. In 2025 they celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends, including many University of Maine buddies they’d kept in touch with over the years. Shout out to our Gannett and Andro peeps!
Please send an update to let your classmates know what you’ve been up to. Stay well and hope you’re having a good winter!