Happy summer, classmates! I hope all is well in your world. Is it just me or do the years pass faster every year since we graduated?! Here are some updates from our classmates:
Jason Bolton ’08G, ’12 Ph.D. has been named associate dean at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. He will provide leadership for strategic initiatives within the organization, which conducts community-based, research-driven programs throughout Maine to grow its food-based economy. He will also continue as the area coordinator of innovation engineering in the Maine Business School. Previously, Jason was a UMaine Extension professor and the state food safety specialist.
Imke Schessler-Jandreau ’08G is now serving on the Bangor School Committee. Congratulations!
The Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce annual business awards dinner in January honored area business and community leaders. Kristen McAlpine ’08 was presented with the Sarah Dubay Professional Service Award, dedicated to Sarah Dubay ’97, ’00G, who died in 2021. Kristen is assistant vice president and senior business development officer at First National Bank, and she received the award because of her generous spirit, donating her expertise to the chamber and the community at large.
In February, the University of Maine’s Honors College held the first webinar of their new Alumni Connections series. This allows current Honors scholars preparing to work on their theses to connect with alumni with advice to share. Seth Robertson was one of three on the panel. He was a microbiology major whose thesis was about arsenic in Maine mill waters. He is a member of the Honors College Board of Advocates, which serves to advise Honors scholars and faculty on community and connections.
GoBlackBears.com did a great profile on Jermaine Walker ’09G for Black History Month this past February. The piece discussed Jermaine’s perspective on the impact and importance of the month and how a coach at UMaine really shaped his mindset. Jermaine has done quite a lot since graduation. His work has included teaching special education, nine years in law enforcement, owning a food truck, and selling life insurance. He is currently working as a real estate agent at EXP Realty.
Please keep in touch, friends, your classmates would love an update from you! Email me anytime with news to share.