Happy winter! I hope classmates who made it to campus in the fall for Homecoming had a great time reconnecting with campus life and old friends. It’s hard to believe that most of us were first years 20 years ago. For me it feels like I was in my room on the first floor of Gannett yesterday. Along with celebrating our 20 years as Black Bears, we also need to celebrate the achievements of our classmates.
Brian Milakovsky, now a forest scientist at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, recently presented a webinar hosted by the Yale School of the Environment about the potential overhaul of Ukrainian forestry management as a result of the Russian invasion of the country that began in February 2022. The forests of war-ravaged eastern Ukraine have been damaged by forest fires and the construction of Ukraine defenses. This tragedy however, could open the door for policy reform to create more diverse, resilient woodlands in the future. Brian unfortunately had to flee the country, but hopes to return to Ukraine when the conflict ends to resume his work.
Derek Perkins was named the superintendent of School Union 93, serving the towns of Blue Hill, Brooksville, Castine, Penobscot, and Surry, last spring. Daniel earned this achievement after spending 15 years in various educational roles throughout the state of Maine, including most recently principal and superintendent of Cherryfield Elementary School. Derek previously worked in School Union 93 from 2019-2021 and is excited to return to the community. Those students are lucky to have you!
Hope you all are staying happy, healthy, and warm (for us who stayed in the north!). Looking forward to hearing from you and sharing your updates in the next edition.