Class of 1966 Summer 2019 Class Notes

Dan Hillard

Hello from the North Country, and happy summer, everyone!

Nancy Erikson Ladd shared that the $1,296 Class of ’66 Scholarship was awarded to Bradle Denholm, a senior majoring in computer engineering at the university. Bradley is from Orono and is the grandson of classmate William Bacigalupo.

Philip Grant graduated with a degree in engineering physics and an MBA in 1968. He is professor emeritus at Husson University and has written 12 books, most recently Grant’s 12 Laws of Human Motivation. “Have been teaching, consulting, researching, and writing for 40-plus years. I am the founder of the effort-net return theory of motivation and satisfaction,” he wrote.

Ron Lanza, a prolific run producer on the baseball team and a co-Most Valuable Player, has been inducted into the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to being a superb athlete, I remember Ron as a gentleman on and off the field.

Carl “Stump” Merrill ’76G of Harpswell was inducted into the Maine Sports Legends Hall of Honors with six other athletes. How could any UMaine alumni forget the excitement and pride when UMaine baseball went to the College World Series in 1964? Stump was the catcher and went on to a long career with the New York Yankees.

Skippy Bradeen Mardon wrote: “I am music director at St. Paul’s United Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and also teach piano and violin at my studio, Maple Leaf Music School. I compose and arrange music, and am involved in several music associations. I’m semi-retired, while keeping pretty busy, and have lived in Canada since 1974.”

Steve Maines has done so many things and seen so many places with varied experiences, how do I begin? The Abbott native has been an engineer, soldier, a photographer, a world traveler, a humanitarian volunteer, and now an author.

In Dancing with Spirit: Reflections from the Mirror of Life he reflects upon his world travels taking photographs for various relief organizations, volunteering, and providing a worldview for his six sons. His book is available on Amazon.

Vermont governor Phil Scott appointed me (Dan Hillard) to the board of trustees of the Vermont Veterans Home, which houses 130 residents.