Hello, Class of 2021!
I hope that you are out and enjoying the warmth, as well as the beautiful, vibrant colors that come with summer. While the university campus is quiet, the bright green grass on the mall reminds me of the new year to come. We’ll be welcoming new and returning Black Bears, families, as well as alumni back in due time, but until then, I invite you to share any news or events in your life that you’d like your classmates to hear. Send them to me at jasmine.olivares@maine.edu or on UMaineAlumni.com.
Megan Howell’s talents have brought her far but have also brought her back home for an exciting opportunity. Megan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education and then earned her master’s degree at Oklahoma State University. She later embarked on the national tour of The Addams Family musical, earning a spot in their pit orchestra after having previously played for the Little Women national tour.
While The Addams Family has Megan playing nationally, she did get an opportunity to visit her home state of Maine for a show at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor in March. Megan was known for her musical ability and friendliness while on campus, so it’s surely exciting to see this Black Bear make waves then and now as she continues on her professional music career.
Another Black Bear making big waves is Jeremy Swayman, former goalie for the Maine Black Bears men’s ice hockey team, who since graduation has played as goalie for the Boston Bruins. In the winter of 2024, Jeremy was one of 12 professional hockey players chosen to play in the National Hockey League’s 2024 All Star Game. His continued success on the ice led to him to be chosen for Team USA this past winter for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. Jeremy is currently on the roster for the US Men’s National Ice Hockey team, hopefully playing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
Shane Miller is the lands manager for Baxter State Park in Millinocket. In this role, he leads all aspects of Baxter State Park’s scientific forest management area, playing a pivotal role in the sustainable cultivation of timber, and working closely with regional partners, advisory committees, and maintenance staff to ensure the park’s future.
Shane earned his bachelor’s in forestry and held previous roles such as field crew leader and laboratory aid with the UMaine Cooperative Forestry Research Unit, and as a wildland firefighter with the US Forest Service. He is also a member of the Society of American Foresters, and received the Dwight B. Demeritt Forestry Award at UMaine, recognizing the top students in the School of Forest Resources and Wildlife.
The last student I’d like to share news about is Brendan Gilpatrick G, who was inducted into the UMaine Augusta (UMA) Hall of Fame in May 2023. Brendan is the first coach in UMA history to win a USCAA National Invitational Championship in women’s track and field. Since his time at UMA, he has played a key role in the development and implementation of off-season training programs and improved gym facilities for student athletes. Brendan is also known for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for athletes, ensuring they are met with support in their academic and personal needs.
That’s a wrap on some updates for the Class of 2021. As always, the class notes are shared twice a year in the MAINE Alumni Magazine and online. Updates about the lives and careers of the Class of 2021 are always welcome. I hope you all get to enjoy the rest of the summer. Fall will see us soon enough!
Take care, Black Bears!