The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Alumni Board of Directors has announced that Robert “Bob” Tarpey, an Athletic Trainer for the Toronto Blue Jays organization, has been named the recipient of its 2015 Distinguished Recent Alumni Award. Tarpey will be presented with the award during the University Day luncheon at Noon on Wednesday, April 15, in the Campus Center.
A member of UMPI’s Class of 2003, Tarpey earned his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training. He went on to receive his Master’s degree in Athletic Training from California University of Pennsylvania in 2005, before beginning his career in baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 2006. For the past five seasons, he has served as an Athletic Trainer for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. In August 2014, he was honored with the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society [PBATS] Eastern League Athletic Trainer of the Year Award.
Tarpey received a major honor in December 2014—he was named the 2014 Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year by PBATS. He was presented with his national award in early December by PBATS at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings in San Diego. Voted on by his athletic training peers in PBATS, this award is given annually to an athletic trainer that exemplifies the best in athletic training for their players and demonstrates a deep concern for the community and fellow athletic trainers.
Tarpey has returned to his alma mater several times to guest lecture for the Athletic Training Program, and he visits with UMPI alumni and students during the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association District conference. A native of York, Maine, Tarpey now resides in Watertown, Mass., with his wife Erin.
“Robert, or Bob as we all know him, is an outstanding athletic trainer and was recently recognized by his local peers as well as the national organization of minor league athletic trainers. Bob is an outstanding educator, whether it be one on one with an athlete or with a group of students—in both situations, he shares his vast knowledge with clarity and enthusiasm,” Barbara Blackstone, Chair of the College of Professional Programs and Education, said in nominating Tarpey. Blackstone also serves as the Athletic Training Education Program Director for UMPI.
“Since graduating from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Bob has exemplified to our current students what anyone with passion and dedication can accomplish upon graduation,” said Nicole Fournier, Interim Director of Alumni Relations. “Bob has made, and continues to make, excellent contributions in his career field, to his University, and to the larger community. If the past is any indication of the future, the state and the athletic training community will be well served by him for years to come. The University is proud to call Bob one of our own.”
The Distinguished Recent Alumni Award is given to a graduate who has been out of college between 2-12 years and has distinguished himself or herself in his or her career or service to community. Past honorees include Scott Boucher ’00, Craig Cormier ’06, Bryan Thompson ’03, Erika Valtinson ’05, Neal Labrie ’97, Michael P. Johnston ’02, Alana Margeson ’00, Cory LaPlante ’13, and Megan (Fowler) Stanley ’09. This is the tenth time the award will be presented during University Day, an event that heightens student awareness of the work being done by peers and how that work applies to service and the professional life of a community.
