October 2016

Kevin McCartney, UMPI Professor of Geology and Environmental Science, is several weeks into his 8-month Fulbright research trip in Szczecin, Poland. Kevin–or Kewin as he’s been using the Polish spelling on his email sign-offs–is looking at many sediment samples from around the world in a quest to present a large scale evolutionary history of the silicoflagellate group (a single-celled group of plants). The last such study was done by a Russian colleague in 1962. He will also tackle several other major studies and conduct talks at universities throughout the country. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t making time for fun and exploration. He happened upon the Jerzy Waszyngton monument in Warsawa (pictured at right) and visited with the U.S. Ambassador to Poland (who has in his residence an original drawing by Dr. Seuss). To see that picture, and more photos of Kevin’s adventures, check out his daily photo blog at wp.umpi.edu/kevinsfulbright.

A group of University of Maine at Presque Isle students traveled to the Caribou Veterans Home on Sunday, Sept. 11 for a 9/11 service day at the veterans home. Accompanied by UMPI’s new AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer VictoriaForkus, the group spent the afternoon playing games with the residents, including lingo-bingo, dominoes and chess. Forkus explained that all AmeriCorps volunteers contribute service to their communities on both 9/11 and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and she thought it would be a good experiencefor UMPI students to join her in completing this community service. “It was a wonderful afternoon,” Forkus said, “and both the residents and students seemed to have really enjoyed it.” Pictured during their day of service are, from left, front row, Lossene and Lassana Dorleh; back row, Alyssa Finlay, Carly Bell, Sam Carpenter and Tony Duarte.

The University recently lost a long-time member of the campus community–Jeanie McGowan passed away in October. She was a major part of the building of the Northern Maine Museum of Science–she painted the dolphins, as well as Saturn and other planets and moons–was a past director of the Nylander Museum, and was the inspiration for Planet Head Day. She will be missed.

The University’s SALT Team was at it again for “Know Your Money Day” which took place on Oct. 4. Students were able to take part in the SALT Cash Cab, where money was earned for answering questions correctly about the SALT Program, loans and UMPI. For each correctly answered question, $1 was earned. Once $5 was reached, students could keep the $5 or answer a question with the chance of doubling their winnings for a total of $10. Students that walked away with $10 also earned a winner crown and a 100 Grand Candy Bar.

SALT is a program created by the American Student Assistance (ASA) that assists students with money management, loans, internships, scholarships and more.

The UMPI SALT Team will continue its efforts to visit each First Year Seminar course and develop interactive events throughout the year on campus for students to become more aware of the services SALT provides. College students and Alumni can create a SALT membership for free by visiting www.saltmoney.org to receive assistance for college and beyond.

Mainely Girls hosts their first annual fundraiser event, a Harvest Celebration Ball, on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 7 – 11 p.m. at the Aroostook Shrine Club on the Houlton Road in Preseque Isle. Sound Friendships will be playing. There will be a cash bar (Craft Beers and wine) and they will be serving small plates of food throughout the evening. They are asking everyone to come dressed as their favorite vegetable (costumes are optional); there will be prizes for the three best costumes and they will be doing a 50-50 raffle. Tickets are $25 each and are available at Morningstar Art and Framing Gallery on Main St. in Presque Isle or visit www.mainelygirls.org or call Carol Ayoob at 768-5903.

University Credit Union, a full-service financial institution with branches across the state, is pleased to welcome Jessica Ouellette as campus branch manager to its Presque Isle branch. Ouellette joins UCU with more than 14 years of experience in the financial industry.
In addition to managing day-to-day activity at the UCU branch at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center, Ouellette works closely with the university, its community and students to share financial literacy education. In her personal time, Ouellette is active in the Presque Isle community with the United Way and CompetitorME. She resides in Presque Isle with her family.

Andy Giles had his art work displayed in various places this summer. Some of his large acrylic paintings were included in the Gallery Artists Exhibition Aug. 28 – Oct. 9 at the Turtle Gallery in Deer Isle, Maine. His paintings were also shown in the summer exhibit at the Cocetta D Gallery in Albuquerque, New Mexico and he was also featured in the Collectors Guide to Art in New Mexico, 2016-2017, volume 30.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Victoria Forkus, the campus VISTA volunteer, is collecting donations and has placed boxes in the CIL, Campus Center, Wieden Hall, South Hall, Folsom Hall, Pullen Hall, Whoo’s Hut and Preble Hall.  Some of the items needed include non-perishable food, underwear and socks (all sizes), personal hygiene products, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, feminine hygiene products, shampoo/conditioner, soap, tooth brushes/tooth paste, towels, blankets, sheets, and pillowcases, sweatshirts and sweatpants, diapers/pull ups (all sizes), baby wipes, backpacks and children’s school supplies. All items will be picked up on Friday, Oct. 28. FMI: Victoria Forkus, 768-9602.

Congratulations to Abigail K. Jewett, a senior majoring in Physical Education, Teaching K-12, from Bass Harbor, ME as the September student of the month. She is the captain of the intercollegiate volleyball team and has been actively involved in Fit & Fun Day; she was the student coordinator for the Spring 2016 event. She has also volunteered for the past three years for the Wintergreen Arts Center’s “Polar Express” event. She is president of the Physical Education Major’s club and has been nominated by the Physical Education faculty for the Outstanding Future Professional award given by the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Again, congratulations Abigail!

The UMPI Owls Relay for Life Team will host its 3^rd Annual Silent Auction Nov. 7 – 10 at UMPI (tables will be set up on the 2^nd floor of Preble Hall), and everyone is invited to participate. To see the items available, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/175642442870993/. To bid on these items online, please place a bid in the comment section below the picture and your bid will be added to the list. Updates to the bids will be made every few hours to give everyone an updated high price on each item. You can also bid at Preble Hall. The bids will close at 2 p.m. on Nov. 10, when all winners will be announced. Items are added daily so check out the FB page every day. All funds raised will go to the American Cancer Society. FMI, contact Laurie Boucher at laurie.boucher@maine.edu or Lisa Leduc at lisa.leduc@maine.edu.

Please welcome Ashley Jackson as the general manager at Sodexo Dining Services here at UMPI. Ashley comes to campus with vast knowledge regarding higher education food programs and local knowledge.  She spent several years at University of Maine at Presque Isle performing various roles in dining services.  Ashley continued to grow her career as Assistant Director of Dining Service at UMF and Director of Dining Services at UMM.  Over the last several years she successfully developed a new bakery/catering business in the area. Welcome, Ashley!

UMPI invites all children 12 and under of faculty, staff and the community to participate in the 21^st annual UMPI Trick or Treating Night on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6-7 p.m., in Merriman and Park Halls. UMPI students will have the halls decorated for Halloween fun. Some of the lounges will also be decorated as haunted houses. This event is free and all children must be accompanied by an adult. FMI, contact Don Gibson at 768-9560.