October 2017

Anderson Giles, retired University of Maine at Presque Isle professor, was featured in several publications recently. He was mentioned in the August 2017 issue of Down East Magazine as part of its “What’s In A Picture” feature, which focused on the Phish concerts that took place in Limestone about two decades ago and the photos Giles took at those events. He was featured in the Portland Press Herald as one of the four artists participating in an exhibition at the Turtle Gallery in Deer Isle. The show included several abstract paintings by Giles. Finally, Giles was the individual spotlighted in the County Faces feature that appears in the Star-Herald, Aroostook Republican and Houlton Pioneer Times; the feature can be viewed here.

Want to view all the shows available from WUPI 92.1 FM, and the days and times they’ll be airing? WUPI staff have put together a program schedule for your viewing pleasure! Check it out here.

Everett Zuras, son of Rich and Kelly Zuras, has been named a semifinalist in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program for 2018. Zuras is among approximately 16,000 students across the country to receive this honor. Semifinalists continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring.

Dr. JoAnne W. Putnam, Professor Emerita of Teacher Education, passed away on Sept. 26. She retired from UMPI in 2015 and was the wife of UMPI science lecturer David E. Putnam. JoAnne was an inspiration to our campus community, its programs, and, above all, the students and community members we strive to serve. A memorial for JoAnne will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. in Presque Isle at the Presque Isle Congregational Church, 27 Church St., followed by a buffet luncheon and gathering at Café Sorpreso, 415 Main St., Presque Isle. Please see her obituary here.

In early October, Carol Ayoob’s Photo I class took a field trip to the former Loring Air Force Base. In the photo is Nancy Theriault, Jessica Cameron, and Alaina Sweetser. Theriault knew much of the history of that area as she used to work there.

Are you planning to complete your degree requirements in December of 2017? If so, please be aware that this year’s deadline to apply for your degree is Oct. 30. The deadline to apply to graduate in May 2018 is Nov. 30. If you have not already done so, it is strongly recommended that you contact your professional advisor to finalize your plan for degree completion. To make an appointment, you can visit the Advising Center on the first floor of South Hall, or call (207) 768-9619. The application for degree is now in your MaineStreet Student Center. Here is how to access it:

• Login to the UMPI Portal (my.umpi.edu), click on the MaineStreet icon and go to your Student Center (Student Self-Service ->Student Center).
• From the “other academic…’ dropdown, select ‘Apply for Graduation’.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your application.

****PLEASE NOTE: Some student have reported being unable to select that they wish to participate in May Commencement. If this happens to you, it’s OK to answer ‘No” to this question. This form is standard across the University of Maine System, but this question does not pertain to UMPI students because we send Commencement information to all prospective graduates.

Some of your information will be loaded automatically. If your degree information looks incorrect, please contact your professional advisor.

The UMPI Owl Relay for Life Team will be hosting its 4^th annual Silent Auction Nov. 6 – 9. This event is open to all friends and family that are interested, along with everyone at UMPI. There will be online bidding as well at https://www.facebook.com/events/292136911269748/ and if you click on the Discussion tab next to the About tab, you will be able to see the items available for bid. If you want to bid online, place your bid in the comment section below the picture and your bid will be placed on the bid sheet. All items will be set up on the 2^nd floor of Preble Hall. Online bidding will stop at 1:45 p.m. and in person bidding ends at 2 p.m. 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.

After being “out of orbit” this summer for re-painting, the planet Jupiter was returned to its spot in the Maine Solar System Model on Oct. 6. Work on the planet took most of the summer. The entire surface of the planet was recovered in fiberglass and sanded. Repair to the globe and initial primer was done by Colin Patterson and Rick Canterbury. Organization of the repainting of Jupiter was done by Richard and Deborah Jones with additional painting done by Christine Akridge and Kevin McCartney. For the full story, click here.

UMPI’s Employer U program, which focuses on providing workforce development opportunities, is offering two six-week courses this fall as part of the American Management Association’s University certificate program. Both sessions are being held at the MMG Center for Professional Development on the first floor of Kelley Commons, adjacent to the Campus Center. The two courses are How to Manage Conflict in the Workplace and Fundamentals of Human Resources. FMI on upcoming classes, contact Kim Jones at 768-9459 or email at kimberly.a.jones@maine.edu.

UMPI’s Student Organization of Social Workers, in collaboration with AMHC Sexual Assault Services, Hope and Justice Project, MicMac Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Center, and Woodstock First Nation Women held a candlelight vigil on Oct. 12. The event included a candlelight vigil and gathering, starting at Gentile Hall and finishing at South Hall. The purpose of the event was to educate people on the impact and issues of domestic violence and sexual violence. One of the many goals of the event was to empower victims of sexual assault. Approximately 50 people attended the vigil and stories of survivors of sexual violence were then read or spoken. Represented agencies shared the resources and services they offer for these circumstances.

Chief Business Officer Ben Shaw and his wife Sasha welcomed Reed Shaw on Sept. 4. Reed weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 21 inches long. Reed was even able to join us for a Surprise Baby Sprinkle Shower on Sept. 25.

Peggy Smythe, UMPI Bookstore Manager from September 1981 – 2008, passed away Oct. 8. She was predeceased by her husband William (Bill) Smythe (2011) and will be missed by her UMPI colleagues and friends, both past and present, for her many years of dedicated service to our campus and its programs, staff, and students. Please see her obituary here.