One thousand two hundred and seventy-eight students graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Saturday, May 10, during the University’s 2025 Commencement Exercises—more than double the number of students who graduated last year and, for the second year in a row, the largest-ever graduating class in the institution’s history.
During the University’s 116th Commencement Exercises, which included two in-person ceremonies to accommodate the large number of students planning to march, UMPI President Raymond Rice conferred degrees for the 2024-2025 academic year upon 366 undergraduate students and 34 graduate students who participated in the ceremonies. Nearly 900 more undergraduate and graduate students will be featured in UMPI’s virtual graduation ceremony, which honors those who are unable to march in-person during Commencement Exercises.
Yellow Light Breen, President and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation (MDF), addressed the graduates as this year’s commencement speaker. During the ceremony, Breen was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Breen’s passion is promoting economic and educational opportunity for all Mainers regardless of geography or background. A sought-after public speaker with a diverse background in business, public policy, and law, Breen has led the MDF—a statewide organization uniquely dedicated to advancing economic prosperity for all—since August 2015. Before his time at MDF, Breen spent 12 years as an executive with Bangor Savings Bank—including as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer—overseeing strategic planning, marketing, online banking, community development, and charitable activities. Prior to that work, he was a senior official at the Maine Department of Education and an advisor to Independent Governor Angus King. Breen has been an active volunteer in many education and economic development initiatives. He has served on the boards of organizations such as the Maine Community Foundation and Educate Maine. He also chaired Realize Maine, an ongoing initiative aimed at attracting, retaining, and supporting young professionals in the state.
During UMPI’s commencement exercises, Trustee Pender Makin delivered greetings on behalf of the University of Maine System. As well, Ginger Buck with the UMPI Board of Visitors; Lea Allen, UMPI Faculty Assembly Chair; and Kimberly Jones, UMPI Alumni Association Vice President, offered remarks on behalf of each organization, respectively. In addition, Alexis Ireland and Ashley Ramsey served as Class of 2025 Commencement student speakers.
“As we mark this momentous occasion, we commend all the members of our Class of 2025 for their dedication in pursuing their academic goals,” President Rice said. “We are so very honored to be celebrating our largest graduating class ever, and are incredibly humbled to be doing so for the second year in a row. Whether they are working parents, recent high school graduates, veterans, or individuals of any age and background dreaming of a better life, our graduates have accomplished incredible things during their time with us and we couldn’t be more proud of their achievements.”
A tradition at this year’s event was the presentation, to all marching graduates, of a special symbol of campus. Each graduate was given a lapel pin depicting a snowy owl with its wings outstretched in flight. Meant to symbolize how each of them is spreading their wings and soaring on to great heights, graduates were asked during Commencement, “Where will your wings take you?” They will have the opportunity to share their stories—about contributions they make in their career fields, ways that they serve their communities, and adventures that they have around the world—on the website www.umpi.edu/yourwings. All alums, not just this year’s graduating class, are encouraged to add their stories on this site.
A reception for graduates, family, and friends was held in the Campus Center immediately following each ceremony. This year’s Commencement ceremonies were livestreamed so that graduates, family, and friends who couldn’t attend would have the opportunity to see the Class of 2025 graduate. Viewers from around the world tuned in for the ceremony, which is now available for viewing. In addition to the in-person Commencement Exercises on May 10, UMPI will host a virtual graduation ceremony to ensure that all graduating UMPI students are recognized and given an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. This video, which will recognize all graduates who weren’t able to attend the in-person event, is slated to premiere on UMPI’s YouTube channel on Saturday, June 14.