Press Releases

From mass customized learning and zebrafish to storytelling and jogging for justice, students at the University of Maine at Presque Isle will showcase their academic research, scholarly work and community service on Wednesday, April 10, during University Day. The theme of this year’s event is Linking Generations through Teaching and Learning.

University Day is an event that heightens students’ awareness of the work being done by peers in all of the disciplines represented on campus. The annual campus event allows students to better understand how disciplines interrelate and how the academic work they do applies to the local and global community. It is also an opportunity for students to experience a professional conference format. No regular classes are held during University Day, but in their stead, students are encouraged to attend student-led presentations and talks held during six sessions throughout the day.

University of Maine System Chancellor James Page will speak on The University of Maine System: Challenges & Opportunities during the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming business breakfast, to be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 11 in the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center.

As he completes his first year as Chancellor, Dr. Page will share his perspective on Maine’s seven public universities and how they are working with our state’s businesses to drive economic development. He will also provide an update on several strategic initiatives underway during the past year at the System.

A Boston University professor who will be in Aroostook County concerning research on plant flowering and bird arrival times will pay a special visit to the University of Maine at Presque Isle to deliver a talk on climate change and how it impacts the flora and fauna Henry David Thoreau observed in his writings.

Dr. Richard B. Primack, Professor of Biology at Boston University, will speak on The effects of climate change on the plants and birds of Thoreau’s Concord on Thursday, March 28, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. in Folsom 201 (UMPI’s GIS Lab). The public is invited to attend this free presentation.

With warmer weather right around the corner, several local organizations are in the process of planning two summer triathlons, one for adults and the other for youth.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle is partnering with several community organizations and businesses—including the Wintergreen Arts Center, the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library, The Aroostook Medical Center, The Whole Potato Café and Commons, and Star City Coffee—to host its biggest celebration to date in honor of Brain Awareness Week [BAW].

There are four main components to the region’s Third Annual Brain Awareness Week festivities: a Brain Art Contest with community judging (that took place on March 1) and an award ceremony on Tuesday, March 19; a Wii Challenge on Saturday, March 16; a Ceramic Brain Painting Night on Wednesday, March 27; and a Movie Night on Friday, March 22.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host its 2nd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta on Saturday, April 20 at 4 p.m. in the Gentile Hall pool area, and this year community members are invited to join UMPI students, faculty and staff in competing for first place and bragging rights. The public also is invited to watch, cheer on the participants, and vote for their favorite boat.

Community voting will take place the day of the race from 1-4 p.m. in the Gentile Hall gym. As a special treat, the public is welcome to take part in UMPI’s Beach Bash, which will be going on in the gym from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a 65-foot-long inflatable obstacle course, mechanical surfboard, opportunity to make a wax hand, smoothies, and more.

University of Maine at Presque Isle History Professor John Zaborney has shed new light on slave labor in the antebellum South in his newly published book and the University will celebrate with a reading and book signing event with the author on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center. The public is invited to attend this special event, which will include a reception featuring light refreshments, and wine available through a cash bar.