The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host Gary Marx, internationally renowned speaker and the Founder and President of the Virginia-based Center for Public Outreach, as the next speaker in its 2011-2012 University Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Marx has spoken in all 50 states and on six continents, constantly urging education institutions, other organizations, and individuals to stay ahead of the curve as they think and plan for the future and prepare tomorrow’s leaders. He will deliver his talk Emerging and Persistent Trends That Will Profoundly Impact Education and Our Future at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, in the Campus Center. His talk is free and open to the public. All are invited to attend a reception to be held in the Alumni Room at 6 p.m. prior to his lecture. Refreshments will be served.

From bullying and service learning in Tanzania to ADHD and demystifying sports myths, students at the University of Maine at Presque Isle will showcase their academic research, scholarly work and community service on Wednesday, April 11, during University Day. The theme of this year’s event is UMPI = Global Connections.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host its first ever Cardboard Boat Regatta on Friday, April 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the Gentile Hall pool area – with UMPI students, faculty and staff competing for first place and bragging rights – and the community is welcome to watch, cheer and vote for their favorite boat.

Event to raise funds for Cultural Center in Downtown Presque Isle

Officials with the Wintergreen Arts Center and the University of Maine at Presque Isle are collaborating to host their first ever 10×10 Art Auction, which will help them to establish a Cultural Center in the downtown area. The auction will be held Friday, May 4, from 6-9 p.m. at the Wintergreen Arts Center during the May 2012 First Friday Art Walk.

A University of Maine at Presque Isle English Professor has had his debut novel published and the University will celebrate with a reading and book signing event with the author on Monday, April 9 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.

Richard Lee Zuras, UMPI Professor of English and Creative Writing, explores Zain’s final year of childhood, his father’s dismissal from the CIA, and his family’s near disintegration in this coming-of-age work The Bastard Year, published by the independent press, Brandylane Publishers.