The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present Kyle Poissonnier, founder of Catalyst for Change (CFC) Wear, as the next speaker in its Libra Distinguished Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center’s Multi-Purpose Room. During his talk “Keep Doing What You’re Doing,” Poissonnier will discuss his journey, fromgrowing up in Smithfield, Maine, to launching a successful Maine-based clothing company and raising funds for mental health prevention and awareness.
His talk serves as the keynote address for UMPI’s 23rd Annual University Day. The theme of this year’s University Day and the 2025-2026 Libra Distinguished Lecturer Series is “Empowering the Future: Curiosity-Driven Discovery“. The public is encouraged to attend this free event, which will also be offered virtually through Zoom.
Poissonnier launched CFC Wear in 2016 with a single suicide awareness and prevention hoodie. Since then, CFC Wear has raised more than $100,000 for approximately 60 charities and causes, with a heavy emphasis on mental health and suicide prevention and awareness. Recipients have ranged from The Demsey Center to Maine Veterans Project to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Maine Chapter.
The hand-crafted items Poissonnier’s company creates in Biddeford, Maine allow people to tell their story in unique ways. The company’s most popular offering, owned by more than 40,000 people, is the “Just a kid from Maine” design. The design that put CFC Wear on the map is a reminder for many of where they’re from and a point of pride. CFC Wear is currently owned by one in every 26 Mainers and appears in all 50 states and more than 40 countries. CFC Wear is the only Maine clothing company to ever be carried in the L.L. Bean Flagship store. Poissonnier also has paired with over 25 high schools/colleges to create one-of-a-kind apparel for fundraising purposes.
Poissonnier is Husson University’s youngest Hall of Fame inductee. He has appeared on Fox News, CNN, NBC, and been a featured Ted Talk “TedX” speaker. He has spoken to over 20,000 audience members ranging from grade schools to universities to business functions.
His talk title “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” is a saying Poissonnier grew up hearing from his grandfather, a father figure who introduced to him the beautiful simplicity of life and the outdoors.
“Later, during the most difficult time in my life, I found its true meaning,” Poissonnier said. “Using this saying and becoming more in touch with my mental health allows for better work and better inspiration of others. When someone does something with all their heart, they allow others to dream, to be inspired, to be loved.”
During his campus visit, Poissonnier will meet with UMPI business and social work students to discuss his mission-driven business and how he uses his platform to give back. This special session will give students an opportunity to learn directly from a successful Maine businessman about entrepreneurship, social impact, and community-focused work.
Poissonnier’s talk serves as the keynote for University Day, with a full day of events following on Wednesday, April 15. From about 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., UMPI students will offer talks and presentations on their research and community service. A complete schedule of University Day activities will be made available at www.umpi.edu/uday.
The University’s Libra Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 1999. Each year, the LDLS Committee sponsors four to six speakers who come from Maine and beyond, representing a range of disciplines and viewpoints. While the emphasis tends to be on featuring visiting academics, it is not exclusively so. The speakers typically spend two days at the University meeting with classes and presenting a community lecture.
UMPI welcomes the campus and community to hear Poissonnier speak on April 14. For more information about Poissonnier, visit the CFC Wear website. For more information about this event or to get the Zoom link, contact Emma McNally at (207) 768-9525 or emma.mcnally@maine.edu.