The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s eleventh annual Scholars’ Symposium will take place on Tuesday, April 26th and Wednesday, April 27th on the UMFK campus. The theme of this year’s event is, “Perspectives: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”
“Our committee composed of faculty, students, and staff felt Perspectives was an important theme in recognition of the complexity of the diversity of perspectives and outlooks on our campus and globally,” said Dr. Kaisa Holloway Cripps, co-chair of the committee along with colleagues Dr. Michael Curran and Dr. Leo Trudel. “The theme provides a way for us to share our opinions and engage in collegial conversation to continue to build our positive campus and Fort Kent community.”
The two-day showcase of students’ academic achievements kicks-off on Tuesday evening with a talk by Acadian Archives/Archives Acadienne Director, Dr. Patrick Lacroix who will share perspectives on the Acadian and Franco communities of St. John Valley and beyond. The presentation will be held at 5:00 p.m. in Nadeau Hall.
Dr. Lacroix earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in history at institutions throughout Canada and New England. Dr. Lacroix has published several pieces in publications. He recently published in the American Review of Canadian Studies, Prelude to the “Great Hemorrhage”: French Canadians in the United States, 1775-1840.
Beginning at 7 p.m. in the Bengal’s Lair, the Student Activities department will host its annual Bengal Life Awards. The awards are presented each year to recognize individual students, faculty, and staff who demonstrate outstanding service and who make significant contributions to UMFK and to the Fort Kent community.
On Wednesday, the symposium will begin with a welcome from UMFK President Dr. Deb Hedeen at 8:30 a.m. in Fox Auditorium. She will be followed by the keynote speaker Honorable Troy Jackson, Maine State Senate president and UMFK alumnus from the class of 2001, who will speak to the UMFK campus community at 8:40 a.m.
Troy Jackson is a fifth-generation logger from Allagash, Maine. Jackson serves in the Maine Senate from District 1, representing northern Aroostook County. In 2018, he was unanimously elected president of the Maine Senate and in 2020, Jackson was re-elected to that position.
According to his webpage, “In Augusta, Troy has emerged as a health care champion, spearheading legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs, increase access to care and fund rural hospitals. He has fought for property tax relief so hardworking Mainers can afford to stay in their homes and communities. He has led the charge to protect workers’ rights and worked to promote good-paying jobs in rural Maine.”
At 9:10 a.m. in Fox Auditorium, undergraduate awards will be presented by Dr. Hedeen.
“Lightning Talks,” which are five-minute presentations that will focus on a single topic, example, idea, project, or technique will be presented by UMFK faculty and community members beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium.
The symposium will include a panel discussion by Dr. Paul Mayeswski and Dr. Alice (Pips) Veazey on “Maine and the Arctic: Perspectives on the Connections and Solutions.”
Dr. Mayewski is director and professor of the Climate Change Institute at the University of Maine and Distinguished Professor in the Schools of Earth and Climate Sciences, Marine Sciences, Policy and International Affairs, and the Business School, and Law School. He is an internationally acclaimed glaciologist, climate scientist and polar explorer, leader of many expeditions.
Dr. Veazey is director of the UMaine Portland Gateway. She has led numerous teams of students, educators, scientists, decision makers and community partners to increase research competitiveness, promote economic development efforts and expand statewide workforce programs.
Question and answer sessions will follow presentations held in the auditorium and will be monitored by the UMFK Scholar Symposium committee chairs.
The afternoon will highlight students’ research with poster sessions, presentations, and demonstrations, and the students will answer questions about their methodologies and findings. These will be held simultaneously from 1:30 pm to 3:30 p.m. around the campus.
Students can earn an Undergraduate Research Scholar micro-credential through their research and are eligible to earn awards and certificates.
The symposium is free, and the public is welcome. Please check umfk.edu for requirements related to Covid-19.
UMFK Scholars’ Symposium fosters a community of engaged educators, researchers, and life-long learners who value academic excellence, scholarship, and intellectual curiosity. Two days of stimulating presentations and discourse focuses on issues relevant to the region and to the institution’s mission, which commits to experiential learning, responsible citizenship, and environmental stewardship in its Franco-American, rural setting.
The University of Maine at Fort Kent will be the first University of Maine System school to have a pet-friendly residence hall, effective fall 2022.
The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that John Pelletier of Van Buren, will be awarded the Distinguished Service Award at UMFK’s 140th commencement ceremony on May 7, 2022. This award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to UMFK.
The trustees of the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation (MeHEAF) are pleased to announce the awarding of a scholarship for $1,000 to Megan Blanchette of New Canada, Maine. Megan is a senior business management student at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where she maintains a high grade-point average.