UMFK News Releases

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Alumni Association is pleased to announce the first annual Ski, Shoe, Ski Winter Triathlon event on March 20, 2022.

“This fun event combines three different winter activities into a race here in Fort Kent,” said UMFK’s Foundation Officer, Shannon Lugdon. “Participants can compete individually or as part of a team.”

The race begins at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center for a loop of cross-country skiing and then switches to a snowshoe hike up the side of the Lonesome Pines Trails hill. The race ends with participants speeding down a designated section of Lonesome Pine Trails. Prizes will be awarded in several competitor categories such as, youngest, oldest, fastest, slowest, costumes, and more!

“While this event is a competition, we’re hoping people have fun participating in the three legs of the race,” said UMFK’s Alumni Association President, Sue Devoe. “These are the most popular things to do in Fort Kent in the winter so we thought it would be interesting to put them together in a race.”

Proceeds from the registration will go toward installing lights on UMFK’s soccer field. “This is a much-needed addition to the athletics program at UMFK,” said Lugdon. “Currently the teams must practice during daylight hours which gets tricky as the days get shorter. This would allow for greater flexibility in their practice and game schedules.”

Registration is $20 for an individual and $45 for a team of three. Registration opens on January 21, 2022, and can be completed here: https://www.umfk.edu/alumni/giving/ski-shoe-ski/ [link no longer active]

For more information, please call Shannon Lugdon at 207-834-7800 or go to www.umfk.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) is pleased to announce the creation of a new Arctic Studies Minor within the Arts & Sciences degree programs.

“We are excited to offer this new academic minor in Arctic Studies for students in Maine and beyond that connects with the University of Maine Arctic Initiative,” said Dr. Kaisa Holloway Cripps, assistant professor of business at UMFK.

“The environment, security, and economic stability of the Arctic is a strategic imperative for both the globe and the state of Maine,” added Dr. Michael Curran, assistant professor of business at UMFK.

The primary goal of the Arctic Studies minor is to make a positive and enduring difference in the world through education, research, and outreach. The minor connects undergraduate students with research and learning experiences in the University of Maine System where they can study the people, cultures, environment, governance, and contemporary issues of the Arctic and Circumpolar regions in an interdisciplinary program.

“This project will further connect UMFK and the University of Maine System with our current governor’s pledge of Arctic nation partnerships to combat climate change, strengthen trade, and provide for research opportunities,” said Dr. Leo Trudel, associate professor of business at UMFK. “Being an Arctic partner is also an area that Senator Angus King has discussed as an important role for Maine.”

UMFK’s new minor will also spearhead the need for academic community engagement, global collaboration, and cross-institutional partnerships. The faculty and students will embrace the transformative power of technology in support of student learning and faculty research and professional development.

“As Maine’s most northern university, we embrace our location and our climate as strengths and opportunities for research and careers,” said UMFK’s President and Provost, Dr. Deb Hedeen. “Our market research has shown us that careers in this field are growing quickly and we are choosing to be a part of that growth.”

There are several degree pathways that will now utilize this minor to assist students in finding their desired career. For example, a student may opt to pursue a business degree with the Arctic Studies minor to better understand how climate change is impacting trade routes in the Arctic region. Other students might wish to pursue an Environmental Studies degree with an Arctic Studies minor to examine the flora and fauna of a region. UMFK students can also benefit from a partnership with MaineLaw which provides a degree pathway toward a law degree.

“Students want to make a difference and we aim to provide them the tools with which to do so,” said President Hedeen. “There are endless career opportunities for students who pursue any of these degree options. Including Arctic Studies as a minor in our portfolio just made sense; it is a very desirable area of study for students.”

For more information on academic programs at UMFK, please call 834-7600 or email umfklife@maine.edu.

Each year the University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni Association recognizes an UMFK alumni for their outstanding character, professional achievement, distinguished leadership, service to UMFK, and service to the community. Without your input, we are unable to present a deserving individual the appropriate recognition.

The Alumni Association Board appreciates all of the nominations that are received. If you know someone who has demonstrated success in his or her career and/or personal life, please take the time to nominate them online at: https://www.umfk.edu/alumni/awards/nomination-form/ [link no longer active]

The deadline for submission is Monday, January 31, 2022. The recipient of the award will be honored during the University’s annual Homecoming weekend in September.

If you would like to request a hard copy of the nomination form or for more information, please contact Susan Tardie at susan.tardie@maine.edu or by phone at 207-834-7557.