UMFK News Releases

The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its annual fall Open House for prospective college-bound students on Friday, November 3, 2023, to give everyone a chance to experience campus life.

Registration and a Student Fair will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the University’s award-winning Enrollment and Advancement Center. A light breakfast and refreshments will be served. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the student services that UMFK has to offer. Representatives from various offices will be available to answer questions on topics ranging from residential life, career planning and placement, and financial aid.

At 9 a.m. in the Nadeau Hall conference room, the morning session will begin with an opening welcome and remarks from UMFK’s Admissions staff, followed by a panel presentation by current students who will talk about UMFK’s campus life.

Prospective students will learn more about the academic programs held at various classrooms on campus from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The talented faculty, who foster academic excellence in the learning environment, will show students and families how learning comes alive at UMFK. There also will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions that can assist them in their educational goals.

Sodexo will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Nowland Hall, the newly renovated dining hall. UMFK student Admissions Ambassadors will lead campus tours during this time to see the campus and meet with staff.

People can register online at https://www.umfk.edu/admissions/open-house/.

Please R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, October 31st. For more information on the UMFK Open House, contact UMFK’s Admissions office at (207) 834-7600 or send an email to umfklife@maine.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent English faculty have planned a Train of Events each day, from October 11th through October 15th. Faculty, staff, students, and community members are encouraged to participate in various Harry Potter books and literacy awareness readings that are scheduled to take place after the University’s fall break, both on the UMFK campus and in the local community. Each event will include a drawing for a book gift certificate.

Professor Cannon Becker said, “Formerly known as Harry Potter Book Night, the internationally celebrated event is now Harry Potter Book Day. That day is Thursday, October 12th, but we wondered, why stop with one day?”

A series of events will give more people a chance to participate in the celebration of literacy, enjoying different flights of the imagination through readings of literature that build upon the use of imagination and help continue to increase literacy awareness.

The first Train of Events stop is scheduled at UMFK’s Blake Library from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11th. Cannon Becker said, “Costumes are not required, but you certainly may wear one if you wish. I will be dressed as Professor Minerva McGonagall for these events.” Anyone may join us here and bring something to read or to have someone else read for you. Suggestions are “spooky” poems or excerpts of longer works.

The second Train of Events stop is scheduled to take place on Harry Potter Book Day, Thursday, October 12th, at Fort Kent Elementary School at 1:30 p.m. Professor Cannon Becker will read a children’s book called “Feathers: Not Just for Flying,” by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. Cannon Becker said, “This is a science book about how feathers have many uses aside from helping birds take flight. I hope to give each of the students a little feathered boost of confidence, knowing that they can do many things and are learning more each day. I hope they will also keep their imagination strong.”

The third Train of Events stop is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 13, in UMFK’s Bengal Student Center from 2 to 4 p.m. Similar to the first event but focused on UMFK students, student volunteers are invited to read some of their favorite pieces, including excerpts of longer works, poems, song lyrics, or original work they have written themselves. As usual, costumes are fine but not required. Additionally, both books and movies may be discussed.

The fourth Train of Events stop is going to be held at noon at Fort Kent Public Library on Saturday, October 14th. This event is open to the public, where attendees may read along with the English faculty, being mindful of the ages in the audience when selecting material to read. Professor Cannon Becker says, “I will probably read excerpts from the Harry Potter books and a brief selection from Mary Stewart’s The Little Broomstick.”

The fifth Train of Events stop is going to be held at First Mile Brewing Company at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 15th. Enjoy a brew – Harry Porter, Butterbeer Selzah, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. This is where the Train of Events stops, but all are encouraged to stay on board and keep sharing a love for reading, especially the Harry Potter Book Series. Professor Geraldine Cannon Becker said, “Here, we will wrap up this Train of Events, share some highlights, and plan for next year. We’d love to see you. Get on board!”

For more information on the Train of Events, please contact Professor Cannon Becker at geraldine.becker@maine.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Blake Library Gallery will feature a collection of photographs entitled, Friends & Family by UMFK alumnus Darrell McBreairty during the month of October.

Friends & Family is a collection of color prints from transparencies and negatives shot by McBreairty over several decades.

McBreairty completed classes in portraiture and commercial photography at the New York Institute of Photography in Manhattan in 1970 and has had a number of exhibits in different locations over the years.

In addition to his work as a photographer, McBreairty has published a number of books available at Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing online.

The exhibit may be viewed during UMFK’s Blake Library hours. For more information on the exhibit or library hours, please contact Gallery Curator Sofia Birden at 207-834-7527.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Board of Visitors is encouraging the public to attend a Business Breakfast that will take place on Friday, September 22nd, at 7:30 a.m. in the Nadeau Hall conference room on the UMFK campus.

Panelists for the event will be Duane Belanger, UMFK Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Dr. Erin Soucy, Dean of Undergraduate Nursing and Associate Provost.

The panelists will discuss how the UMFK Nursing Program is expanding to enhance the nursing workforce training with its new Immersive Interactive Simulation Center. This is the first of its kind in New England.

A tour of the immersive simulation center will be available after the presentation.

The state-of-the-art center will provide UMFK nursing students with hands-on clinical training to develop the skills necessary to facilitate positive patient outcomes without risk. It includes Immersive Interactive software featuring 360-degree projections on classroom walls and floors, allowing students the benefit of virtual reality educational experiences, complete with smells, sounds, and tactile stimuli. The center also includes high-realism manikins to resemble interactions with real patients. UMFK’s immersive simulation center is the result of a grant written by Belanger and funded through workforce development funds through the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan (MJRP).

Tickets for the breakfast are $12.00 and can be purchased by credit card online. The deadline for registration is Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Please contact Lisa Roy at (207) 834-7504 or email at roylisa@maine.edu for more information.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni Association will host its Homecoming Brunch at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Sports Center during the University’s annual Homecoming Weekend.

The brunch tickets are $10 per person. The public is encouraged to attend the Homecoming Brunch.

At the brunch, the Alumni Association will honor and recognize the 2023 Outstanding UMFK Alumni Award recipient, Dr. Rachel E. Albert, from the graduating class of 1985.

The selection as this year’s Outstanding Alumni is based upon a nomination received, “Dr. Rachel E. Albert embraces her roles of teaching, scholarship, service, and practice wholeheartedly. While Dr. Albert excels in so many areas, she strives for continuous improvement, always reflecting and examining her own efforts and setting new professional goals. Her commitment to the success of UMFK’s nursing students is invaluable. Further, she is committed to the success of UMFK’s nursing program and campus as a whole. Her contributions to the nursing program are substantial and outstanding.”

In addition to her many years of dedicated service to the campus community academically, Dr. Albert held administrative positions, such as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, and Executive Director of Planning and Assessment, to name a few. Continuous commitments and contributions to the St. John Valley, Aroostook County, and the state of Maine, such as being a member of the Leadership Team for Closing the Gap, Social Determinants of Health Acceleration Plan; Chair and member of the steering committee of the Aroostook Public Health Council; Board Member of Fish River Rural Health; corporator for Northern Light Health; and team leader and evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Dr. Albert graduated from UMFK, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 1990 and a Ph.D. in Nursing Science in 2001.

She has over 30 years of experience in higher education at UMFK. Currently, Dr. Rachel E. Albert is a Professor of Nursing and Allied Health and teaches undergraduate and graduate online courses in Healthcare Research and Evidenced-Based Practice, Transcultural Nursing, Ethics and the Law, Integrative Nursing Practice, Ethical Leadership, and Global Health.

During the brunch, the alumni present from the following classes will be recognized: 1943, 1953, 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003, and 2013.

You may purchase your ticket(s) online through the Homecoming Events Registration page or by contacting Shannon Lugdon at (207) 834-7800 or by email at shannon.lugdon@maine.edu.

Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, September 8, 2023.

The Alumni Association is pleased to welcome you to the UMFK campus for the 2023 Homecoming Weekend taking place on September 22nd – 24th. We hope you will also join us on the UMFK campus for a weekend of celebration and fun activities that include UMFK Bengals soccer and volleyball games and special events. All alumni, students, family, friends, and community members are invited to attend.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent proudly announces the dedication of its newly lit soccer field, the “MICHAEL SIMON FIELD.”

Please join us for a special Light the Field event on Friday, September 22, 2023, beginning at 4:00 pm at Michael Simon Field. This will kick off UMFK’s Homecoming Weekend and will feature the Fort Kent Community High School Warriors playing a double-header, with the first game beginning at 5:00 pm.

Festivities will include activities to suit all ages and interests. There will be inflatable bouncy houses, obstacle courses, and field games, and a quiet play area will be available for children and the young at heart.

The public is encouraged to attend, and the first 300 people who check into the event will receive $10 food truck vouchers!

Lighting the UMFK soccer field has been a top UMFK capital priority for years. Michael’s brother, Jamil, funded the project in memory of his late brother, Michael Simon, and the field has been renamed for Michael Simon. Michael, who passed away last June, was beloved on the UMFK campus and in town and was a Fort Kent resident for almost 40 years.

The “Light the Field” event is an opportunity to remember Michael and celebrate the caring bond between him, UMFK, and Fort Kent at large. The official dedication will take place during halftime. UMFK’s soccer teams will take the field along with Athletic Director Carly Flowers, UMFK President Deb Hedeen, and UMFK Foundation President Stephanie Chick to raise a toast to Michael Simon. In honor of Michael’s love of the color red and Diet Coke, giveaways will feature Diet Coke, red drink koozies and cups, as well as many glow-in-the-dark and light-up toys.

Please join us for this event to honor Michael as UMFK celebrates having lights for the first time on the Michael Simon Field.

For information regarding the dedication and to register for UMFK Homecoming events, please go to the UMFK Homecoming webpage or call Shannon Lugdon at 207-834-7800.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes will welcome author Joseph Ralph Theriault for the launch of both volumes of Moulins du Madawaska/Mills of Madawaska on Sunday, September 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Powell Hall, room 123 (Acadian Archives entrance) on the UMFK campus. The event is free and open to the public.

The book is the culmination of years of research on an essential aspect of Valley history. From the dawn of the Acadian era in the Madawaska territory, the flour mills, sawmills, and wool carding mills produced the food, shelter, and clothing necessary to sustain the local community. The first volume focuses on the culture and history of twelve of the early mills in the St. John Valley, while the second volume is a historical register of the 250 mills that existed in the Valley from 1785 to 1985.

The son of Théodule and Elsie Dubé Theriault, Joseph Ralph Theriault grew up in Upper Frenchville, Maine. He is an electrical engineer by profession and is a retired officer of the United States Air Force. He worked for the Raytheon Company in Lexington, Massachusetts, for many years. Mr. Theriault founded the Terriot Acadian Family Society in 1999, which boasts about 125 members.

“These two volumes represent a colossal undertaking,” said Patrick Lacroix, the director of the Acadian Archives. “Mr. Theriault’s work helps us understand countless facets of Valley history. It is a privilege to be able to welcome him to campus and to share his work with the community.”

The event is organized by the Acadian Archives with the support of the Terriot Acadian Family Society, the publisher of Moulins du Madawaska/Mills of Madawaska.

The author will offer remarks and answer questions. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing. Copies will be available for sale on-site. Softcover editions of volume one and volume two are priced at $15 and $25, respectively; hardcover copies are $25 and $35.

For more information on the book launch, please contact Patrick Lacroix at (207) 834-7535.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its fourteenth annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Ceremony on Saturday, September 23rd, in the University’s Sports Center during the University’s Homecoming weekend.

Following very successful classes before whose achievements and contributions exemplify the ideals of good citizenship, these three inductees of the UMFK Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 are a distinguished group in their own right. Odean Irons graduated from UMFK with a bachelor of science degree in social science in 2018; Samantha Carapelluci graduated at UMFK earning a bachelor of science degree in behavioral science in 2017; and Brianna Krystek earned her bachelor of science degree in biology at UMFK in 2017.

Each of these individuals to be inducted had a big impact on Bengal athletics as an athlete and has contributed to their communities since.

In addition to the induction ceremony, Derrick Cooper, who graduated at UMFK in 2008 earning a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, will be honored as the recipient of the Floyd “Red” Powell Award.

The Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony begins at 5 p.m. with a social followed by a banquet and awards ceremony. The public is encouraged to attend.

Tickets for the banquet are $40 per person and may be purchased online using the Homecoming event registration form or through the Athletic Department, located at the Sports Center.

The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, September 4, 2023.

For more information on the induction ceremony or tickets, please contact Susan Tardie at 207-834-7557 or by email at: susan.tardie@maine.edu.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Blake Library, in collaboration with the St. John Valley Senior College, will host American Pop Artist and Author Michael Albert’s famous art program and discussion on Wednesday, August 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Blake Library.

The program is designed for ages 17 and up, and there will be limited seating. Please contact Sofia Birden, Blake Library Director, at 207-834-7527 or sbirden@maine.edu to sign up or for more information.

The “Modern Pop Art Experience” generally includes an artist appearance (Meet the artist!) and an artist talk and presentation, where Mr. Albert introduces himself to the group and shows examples of his works. Then he will hold a hands-on collage workshop, where participants will get to create their own collages using the same materials he uses to create his serious works of art.

At the end of the program, each participant will leave with a free poster. Mr. Albert will have on-site about 20 different prints, which he has self-published in limited quantities, to choose from as a special gift for coming to the event.

In addition, that evening, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Fort Kent Public Library will host Mr. Albert’s Pop Art program for families and their children.

Again, there will be limited seating, so please contact Director Andrew Birden at 207-834-3048 or by fortkentpubliclibrary1@gmail.com to sign-up and for further details.

Michael Albert will bring his nationally renowned “Modern Pop Art Experience” art programs to more than 85 cities in 11 states this summer and to many in Maine and Canada for the first time. He has run this program for over a decade and has brought it to more than 1,000 libraries, museums, arts events, and schools in 43 states. Michael Albert is in Maine from July 29th through August 12th and will run his programs throughout the state of Maine.

Mr. Albert was born and raised on Long Island in New York and currently lives and works in White Plains, New York. Albert is the author of an artist autobiography titled “An Artist’s America” (Henry Holt, 2008), and he is nationally known for making collage artworks from cereal boxes and other printed cardboard consumer brand packages. His work has been described as a cross between pop art, cubism, and recycling.

Albert’s pop art is often referred to as “modern” since he has been creating it for the past 25 years and continues to create new works on a regular basis, whereas the Pop Art movement began almost 70 years ago with the ‘old masters’ such as Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, and others who started creating art themed about everyday things (products and objects) and subjects (current events, etc.).

Albert’s official beginning as a Modern Pop artist back in 1996 was his Frosted Flakes box collage. He calls this collage “Portrait of An American Classic: The Birth of Cerealism.” Since that breakthrough creation, he has created over 700 collages from cereal boxes such as this, and thousands more with different themes, using the same everyday materials in all artworks.

He said his true goal in all his works and effort is to create a masterpiece worthy of hanging in a major museum like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

Please be sure to sign up for this interesting and fun art workshop held at UMFK’s Blake Library and the Fort Kent Public Library.