UMFK News Releases

Each year the University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni Association recognizes a UMFK alumnus or alumna 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 their career and/or personal life, please take the time to nominate them online at https://www.umfk.edu/alumni/outstanding-alumni-award/.

The deadline for submission is February 28, 2023. 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.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations of individual student-athletes, teams, coaches, and administrators for induction into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Nominations will be accepted through February 28, 2023. The induction ceremony will be held during UMFK’s Homecoming weekend in September.

The UMFK Athletic Hall of Fame was established to recognize the men and women who have distinguished themselves in the field of athletics by their performance on UMFK athletic teams, through their achievements after graduation from the University, or by their efforts on behalf of UMFK Athletics.

Nominations will be accepted in the following categories: athlete, team, coach/administrator, and special inductee.

Any alumni or friend of UMFK may submit a nomination for consideration by a 15-member selection committee, which consists of students, athletes, coaches, faculty, administrators, and alumni of the University. Nominees must receive at least 70 percent of the vote of the selection committee to be eligible for induction into the UMFK Athletic Hall of Fame.

A complete list of the eligibility requirements, the selection process for inclusion in the Athletic Hall of Fame, and an online official nomination form are located on the UMFK athletics website at https://athletics.umfk.edu/hof/.

Nomination forms may be obtained on the UMFK campus at the Athletics Department (Sports Center).

For more information, please contact Tara Kelly at (207) 834-7574.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Alumni Association is pleased to announce its second annual Ski, Shoe, Ski Winter Triathlon event on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

“UMFK is full of outdoor opportunities and adventure – The Alumni Association’s Ski Shoe Ski Fundraiser is a chance for UMFK and the community to engage with each other and enjoy the beautifully groomed trails at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center and Lonesome Pine Trails while raising money to serve the students of UMFK,” said UMFK’s Foundation Officer, Shannon Lugdon.

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 competitors’ categories, such as youngest, oldest, fastest, the best costume, judges’ choice, and more!

“Ski Shoe Ski is a fun community and family event that promotes wellness for people of all fitness levels in the beautiful northern Maine winter. Through Ski Shoe Ski, the Alumni Association is able to build strong community connections and make a college education a reality for many UMFK students facing financial challenges,” said UMFK’s Alumni Association President, Don Chouinard.

Registration is $20 for an individual and $45 for a team of three. Registration at: https://www.umfk.edu/alumni/ski-shoe-ski-fundraiser/

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

The trustees of the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation (MeHEAF) are pleased to announce the awarding of a scholarship for $1,000 to Julia Labbe of Eagle Lake. Julia is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management at the University of Maine at Fort Kent, where she maintains a high grade-point average.

Josh Steirman, director of government relations of the Maine Bankers Association, made the presentation to Labbe on Tuesday, December 6th at Katahdin Trust Company, in Fort Kent, with members of UMFK faculty and staff, local bank representatives, and Julia’s parents.

Participating schools select scholarship recipients who are in their second, third, or fourth year of study and are Maine high school graduates majoring in a business-related subject. The schools choose recipients based upon academic standing. The MeHEAF awards all scholarships for second-semester expenses.

Julia Labbe is a 2021 graduate of Community High School in Fort Kent and currently works at Corriveau’s Hilltop Blossoms. Julia will graduate from UMFK in May of 2024.

Organizers formed the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation in the 1950s as a guarantee fund for student loans. The founders included a wide range of banks, businesses, community organizations, and individuals. In 1990, the MeHEAF trustees, to continue the original intent of the founding members, initiated a scholarship program funded by the return on the original loan guarantee funds. The Maine Bankers Association, now located in Westbrook, manages the fund.

MeHEAF has given thirty-three scholarships to UMFK students to date. UMFK also has a plaque with each student’s name and year awarded, which the University displays in the Grindle conference room located in Cyr Hall.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent was well represented with awards for high-achieving athletes and coaches at the 2022 USCAA National Conference in November.

Jermaine West: USCAA Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year

Jermaine stepped in to fill the head coach role late into the season but made an immediate impact. His players connected immediately, and they hit the ground running with a successful season that ended with
the USCAA National Championship title.

“This is not a team; this is a family. Coaching this group, I couldn’t ask for anything more. It was a pleasure to work with this group of ladies, and if I could go back and do it all over again, I would without
hesitation,” said West.

Tara Kelley: USCAA Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year

2022 was Tara’s second season. In addition to a 16-game win streak, she elevated the volleyball program to a runner-up finish. She was able to mix in several new athletes with the returners and create a cohesive group.

“This team was built differently from the start,” said Kelley. “They have the leadership, encouragement, positivity, and energy that every team strives for. With every game, win or loss, they found positives that
they reflected on. They also found things they individually needed to work on.”

Beatriz Garrido Jaramillo: USCAA Student-Athlete of the Year

Beatriz (Bea) is slated to graduate in the spring of 2023 with a bachelor of science degree in Behavioral Science (MHRT/C concentration) with a minor in Criminal Justice. The senior volleyball setter is not only
a leader on her team but also serves as the SAB president, student senate secretary, and helps out anywhere she is needed. Her high GPA also has her on the All-Academic Team.

“Bea is a great ambassador of UMFK. She embodies everything you want in a student-athlete,” said UMFK Athletic Director Carly Flowers. “She is a good teammate and heavily involved on campus. I
have enjoyed getting to know Bea and watching her compete. This honor is very much deserved!”

* All-Academic Athletes need to maintain 24 or more credits on their USCAA transcripts and hold overall (cumulative) grade point averages of 3.50 (on a 4.00 point system) or greater.

For more information about athletics at UMFK, contact Carly Flowers at (207) 834-7571.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent made a strong representation at the 2022 USCAA Division I National Championships with both the men’s and women’s Bengal soccer teams as well as the women’s volleyball team making the playoffs. All UMFK teams entered the tournament as the #1 seeds. Both of the Bengal soccer teams brought home national titles and the UMFK volleyball team gave a strong representation with a second-place finish.

Men’s Soccer Highlights: After a memorable season, the UMFK Men’s Soccer team came off the field with the esteemed USCAA Division I National Championship title. This was the third attempt at the finals since Head Coach Oniqueky Samuels was appointed to his position in 2018 to give him and his nine seniors their first victory.

In 2021, the Bengals lost on penalty kicks against the same opponent — Bryant and Stratton – Syracuse, and the team felt the additional pressure when the outcome once again came down to penalties where the Bengals outshot their competition.

“The team played a high-energy game that was fluent and efficient. Although we did not capitalize on them in regulation, we moved the ball well and created many good scoring opportunities,” said Coach Samuels, “Even though it was nerve-wracking to find ourselves in the same situation as last year, this time around, we were able to come out victorious in the penalty shootout.”

In the last two championship tournaments (2021 & 2022), UMFK only conceded one goal in regulation time.

The 2022 season prepared the team well with high-level match-ups that proved to be their most challenging season. They played NCAA DI University of Connecticut and St. Francis, NCAA DII Palm Beach Atlantic, Nova Southeastern University, Franklin Pierce and Assumption College, and NAIA Giant: West Virginia Tech. During the regular season game, they also defeated Defending USCAA Champions (Bryant and Stratton – Syracuse) at their home (0-3).

“Our accomplishments this past season were based on our team’s chemistry and how well we worked together towards the same goal,” said Samuels.

The MVP of the tournament was third-year student and UMFK goalkeeper, John Amoah. He saved three penalties in the final match and held a clean sheet in the finals.

“He is a top-quality goalkeeper and has exceptional talent,” said Samuels.

Other honors included All Tournament Team members: Markell Holness, Aaron Boateng, Jaheim McIntosh, Ajay Chin, and Ronaldo Watson.

Women’s Soccer Highlights: UMFK’s Lady Bengals are no strangers to the USCAA Division I National Championships, and this year, they brought home the coveted title for the ninth time. Their opponent, Bryant and Stratton – Syracuse, beat out the Bengals in a disappointing loss in the race for the 2021 title, but the Bengal’s hard work paid off and this year’s rematch brought redemption to the Fort Kent team with a 1-0 finish.

“This is not a team; this is a family,” said UMFK Women’s Head Coach Jermaine West, “Coaching this team, I couldn’t ask for anything more. It was a pleasure to work with this group of ladies and if I could go back and do it all over again I would without hesitation.”

In the well-matched final, UMFK outshot the opposition 14-12. UMFK Goalkeeper Dominique Valadez made four saves to keep the Bobcats at bay.

“Our team showed no sign of giving up because we knew what it meant to us. We gave everything we got,” said West.

Attacking Midfielder and sophomore Sage Stroud scored the only goal of the game and was awarded MVP.

UMFK Director of Athletics Carly Flowers noted,” Sage is a tremendous player who stepped up when her team needed her most. She works hard and deserves the MVP accolades. I’m very happy for her and the team.”

Stroud was joined on the All Tournament Team by Chelsea Thornburgh, Tarece Lawrence, Dominique Valadez and Naylea Beltran-Mendoza.

UMFK Volleyball players, Kayla Iwata and Jamie Nena also made the Volleyball All Tournament Team.

For more information on the athletic program at UMFK, contact Carly Flowers at (207) 834-7571.