UMFK News Releases

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Human Resources honored 22 members of its faculty and staff for their service to the University at a recent ceremony on campus. Special awards were given to employees who have been at the UMFK for five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, and thirty years of service.

President Dr. Deb Hedeen welcomed everyone at the 2023 UMFK employee recognition breakfast.

Lois Canzoni, Administrative Specialist CL3 for Student Affairs; Vanessa Degler, Administrative Specialist CL3 for Arts and Science and Professional Studies Division; Megan Desjardins, Financial Analyst for Administrative Services; Matthew Dyer, Admissions Counselor; Marilyn Epp, Assistant Professor of Public Safety Administration; Janna Gregory, Human Resources Project Assistant CL3; Russell Merriam, Facilities Maintenance Worker CL2 in Facilities Management; Kennedy Rubert-Nason, Assistant Professor of Chemistry; and Stacy Thibodeau, Assistant Professor of Nursing, were all recognized for five years of service.

Ten years of service honorees were Mark Kelly, Reading/Writing Specialist at the Student Success Center; Sandy Pelletier, Senior Lecturer of Nursing; and Denise Potvin, RN to BSN Professional Advisor.

Paul Guimond, Mechanical Specialist CL1 in Facilities Management; Brenda Pelletier, Library Specialist CL3 at Blake Library; and Tanya Sleeper, Professor of Adult Health Nursing, were all recognized for fifteen years of service.

Honorees for twenty years of service were Joseph Becker, Professor of English, and Stephen Hansen, Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies.

Melvin Belanger, Structure Specialist Carpenter CL3 in Facilities Management, was recognized for twenty-five years of service.

Robert Weyeneth, Mechanical Manager in Facilities Management, was honored with thirty years of service.

In addition to honoring employees, a special thank was given to retiring employees: Jeffrey Plourde, Building and Grounds Maintenance Worker Manager in Facilities Management for 47 years; Debra Durkin, 17 years as Library Specialist CL3 at Blake Library; and Cheryl Roberts, twelve years as an Instructor of Nursing.

On May 10th, four faculty members from The University of Maine at Fort Kent presented at the Faculty Institute Conference in Augusta. The Faculty Institute is exclusive to members of the University of Maine System and offers attendees professional development opportunities for distance educators.

Lisa Lavoie presented Multi-Campus, Interdisciplinary Faculty Interest Groups As A Vehicle For Improving University-Level Online Teaching And Learning. Lisa is an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at UMFK and also teaches at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the University of Southern Maine. She earned her Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) – Maine Studies from the University of Maine and her Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CLRC) from the University of Southern Maine. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor as well as a certified rehabilitation counselor. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of the Cumberlands.

Dr. Kennedy “Ned” Rubert-Nason is the Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UMFK. He presented Reflecting on Plants, Soils & People: A Transdisciplinary Intercampus Undergraduate Research Experience with Two-Eyed Learning. He is a chemical ecologist with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008) and a B.S. in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Virginia (2002). He co-founded the Inclusion section of the Ecological Society of America, served as a Howard Hughes Teaching Fellow, is a consistently published author, and loves doing all things outdoors. He uses a critical pedagogical approach to empower future healthcare workers, Earth stewards, leaders, and makers through collaborative, hands-on learning experiences.

Dr. Kelly White is the Assistant Professor of Computer Science at UMFK. He presented What ChatGPT and AI Mean to Higher Education. He earned his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of New England, his educational specialist degree in Educational Technology from Nova Southeastern University, and his Master of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Phoenix. He has been a community college distance education administrator since 2001, first at the Community College of Vermont and then at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. During that time, Kelly also taught 3-8 credits per semester in the computer science department. For the last three years, he has taught computer science, physical science, and physics for MSAD 1 in Presque Isle. In addition, he has presented at conferences at the local, state, national and international levels on topics about distance education best practices and human-computer interaction.

Dr. Michael Curran is an Assistant Professor of Business at the UMFK and holds a doctorate in Information Systems. He presented four topics: Thor (Tourism, Hospitality, And Outdoor Recreation) – A Study In Inter-University Collaboration, What ChatGPT and AI Mean to Higher Education, University of Maine System Student Research Network (UMS-SRN), and Lessons From Prometheus And Frankenstein: AI And ChatGPT’s Impact On Education and Beyond. Dr. Curran has been a college professor for over 30 years and has taught in multiple disciplines, ranging from the Humanities to Information Technology. He has done research into the use of Artificial Intelligence and published on the use of AI in grading assignments. Additionally, he is currently working on research assessing the relationship between English language proficiency and the likelihood of using AI to generate written work by students. Dr. Curran earned his bachelor’s degree in History from Slippery Rock University, his MBA in Business from Chatham University, and his doctorate in Information Systems and Communication from Robert Morris University.

Although it has evolved and changed through time, The Faculty Institute has existed for thirty years to help serve the UMS faculty.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent graduating seniors received their degrees at the 141st commencement exercises held at the UMFK’s Sports Center on May 6th. University President Dr. Deborah Hedeen presided over the ceremony.

UMFK President Dr. Hedeen presented Don Voisine with an honorary degree.

Peter Sirois of Eagle Lake was honored with the University’s Distinguished Service Award for his many years of service to UMFK, the St. John Valley, and the state of Maine.

University of Maine System Board of Trustee Kelly Martin addressed the graduating class.

Rachel Leigh Johnson addressed her fellow graduates. Johnson is from Brunswick, Maine, and graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in Conservation Law Enforcement and Rural Public Safety Administration.

(Graduates listed by their hometowns.)

On Friday, May 5, 2023, one hundred seventy-one University of Maine at Fort Kent nursing students graduated from the program, with twenty-eight of them attending the 39th annual UMFK Nurse Pinning Ceremony at the Sports Center on the UMFK campus.

The following BSN students received their nursing pins: Ayoola O. Ayeni (Bowling Green, KY); Kasie Blanchette (Madawaska); Mykayla J. Bresett (Van Buren); Jerranecia N. Caddell (Bridgewater, ME); Gaële Chery (Fort Kent); Olga Danilichav (Madawaska); Elizabeth L. Dufresne (Saint David); Amanda L. Godwin (Milo, ME); Sylvie L. Guimond (Fort Kent); Desiree A. Hall (Linneus, ME); Temidayo Itabiyi (Richmond, TX); Megan R. Jandreau (Wallagrass); Kalusha N. Kotes (Fort Kent); Keri La (Daly, CA); Susan E. LaVerdiere (Newcastle, ME); Leacroft Lettman, Jr. (Fort Kent); Kailtyn E. Martin (Madawaska); Desiree G. Mayo (Winthrop, ME); Elise M. MCKay (Levant, ME); Sarah J. Muhl (Alfred, ME); Nnenna Nwankho (Manchester, CT); Alejandro Ochoa (Fort Kent); Olivia R. Picard (Madawaska); Brooke Russell (Baileyville, ME); Riley L. Sibley (Fort Kent); Emily C. Thibeault (Saint David); Nathan S. Wall (Caribou, ME); and Taylor A. Weeks (Bangor, ME).

BSN students in absentia were: Ashley Adams (Auburn, ME); Anthony Allel (Bayside, NY); Deborah J. Allen (Cape Elizabeth, ME); Oghenerume Anaje (Flowery Branch, GA); Kelly J. Arnold (Kokomo, IN); Sally M. Arrey (Gainsville, FL); Kateryna Bagrii (Ellsworth, ME); Caroline M. Bailey (Portland, ME); Lucy M. Bartlett (Orrington, ME); Cory Berndt (Brookfied, MA); Cassandra Binder (East Millinocket, ME); Jean T. Binette (Lyman, ME); Orah Bluestone (Bangor, ME); Jan Boldt (Eddington, ME); Glen E. Bolduc (Auburn, ME); Kylie Bosse (Auburn, ME); Nikki L. Bouley (Sanford, ME); Tara S. Boynton (Thomaston, ME); Moriah L. Bragg (Bangor, ME); Whitney A. Brewer (Blaine, ME); Dustin A. Campbell (Manchester, ME); Iruzy Castellon-Urroz (Woolwich, ME); Beth A. Chabre (Baileyville, ME); Beth A. Chamberlain (Attleboro Falls, MA); Kristina C. Chevalier (Pittsfield, MA); Karyn A. Chiachio (Berlin, NH); Misty E. Christian (Nashua, NH); Teresa L. Coffey (Bowdoin, ME); Sarah Cole (Lincolnville, ME); Jamie L. Cormier (Auburn, ME); Forrest T. Cornell (Wayne, ME); Julie Crafts (Jay, ME); Sarah Cummings (Howland, ME); Cameika Davis (Fort Kent); Mercedes Debowey (Brunswick, ME); Hailey A. Demascio (Greene, ME); Michelle DiDamo (Yonkers, NY); Bryanna DiFrancesco (Harrison, ME); Celestine Djouzong-Tene (Sunbury, OH); Jennifer Doades (Windsor, ME); Trisha M. Domenie (Biddeford, ME); Kayla M. Dow (Naples, ME); Jonathan Doyle (Woodland, ME); Addie P. Drinkwater (Rockport, ME); Valerie L. Dukhey (Saco, ME); Marvin R. Duncan (Buffalo, NY); Ashley N. Dunn (New Gloucester, ME); Ogechukwu W. Esomonu (Fort Kent); Katelyn E. Faulkingham (Hampden, ME); Valerie Flanagan (Brunswick, ME); TuckerAlison Fletcher (Westfield, ME); Diane Foglizzo (Orland, ME); Danae M. Ford (El Dorado, CA); Francoise Frederique (Norwood, MA); Christina Gagnon (Frenchville); Nicole Gendreau (Saint David); Jaquelyn Graham (Bridgewater, MA); Evelyn A. Greenleaf (Trevett, ME); Keckeley L. Habel (Fort Kent); Andrea L. Haffenreffer (Scarborough, ME); Katie E. Hager (Old Town, ME); Rose Hagerstrom (Austin, TX); Kasey J. Haley (New Sweden, ME); Ruth A. Hanson (Presque Isle, ME); Joni E. Hart (Eastbrook, ME); Marissa M. Hilton (Carmel, ME); Mary Hoffman (Rockport, ME); Hayley E. Holmes (Windham, ME); Oluchi Ifegwu (North Attleboro, MA); Gilbert Isaacs (Milford, MI); Suzanne M. Johnstone (Lincoln, ME); Brittany M. Jordan (Nashua, NH); Amy Kirby (Wells, ME); Ann F. Kulovitz (Lovell, MA); Audra C. Lamothe (Jacksonville, FL); Cody J. Leavitt (Norway, ME); Marc D. Leclair (Waterville, ME); Danielle LeDuc (Salisbury Cove, ME); Lindsay Lee (Millinocket, ME); Samuel Leeman (Westbrook, ME); Nicole A. Lefebvre (Bangor, ME); Arielle A. Levesque (Otis, ME); Katherine T. Little (South Hero, VT); Ayelen Lugo (Davie, FL); Rachel T. Mackie (South Portland, ME); Ashlee L. Maltba (China Grove, NC); Brandon J. Maltba (China Grove, NC); Michelle P. Manning (Hampden, ME); Cynthia A. Marlin (South Yarmouth, MA); Bradley Martinez (Fort Kent); Matthew T. Martinez (Boothbay, ME); Elizabeth Matoin (Sanford, ME); Shannon C. Mazyck (Saco, ME); Natasha McCrum (Alfred, ME); Kimberly C. McNamara (New Canaan, CT); Erin McWalters (Thorndike, ME); Natalie M. Merchant (Peru, ME); Isho Mohamed (Hampden, ME); Tanya Moore (Norridgewock, ME); Stacy Morris-White (Brunswick, ME); Sarah E. Murphy (Scarborough, ME); Liz Nadeau (South China, ME); Tonilynn Nadeau (Fort Kent); Pamela Nyota (Portland, ME); Rose Ongala (Portland, ME); Glenroy Osbourne (Brunswick, ME); Alison Paine (Belgrade, ME); Rachel E. Palmer (Farmingdale, ME); Shelby C. Peavey (Raymond, ME); Samantha K. Pellegrino (Brewer, ME); Ashley O. Philbrick (Kennebunk, ME); Angela M. Pike (Burnham, ME); Fraser Query (Fort Kent); Renee Richardson (Hermon, ME); Trisha Robbins (Ossipee, NH); Traci Rogers (Woodland, ME); Matthew S. Rolt (South Portland, ME); Manuel A. Ruiz (Dedham, MA); Alden Russell-Leed (Nottingham, NH); Kaitlin Rustin (Gorham, ME); Clarissa E. Sabattis (Houlton, ME); Danielle L. Sanchez (Ocean Park, ME); Suzi Sauvage (Bangor, ME); Jennifer Schmidt (Brunswick, ME); Meddie K. Serwanga (Portland, ME); Jason M. Simpson (Portland, ME); Benjamin Snowman (Canaan, ME); Julia Sobey (Pittsfield, ME); Joanne Speare (Hampden, ME); Chelsea Swann (Windham, ME); Claire Y. Thompson (Houlton, ME); Catherine B. Trahan (Rockland, ME); Melissa Trahan (Danville, VT); Robin M. Turner (Yarmouth, ME); Nicole Ward (Presque Isle, ME); Michaela R. Washington (Auburn, ME); Stacey M. Wheeler (Bowdoin, ME); Ashton G. White (Bangor, ME); Tifany M. Whitney (Brewer, ME); Dustin Whyte (Wrentham, MA); Ashley L. Winter (Lewiston, ME); Ariel Worth (Windham, ME); and Austin B. Wylie (Gorham, ME).

Faculty, staff, and students, along with family members and friends of the graduates, gathered to honor the recipients of the bachelor of science degree in nursing. University President Dr. Deb Hedeen welcomed attendees and extended congratulations to the students.

The theme for this year’s pinning ceremony was “You Make a Difference.”

The keynote speaker for the pinning ceremony was Mark Cieniawski, MD. Dr. Cieniawski attended Northwestern University Medical School and graduated in 1991. Dr. Cieniawski is a Board Certified physician in internal medicine. He works at Northern Maine Medical Center. With over 32 years of experience in primary care, he has developed a special interest in wellness with practical approaches and recommendations to treat a wide variety of conditions affecting nutrition, heart health, and mental health.

To begin the Nurse Pinning Ceremony, Cheryl Roberts, Instructor of Nursing, thanked the following institutions for supporting the graduates during their clinical courses, as well as offering them a setting in which to complete their preceptorships in Maine: Cary Medical Center; Forest Hill; Houlton Regional Hospital; Maine Medical Center; Maine General Medical Center; Midcoast Regional Hospital; Northern Light AR Gould Hospital; Northern Light/Eastern Maine Medical Center; Northern Maine Medical Center; Maine Coast; PenBay Medical Center; Redington-Fairview General Hospital; St. Joseph’s Memory Care; and York Hospital. Out-of-state preceptorships: Federal Medical Center (Devens, MA); First Health Moore Regional (Pinehurst, NC); Littleton Regional Hospital (Littleton, NH); Porter Medical Center (Middlebury, VT); The Miriam (Providence, RI); and University Medical Center (Elyria, OH).

Since the UMFK Nursing Division relies so heavily on the hospitals in the region, NMMC; Cary Medical Center; and Northern Light AR Gould Hospital were presented with a plaque, which will be displayed on the wall of their institution. Roberts also asked the audience for a round of applause for the many professional nurses who committed themselves to be preceptors for the UMFK senior students and helping them become the best nurses they can be and making a difference in the students’ lives.

During the ceremony, Megan Jandreau, from Wallagrass, was honored with the Student Nurse Citizenship Award. The award honors the diligence, manners, responsibility, conscientiousness, and thoughtful involvement characteristic of an exemplary citizen.

Professor Larry Nadeau said, “Megan planned, organized, and oversaw the many engaging student service activities offered through the Student Nursing Organization. Creative, passionate, and innovative, Megan will always have a lasting impression on SNO and our campus. The contributions by Miss Jandreau truly helped make UMFK a better place while she was here and left big shoes for the subsequent generations of nursing students to fill.”

The Division of Nursing also honors an alumna or alumnus during the pinning ceremony. The Outstanding Nursing Alumni Award is bestowed upon a nursing graduate of the UMFK Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, who displays accomplishment in the nursing profession, as well as a commitment to their community through volunteer service and humanitarian efforts. Melissa Stoliker of Fort Kent was presented with the 2023 Outstanding Nurse Alumna Award.

Melissa Stoliker is a 2012 graduate of UMFK’s nursing program. She went on to her earn her psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 2016. While at UMFK, Stoliker distinguished herself as a professional and a scholar. She worked as a psychiatric technician during her baccalaureate studies, which sparked her passion for behavioral health. Stoliker started working at Fish River Rural Health as a nurse practitioner; she eagerly agreed to offer mental health services, whereby part of her time is spent in a mobile van. When patients cannot go to her, she comes to them. Her new “office” is outfitted with all she needs to provide superb mental health and counseling services. She travels throughout the St. John Valley so that school-aged children are able to access top-quality care without having to leave school.

Additionally, the Division of Nursing annually recognizes individuals in the community who demonstrate a commitment to health care, nursing, and nursing education. This year, Diane Griffin was honored with the Community Leader Award.

Professor Griffin’s extensive and impressive nursing background began more than thirty years ago. As we celebrate nursing education, it is fitting that we are recognizing Professor Griffin, who has been teaching nursing students for over twenty years and was a faculty member at UMFK for 13 years. Her focus was on psych/mental health nursing and health assessment.

Her dedication to best practices in education and nursing was evident in her outstanding student evaluations, reputation as a caring faculty member, and significant contributions to our nursing program.

Griffin was especially skilled in breaking down complex content so that students were able to more easily grasp the information. Students were often found in her office, seeking her assistance and going over remedial materials. Her meticulous attention to detail was a great help to the nursing division. Her gentle nature, quiet humor, and intelligence made her a valued faculty member. Diane Griffin retired in 2022.

The address to the senior class was delivered by Riley Sibley of Fort Kent.

The UMFK Nursing Division faculty and staff are Dr. Erin Soucy, Dr. Rachel E. Albert, Duane Belanger, Larry Nadeau, Stephanie Nadeau, Sandy Pelletier, Fran Picard, Maisie Plourde, Denise Potvin, Cheryl Roberts, Dr. Tanya Sleeper, Nicole Theriault, and Stacy Thibodeau.

On April 28th, Maine Campus Compact celebrated its 22nd Annual Awards Ceremony at the University of Maine at Augusta to recognize outstanding work in public service and civic engagement by Maine faculty, students, and community and corporate partners. The University of Maine at Fort Kent Assistant Professor of Counseling and Behavioral Science Unit Chair Dr. Shawn Graham was one of the selected honorees.

Dr. Graham was one of three faculty members presented with the Donald Harward Award for Faculty Service-Learning Excellence, which recognizes individuals who integrate community or public service into their curriculum and who work to institutionalize service-learning.

“Dr. Graham is a treasured faculty member at UMFK. He is also well-respected among his University of Maine System faculty colleagues and our clinical practice partners in Aroostook County, in Maine, and beyond,” said UMFK Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Erin C. Soucy, Ph.D., RN, “Dr. Graham is passionate about service learning as evidenced by the countless hours he spends with students outside of the classroom participating in service learning activities.”

Dr. Graham is known for collaborating with colleagues across disciplines as well as working with community partners to enhance his students’ experience. Last fall, he organized a Reunification Drill that included more than 80 students in the behavioral health, nursing, and public safety programs at UMFK and included community partners such as Aroostook Emergency Management Agency, AdCare Maine, and the Maine Centers for Disease Control. Students received training in Disaster Behavioral Health and Psychological First Aid prior to the drill.

Dr. Graham’s expertise is in counselor education and supervision, which guides his work as an educator and his practice as a clinical counselor. He actively works to promote the well-being and mental health of individuals and communities by encouraging students to become engaged citizens. His work is focused on responding to community needs and challenging the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction. Through his work, he partners with numerous organizations, involving students in the planning and implementation of service projects and events.

Dr. Graham earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in Advanced Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. He is currently the Unit Chair of the Behavioral Science program at UMFK. Dr. Graham has been working in the behavioral health field for more than 25 years. His primary research focus is peer support. He holds several licenses in the State of Maine: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor; Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician – Community; and is certified as a Disaster Behavioral Health Responder.

“Perhaps the best testament to Dr. Graham’s dedication to quality education, service learning, and instilling a sense of civic pride among students is demonstrated by the number of his alum who return to campus to help with annual events, speak to students about the profession, openly discuss how meaningful their time was at UMFK, and serve as mentors and preceptors for our students,” added Dr. Soucy.

The other two 2023 recipients of the Donald Harward Award for Service-Learning excellence are Camilla Bridge, Instructor and Lab Coordinator, Biology Department at Saint Joseph’s College, and Anelise Hanson Shrout, Assistant Professor of Digital and Computational Studies at Bates College.

The award is named for Donald W. Harward, valued founder of Maine Campus Compact and former board member of national and Maine Campus Compacts. Award winners have shown clear evidence of reflection, community benefit, reciprocity with community partners, and a commitment to advocating for service-learning and/or community action on campus and beyond.

Established in 1994, Maine Campus Compact is a coalition of 16 member campuses whose purpose is to catalyze and lead a movement to reinvigorate the public purposes and civic mission of higher education. The coalition seeks to transform campuses in ways that develop better-informed, active citizen problem-solvers, stronger communities, and a more just democratic society. The group’s philosophy is that campuses must be vital agents and architects of a flourishing democracy.

To learn more about the Behavioral Science program at UMFK, please visit the Behavioral Science program webpage.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that Peter Sirois of Eagle Lake will be awarded the 2023 UMFK Distinguished Service Award at UMFK’s 141st Commencement ceremony on May 6, 2023. This award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to UMFK or the greater community of the St. John Valley, Aroostook County, or the State of Maine.

Sirois served as the President/CEO at Northern Maine Medical Center (NMMC) for ten years. During his thirty-three years of service at NMMC, Peter was also the Chief Operating Officer and Controller. Under his leadership, NMMC was recognized in a variety of ways for outstanding patient care, including a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital in the United States in 2017 and 2018; less than one percent of hospitals nationwide earn this distinction, and even less than that earn it two consecutive years in a row. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services stated that NMMC earned a DOUBLE 5-star recognition for both high-quality services and patient satisfaction. In his leadership roles, Peter was a strong advocate for access to healthcare services, especially mental health services, and cost-effective, quality care.

“Peter served many years on the UMFK Nursing Advisory Council,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “He wrote numerous letters of support for our Nursing program’s efforts to secure grant and bond funding. His contributions to the growth of our program have been impactful, and I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize his commitment to UMFK and to healthcare in the St. John Valley.”

In addition to his professional experience, Peter has served as a role model, community leader, and active volunteer in service to the broader community. He worked as the administrator of the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough and the administrator of Borderview Manor in Van Buren. He has served on several boards, including Aroostook Mental Health Center, America’s First Mile, Acadia Federal Credit Union, Aroostook Home Health Services, Hanley Health Leadership Board, the Maine Hospital Association, Valley Home Health Services, Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation, and he is a member of the Fort Kent Lions Club.

Peter is a trained paramedic, registered Maine Guide, and a Maine Notary Public. He has been a licensed Maine Nursing Home Administrator since 1990. Peter holds a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration and a master of science degree in Business Administration from Husson College.

He retired in 2022 and lives with his wife of forty years, Nola, in Eagle Lake. Together they have two beautiful daughters, Michelle and Nicole, and five grandsons.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Foundation will host its 16th annual UMFK Foundation Gala dinner and entertainment fundraiser on Saturday, May 13, 2023, on the UMFK campus. The Kentucky Derby-themed event will feature a southern tea, and guests are encouraged, but not required, to get in the spirit of the evening by dressing in Derby attire.

“We are thrilled to welcome our local businesses and partners to UMFK for the Gala fundraiser in support of our amazing students,” said event chairperson and Foundation Vice President Nichole Jandreau. “Helping our students is a cause I am passionate about, and am lucky enough to witness the positive effects of the work of the Foundation every day. We look forward to seeing everyone on the dance floor on May 13!”

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with a southern-style tea party at the UMFK Blake Library with signature drinks and light appetizers. At 5 p.m., guests will move to the quad under a heated tent for a very impressive derby-inspired seven-course dinner, followed by an evening of dancing with music provided by Pulse Entertainment. A dessert station and cash bar will remain open during the evening.

“The Gala will be a fun evening of great food, lively entertainment, and reconnecting with friends from the community and beyond,” said Foundation President Stephanie Chick. “We are honored to be raising money in support of our UMFK-centered mission while having fun in the process. We simply can’t wait to share all the ways your donations have made positive impacts over the recent years.”

The UMFK Foundation financially supports academics, research, scholarships, facilities, and more that are not budgeted in the University’s annual operating budget. This important work assists the University in providing students access to opportunities to ensure they reach their full potential.

The Gala is the Foundation’s primary fundraising event of the year. The celebration brings together businesses and organizations; the UMFK community – including staff, faculty, and students; and community friends. Attendees include supporters from the local area and beyond who recognize the important contributions of the UMFK Foundation.

If you are interested in attending this great event and supporting the UMFK Foundation, gold, silver, and bronze sponsorship levels are still available. The deadline to sponsor a table is Friday, April 21st. Individual tickets are also for sale.

To reserve your spot or for more information, please contact the UMFK Development Office by calling Shannon Lugdon at 207-834-7800.

The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce American abstract painter Don Voisine as the 2023 UMFK Honorary Doctoral Degree Recipient.

“Don has made significant contributions to the arts, not only in Maine but on a global scale,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize his distinguished achievements with an honorary degree from UMFK in the community where his passion for art began.”

Voisine was born in Fort Kent in 1952. While a student at Fort Kent Community High School, he took evening art classes with Claude Picard at John F. Kennedy College and participated in a summer Museum Apprenticeship Program at the Maine State Museum in Augusta.

After graduation, he attended the Portland School of Art and Concept School for Visual Studies in Portland, ME.

Among his many awards and accolades, Voisine received an honorary bachelor of fine arts degree from the Maine College of Art in 2000. He was awarded a New York Foundation for the Arts painting grant in 2006 and has received purchase awards from the American Academy of Arts & Letters, The National Academy of Design, and the Portland Museum of Art. Fellowships and residencies include the Edward Albee Foundation, Montauk, NY; The BAU Institute, Otranto, Italy; the Sharpe Walentas Studio Program, Brooklyn, NY; and the Surf Point Foundation, York, ME.

Moving to New York City, NY, in 1976, Voisine fell in with a dance and theater crowd. From 1978 through 1985, he worked in various capacities with Ping Chong and the Fiji Company — a downtown Manhattan experimental theater group — building sets, running sound, stage managing, and technical direction. Voisine moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY, in 1985 to pursue and further his own work. He continues to live and work in Brooklyn.

Since 1997, Voisine has been a member of American Abstract Artists, an artist-run organization founded in 1936, and served as its president from 2004 to 2012. In 2010, he was elected to the National Academy of Design, where he served on the membership committee for nine years.

His work has been reviewed in Art in America; Art News; The New York Times; The Washington Post; The New Criterion; Village Voice; Hyperallergic; and The Brooklyn Rail.

Exhibiting regularly in the U.S. and Europe, Voisine’s work was the subject of a 15-year survey at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland, ME, in the fall of 2016. He recently had solo exhibitions with Robischon Gallery in Denver, CO, and Pamela Salisbury Gallery in Hudson, NY.

His public collections include Colby Museum of Art, Waterville, ME; Portland Museum of Art, Portland, ME; Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley, CA; San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose, CA; Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA; Special Collection of the Library, Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY; Metropolitan Museum of Art, Print Department, New York, NY; National Academy Museum, New York, NY; Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick, NJ; Texas State University, San Marcos, TX; Katzen Arts Center, American University, Washington, DC; Art in Embassies Program, United States Department of State, Washington, DC; United States Embassy, Annex, Beijing, China; Stiftung Konzeptuelle Kunst, Soest, Germany; and About Change Collection, Rottach-Egern at Tegernsee, Germany.

Voisine’s work is represented by McKenzie Fine Art, New York, NY; Robischon Gallery, Denver, CO; Pazo Fine Art, Kensington, MD; Pamela Salisbury Gallery, Hudson, NY; dr. julius I ap, Berlin, Germany; and Floss und Schultz, Cologne, Germany.

In the past year, his work has been featured in Berlin, Brooklyn, Cologne, Denver, Lyon, and Monaco group exhibitions. Currently, Voisine is preparing for a solo exhibition at McKenzie Fine Art in New York, opening May 12, 2023.

Voisine will be presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at the 141st Commencement ceremony held on May 6, 2023, at 10:00 am in the UMFK Sports Center.