The University of Maine at Fort Kent will host its thirteenth annual Scholars’ Symposium on Wednesday, April 30th on the UMFK campus. The theme of this year’s event is “Boundaries and Bridges: The U.S.-Canada Border Over Time.” The symposium is free and open to the public.
Join us for a dynamic day of learning and engagement featuring insightful student-led sessions complemented by presentations from distinguished guest speakers. This year’s theme explores evolving changes at the U.S.-Canada border and their impact on communities on both sides.
“The 2025 UMFK Scholars’ Symposium embraces this year’s theme, Boundaries and Bridges: The U.S.-Canada Border Over Time, by fostering critical discussions on the historical and cultural dimensions of our shared border. Rooted in UMFK’s mission of experiential learning, the symposium provides a platform for students, faculty, and the wider community to engage in scholarly discourse that is both regionally relevant and globally significant,” said Dr. Stephanie Landry, UMFK assistant professor of forestry and symposium chair. “Through stimulating presentations, poster presentations, and intellectual exchange, we celebrate academic excellence, curiosity, and the power of collaboration in a rural, Franco-American setting that has long stood at the crossroads of two nations.”
The annual symposium will kick off with an event held at the Acadian Archives/Archives acadiennes for a special learning activity on the history of the U.S.-Canada border in northern Maine from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th.
Wednesday morning, the symposium will begin with a welcome from UMFK President Deb Hedeen at 8:30 a.m. in Fox Auditorium followed by the presentation of undergraduate awards presented by President Hedeen.
At 9 a.m. you will hear from the following keynote speakers:
Dr. Paul Buck: Professor of History and Education at UMFK. With the help of historical maps, most of which are housed at USM’s Osher Map Library, Paul’s presentation examines the different perspectives of Maine statehood and of Maine culture as seen through the prism of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, which definitively established the boundary between British North America and the United States.
Dr. Buck explores the treaty itself and its impact on the singular Acadian and Francophone community of the St. John Valley, which found itself split into two countries. He gives historical context as well, most certainly beginning with the long-standing Maliseet and Mi’kmaq communities of the region, along with Scots-Irish and, by the 1820s, of Maine Yankee residents who began arriving in the region. Finally, he will give a more modern perspective with the discussion of the framing of the region as seen through the Congrès mondial acadien/World Acadian Congress in 2014.
Dr. Lisa Lavoie: Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at UMFK and has completed an M.A. thesis on the effect of 9/11 on the twin towns of Fort Kent, Maine, and Clair, New Brunswick, wherein she discussed specific events that have, at times, transformed the border into a barrier. Her current research highlights the more recent effect of the COVID pandemic on local mental health and, in a broader context, on interpersonal and familial relationships in the area. She is a bilingual native of the region.
Patrol Agent in Charge Jodi L. Williams: Jodi L. Williams will provide an overview of the U.S. Border Patrol’s history, evolution, and key operations. The presentation will cover the agency’s origins, the impact of events like 9/11 and COVID-19, and highlight challenges in the Houlton Sector along the U.S.-Canada border. The presentation will also detail the federal hiring process and training at the Border Patrol Academy, offering insight into what it takes to become a Border Patrol agent and the agency’s role in national security and immigration enforcement.
The UMFK faculty members will speak on their research which will focus on a single topic, example, idea, project, or technique at 10 am in Fox followed by UMFK students’ research presentations.
The afternoon continues to highlight students’ research with poster sessions and presentations and the students will answer questions about their methodologies and findings, at the Sports Center from 1 to 3 p.m.
This is a terrific opportunity for community members of all ages to interact with UMFK students and learn more from subject-matter experts. The day’s events will conclude with an awards presentation to honor exemplary student work.
UMFK offers multiple degree paths which lead to associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees. For a complete program listing and more information, please visit the UMFK website.
For more information on the Scholars’ Symposium, please contact Dr. Stephanie Landry at stephanie.landry1@maine.edu.