Highlights
A transformative gift of music
Thanks to D. Suzi Osher’s generous commitment of $10 million, the construction of a new Center for the Arts (shown) in the heart of our Portland campus could begin as early as spring 2023. In recognition of this momentous gift, our School of Music will become The Dr. Alfred and D. Suzi Osher School of Music.
Our excellence continues to be recognized
For the second year in a row, the U.S. News and World Report recognized our University in the category of Top Public Schools. The social mobility of our students — defined by the number of students with Pell Grants who graduate — was also recognized alongside our exceptional Nursing program.
TRIO students win a national competition
TRIO College Programs support first-generation college students, income-eligible students, and students with disabilities in achieving their goals. Four of our TRIO students (shown) recently won a national competition for a civic engagement project.They designed and implemented a program to help local high school students express their thoughts and feelings about social injustices.
25 Promise Scholars join the class of ’25
Our Promise Scholarship program creates a tuition-free path forward for economically disadvantaged and first-generation students who are motivated to succeed. This fall, we welcomed 25 new Promise Scholars (shown) — our largest cohort to date. These students hail from every corner of Maine, representing 10 youth-serving organizations and 18 different high schools.
Stonecoast’s Cara Hoffman to publish new book
Cara Hoffman (shown on right) is an award-winning writer and Stonecoast faculty member, famous for her transgressive seminars and experimental workshops. She is also the co-founder of The Anarchist Review of Books. Her new collection of short stories is a glowing example of anarchist fiction, or “fiction that breaks all the rules of time and space, of realism and the fantastic, of fact and feelings.” RUIN (shown on left) debuts in April 2022.
Featured News & Events
Cummings to Step Down as President of USM Next Summer
University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings has decided to step down as president at the end of June 2022 after the conclusion of the current academic year. He would return to the USM faculty after his presidency.
USM Grad Student Publishes Paper on Wabanaki Self Governance
“It’s part of who I am. It’s in my bloodline. It’s not like a t-shirt that I can take off,” she said. “I’ve seen how lack of awareness of tribal sovereignty, lack of awareness of Wabanaki culture, values, and presence has affected my family and other Wabanaki community members.”
Latinx pride takes musical form in concert celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Osher School of Music faculty and students of Latinx heritage shared the stage Thursday night, Sept. 30, at Corthell Hall on the Gorham Campus. The program for Celebrating Diversity: Hispanic Heritage Month featured 10 pieces, each chosen by the performers as a personal expression of their cultural identity.
Resilience from Trauma During the Time of Covid-19
USM and Maine Behavioral Healthcare will present a day-long program of talks focused on building strength and perseverance in response to stresses caused by the pandemic. The USM community and the public are invited to attend “Resilience from Trauma During the Time of Covid-19” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, in person at Hannaford Hall on USM’s Portland Campus or online.
USM names inaugural Shaw Innovation Fellows
Four University of Southern Maine graduate students have been named Shaw Innovation Fellows and will fulfill their passion projects, from analyzing vegetation in southern Greenland to creating a model studio apartment for Maine middle schoolers learning functional life skills.
Nursing students featured in the Maine Monitor
Watch best friends and USM School of Nursing students Fabiola Jenson and Fartun Hirsi share how they are pursuing their goals of graduation and becoming nurses while raising children at their respective homes.
Connect with us: Visits & Online Experiences
While our in-person visits and campus tours are limited, there are still many dynamic opportunities for you to learn about our thriving academic community from home. Attend an informational webinar about our university or a specific academic program, schedule a one-on-one video chat with a current student or an admissions counselor, and more. We’re excited to connect with you!
Watch: USM's Virtual Groundbreaking Celebration
Join us in celebrating the launch of the Portland Campus Development Project by watching our Virtual Groundbreaking program, featuring remarks from several of our highly accomplished student groundbreakers.
