When Lisa Struebing was in her twenties, she made a promise to her mother: she would finish the college degree that she’d started and set aside. Keep reading to hear how decades of determination, two USM degrees, and one introductory physics class led her here.
Last September, USM senior Deklin Fitzgerald stood in front of more than 700 people and told his story — and when he stepped offstage, strangers approached him one after another to say the same thing: “I feel seen.” Keep reading to find out how four years of saying yes to just about everything led him there.
As she prepares to graduate from the University of Southern Maine, Lizzy Fogg is closing out a chapter defined by performance, international research, and the relationships that helped her grow into both an artist and a more confident version of herself.
Zoe Barnes is preparing to graduate from the University of Southern Maine in August 2026 with a nursing degree and a national title in shot put. Now in her fifth and final year, the New Gloucester native is reflecting on her athletic and academic career. Like many students, she navigated uncertainty before ultimately finding her path in the classroom and in competition.
We caught up with Zoe to find out how it all came together — and what it took to finish strong.
As I near graduation, I’ve been reflecting on my four years at USM and the sense of belonging I felt from the very start. Keep reading to see how the campus, community, and experiences made it feel like a true home away from home.
Ted Campbell is a USM junior double-majoring in political science and economics, currently interning at the Maine Secretary of State’s Office. Keep reading to learn how he got there — and why he didn’t see it coming.
The first time Christina Hart walked into Masterton Hall in 2002, she was a nursing student unsure if she belonged. Keep reading to see how, 23 years later, she’s back as a USM professor guiding the next generation.
University of Southern Maine senior studio art major and track captain Maddox Cahill landed a debut solo show in Los Angeles this fall. Keep reading to learn how he balances leadership in Division III athletics with a growing art career, and his advice for students chasing creative goals.
A USM marketing student traces his interest in consumer behavior back to a beachside candy shop. See how Nicholas Mauro’s early observations led to a marketing major and a Bristol Seafood internship.
Emma Adler ’24 is living her dream on a Fulbright in Iceland. Keep reading to learn about her path from South Paris, Maine to Reykjavik.