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Bridgette Toland smiles in front of a flowering pink tree. Text reads "Dear USM," with an illustrated graduation cap drawn above her head.

Class of ’26: A Love Letter to USM

For four years, USM has been more than just a school — it’s been the place where I found my people, my purpose, and myself. Keep reading to hear what I wish I’d known sooner, and what I’m carrying with me as I go.

A USM student smiles in a campus common area wearing a Huskies hoodie, with an illustrated lemon and iced lemondade graphic overlaid on the image.

Class of ‘26: Lizzy Fogg on Turning Lemons into Limonata

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.

Keep reading to learn how a moment on a hiking path in Italy came to define Lizzy’s growth, confidence, and experience at USM.

Bridgette smiling on the Eastern Promenade at sunset, overlaid with polaroid-style images: a lit-up Gorham campus soccer field, a picnic with friends, and her walking with a friend across a street. Dark blue doodles including a star, wave, location icon, and lines decorate the polaroids.

Class of ’26: Why I Chose USM — A Home Away From Home

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.

USM women’s soccer seniors smiling and holding up four fingers to celebrate their Little East Conference win.

Class of ’26: Four Lessons From 4 LEC Championships

As my senior year at the University of Southern Maine wraps up, I’m reflecting on one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience: four straight Little East Conference (LEC) championships with our women’s soccer team. Keep reading to learn how those four championships shaped my perspective on leadership, teamwork, and legacy.

A student sits at a desk surrounded by windows, writing and studying.

An Introvert’s Guide to USM in Portland, Maine

College is often considered a time to be social, make new friends and try new things. But that’s not easy for all students – especially introverts. Keep reading to find out how an introvert can find the right balance on our small, but sometimes-overwhelming campus.

Maxfield Rhine standing in front of Mitchell Institute step and repeat.

Finding My Path and My Place at USM

When I first began at the University of Southern Maine, I had already been on a pretty real roller coaster. I graduated high school in 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic. I had to put off attending my first college choice, the Fashion Institute of Technology, for a year. When I did go, I quickly realized it was not the right fit. I transferred out, regrouped, and eventually chose USM.