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Class of ’26: Where There’s a Will, There’s Deklin Fitzgerald

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.

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.

Meet Zoe Barnes: USM Nursing Student and National Champion

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.

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.

Countdown to Commencement: A Checklist for Your Final Stretch at USM

Commencement has a funny way of sneaking up on you. One minute you’re focused on finals and the next you’re fielding questions about tickets, regalia and what time you need to be where.

This checklist is here to help you take a breath and get organized. Think of it as a calm companion for your final stretch at the University of Southern Maine. No need to tackle everything at once – you just need to know what’s ahead.