December
USM’s older students find a new home (Portland Press Herald): The Adult Student Success Center opened in November on the third floor of Glickman Library in Portland.
Report shows growing need in residential care facilities (Maine Monitor): Residential care facilities have increasingly become an option for people with dementia in tandem with a reduction in beds at nursing home facilities, according to a report from the Catherine Cutler Institute.
Researching the importance of paid leave (Parent Data): USM’s Dr. Katherine Ahrens opened up on a podcast about the research techniques that went into her report on the ways that paid family leave benefits the health of newborns.
USM softball coach surprised by festive prank her team pulled off (NEWS CENTER Maine): Upon opening the door to her office, Coach Sarah Jamo was stunned to find the entire room covered in wrapping paper down to the last pen on her desk.
USM institute gets $21M, largest grant in its history, to improve Tribal child welfare services (Mainebiz): By creating the National Tribal Child Welfare Center for Innovation and Advancement, the Catherine Cutler Institute and its partners want to effect systemic change that results in greater safety and improves the experiences of children, youth and families when contact with the child welfare system is necessary.
Maine officially has a new National Monument (WMTW): The homestead of pioneering Labor Secretary Frances Perkins is amply deserving of its honored status, according to Dr. Ashley Towle, director of USM’s Women and Gender Studies Program.
Federal funding helps schools hire mental health counselors (Maine Monitor): “When the services are available within schools, you’re removing so many barriers, (and) there tends to be less stigma,” said Jamie Pratt, associate dean of USM’s School of Education and Human Development.
Young dancer goes on after injury (Seacoast Oldies): USM junior Camille Alipalo was so determined to dance in “The Nutcracker” that she continued in a less demanding part after a sprained muscle prevented her from performing the featured role in which she was originally cast.
2024 Holiday Gift Guide (edible MAINE): With recipes drawn from Indigenous traditions, the award-winning “Taste of Two Worlds” cookbook was created with input from students in USM’s Tourism and Hospitality program.
A.I. conference at USM explores possibilities and potential pitfalls (NEWS CENTER Maine): “There’s a difference between intelligence and wisdom. AI is knowledgeable, but AI doesn’t have the wisdom—only humans do,” said USM’s Dr. Ashanthi Maxworth, assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
How the incoming Trump administration could impact people covered under MaineCare (Maine Morning Star): In some cases, financial responsibility may shift from the federal to state government, according to John Gale, a senior research associate at USM’s Maine Rural Health Research Center.
USM women’s soccer team three-peat as LEC champions (Gorham Times): Mia Sargent stood out in the Huskies’ 3-0 win over Western Connecticut to earn Most Valuable Player honors.
USM Gorham Dept. of Theatre presents fantastic frenzy (Gorham Weekly): No two performances of “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind” are the same as the actors adjust the show in response to requests from the audience.
November
UMS Trustees approve new computing programs (Daily Bulldog): The growing technology focus across the UMaine System is expected to boost interest in USM’s existing degree program in cybersecurity.
BMDS offers free workshop with award-winning playwright (The Royal Gazette): Focused on creating believable characters, the workshop is led by Tom Coash, who teaches script writing for USM’s Stonecoast MFA program.
$28 million federal grant leads to new Vermont rural health care institute (WCAX): The new center will work with USM to study rural health insurance, emergency services, behavioral health, aging, and policy strategies to support rural health care providers.
Long-hidden, 150-year-old love notes prove Maine kids haven’t changed (Bangor Daily News): A renovation project at USM’s Academy Building uncovered the papers, which include everything from doodles and gossip to homework and receipts.
Maine cities and towns slow to adopt secure government websites, I-Team analysis finds (WGME): A website that ends in .gov provides users with an assurance of legitimacy, according to Dr. Lori Sussman of USM’s Department of Technology.
USM Gorham presents Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi’ (Gorham Weekly): The opera features one of the most beloved arias of all time, “O mio babbino caro,” sung in the original Italian.
Hannaford servers back up, but customers may worry about their data (NEWS CENTER Maine): Hackers step up their efforts to breach retailers’ data systems during the holidays, and Dr. Lori Sussman of USM’s Department of Technology advises customers to take steps to protect their information.
Democratic leaders in Augusta all live in greater Portland (WMTW): “It’s almost like the voters are gerrymandering themselves physically,” said Dr. Ronald Schmidt, head of USM’s Political Science Department.
Hearts of Pine’s first coach has MLS experience (Portland Press Herald): The choice of a former Huskies’ head coach to lead Maine’s new pro team gets a vote of confidence from USM’s current head coach of men’s soccer, Jim Hopkins.
USM Gorham students make their voices heard (Gorham Weekly): University President Jacqueline Edmondson led a group of students in a walk from the Gorham campus to their neighborhood polling place where they exercised their right to vote.
Brewer’s Brady Saunders stars in USM Huskies men’s basketball season opener (WABI): The Huskies beat Presque Isle 100-96 with Saunders leading the way by scoring a career-high 39 points.
USM’s Crewe Center for the Arts prepares for August 2025 opening (Portland Press Herald): Even partially finished, the walls of the Osher School of Music’s new home were sufficiently soundproof to prevent the howling winds outside from intruding on the building’s interior.
USM women’s soccer team excited to be heading to NCAA Tournament (WGME): Johns Hopkins stands in the Huskies’ way as their first-round opponent.
Excellence in Sustainability Award of Merit, Sustainability: University of Southern Maine (Engineering News-Record): The 580-bed dorm and student center are integral to USM’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2040.
USM claims third straight Little East women’s soccer championship (Portland Press Herald): The Huskies claimed the title in convincing fashion with a 3-0 win over Western Connecticut.
Opinion: Prioritize both the humanities and the workplace (Portland Press Herald): “in-depth study in distinct disciplines nurtures flexibility and nimbleness as habits of mind that students take to every interaction and endeavor,” said University President Jacqueline Edmondson. “This is education for life.”
Susan Collins in line for powerful new role in Republican-controlled Senate (Portland Press Herald): The benefits of seniority are less dependable than they once were due to the unruliness of the Republican caucus, according to Dr. Ron Schmidt, chair of USM’s Political Science Department.
Art exhibit at USM tells a multi-layered story (Gorham Times): The coastal scenes that comprise “under/current” offer opportunities for quiet reflection, meditation, and a deeper level of understanding.
USM Gorham opens season with ‘John Proctor is the Villain’ (Gorham Weekly): The play is set in a classroom where modern students push back against the lessons of “The Crucible” based on their own lived experiences.
Benefit concert for hurricane relief program in Western North Carolina (Penobscot Bay Pilot): Osher School of Music lecturer Anastasia Antonacos will offer her talents on the piano to the fundraiser.
Standish athlete enters Little East Conference Hall of Fame (Lakes Region Weekly): Peyton Dostie excelled at both track & field and field hockey in the years that she wore the Husky uniform.
‘I knew I had to get this right’: Author takes deep dive into 1979 Greensboro Massacre (News and Record): This analysis of a dark chapter in North Carolina history is the latest book by Aran Shetterly, who graduated from USM with a master’s degree in American and New England Studies.
Election results & civic health (Maine Public): Dr. Ron Schmidt of USM’s Political Science Department breaks down the factors that made Donald Trump’s political resurgence possible.
October
University of Maine System sees 3% enrollment increase after final tally (Portland Press Herald): Undergraduate transfers were a big factor in increasing enrollment, with USM’s fall enrollment up 1.1% over last year.
Franco-American Collection to view documentary Nov. 13 (Sun Journal): The film, “L’arbre de la mémoire,” spans New England to explore Franco-American identity through genealogical research.
Artist, students team to turn trash into art (Jamestown Press): Alex Perrine, a USM Fine Art graduate, is giving students a creative way to reuse plastic products and keep them out of the environment.
USM Theatre presents limited run of ‘John Proctor is the Villain’ (Times Record): The dynamics of power and gender are at the heart of the latest production to grace the stage of Russell Hall.
Design Wire (Maine Home + Design): The word “whimsical” is often used to describe TANGLE, a 14-foot tall sculpture made of discarded fishing gear that was new to the Portland Campus at the start of the fall semester.
A ‘Phenomenal’ evening of storytelling (Maine Audubon): As a behavioral ecologist, USM’s Dr. Chris Maher will share her observations about the unique ways that Maine’s wildlife transitions from fall to winter.
New USM scholarship looks to support women from the Middle East (Spectrum News): Arrangements for the scholarship arose through a partnership between USM and the Daughters for Life Foundation, a charitable organization based in Canada.
From Maine horror writers, 7 volumes that put the boo in book (Portland Press Herald): The terrors of Hill House are revisited in “A Haunting on the Hill” by Elizabeth Hand, who teaches creative writing at USM’s Stonecoast MFA Program.
Maine faces continued problem of campaign sign thefts and vandalism (NEWS CENTER Maine): The thefts show that Mainers are taking their cues from the increasingly polarized political discourse at the national level, says Dr. Ron Schmidt of USM’s Political Science Department.
Midcoast Symphony Orchestra to open 35th season with weekend concerts (Times Record): Guests who arrive early will hear a pre-concert interview with USM’s Kimberly and Robert Lehmann about their featured performance in Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante.”
USM theater department to host listening party of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ radio adaptation (Times Record): A costume contest will allow visitors at the listening party to feel like part of the story as they hear it over the radio.
USM alumna Becky Hallowell named 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year
Harris plan to expand rural health care could have impact in Maine (Portland Press Herald): The policies being proposed by the Harris campaign incorporated research on ambulance deserts that was complied by Dr. Yvonne Jonk of the Maine Rural Health Research Center at USM.
Groups come together to provide outreach support homeless, at-risk veterans in Lewiston (Sun Journal): USM Director of Veteran Services Laurie Spaulding explained to veterans how the G.I. Bill can help them pay for a college education.
Maine students’ votes matter, say state lawmakers and officials — and students should get involved (Maine Beacon): Through her work with Maine Students Vote, USM senior Emilia Toth is working to make politics more accessible to young people, regardless of their political leanings.
USM Department of Theatre to present The Wizard of Oz radio play and listening party (Broadway World): Joshua Hsu directed his cast to offset the story’s fantastical elements by grounding their performances in the ideals of classic Americana.
Dianne McIntyre’s ‘In the Same Tongue’ — The dance and music are one (The Arts Fuse): In her glowing review, USM Media Studies lecturer Jessica Lockhart described the September 29 performance in Boston as “simple, beautiful, and revelatory.”
Vice-Presidential Debate (Maine Public): Dr. Ron Schmidt of USM’s Political Science Department breaks down the substance and style of the campaign’s only meeting between Sen. J.D. Vance and Gov. Tim Walz.
Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness highlights celebration of fall as season of ‘abundance’ (ABC 7/Fox 22 News): Maine’s fall harvest provides ingredients for a cookbook created with input from students in USM’s Tourism and Hospitality Program.
‘Narratives’ exhibit by Belfast artist Sheep Jones on display in Belfast (Penobscot Bay Pilot): Jones, who studied art at USM, said, “Often, people will look at one of my paintings and recognize in it their own story, their own past, their own dreams.”
Midlife (Maine Public): The perspective afforded by reaching midlife opens new opportunities for personal growth, according to Dr. R. Bruce Thompson of USM’s Psychology Department.
September
Franco-American Collection to show documentary Oct. 9 (Sun Journal): “Un rêve américain” follows musician Damien Robitaille on a road trip across America as he engages with the people he meets about their French Canadian heritage.
Harris expands huge fundraising advantage over Trump in Maine (Portland Press Herald): While acknowledging the importance of fundraising, Dr. Ron Schmidt of USM’s Political Science Department cautions against equating a bigger war chest with a guaranteed victory.
Homeland Security Department awards a grant to USM for threat assessment training
MDI’s Pat Caron named to Maine Sports Commission board (Mount Desert Islander): New members were welcomed aboard by Dr. Jo Williams, founding commission member and dean of USM’s College of Management and Human Services.
IceHogs, Bruins to welcome NHLCA guest coaches this preseason (TheAHL.com): USM men’s ice hockey Head Coach Matt Pinchevsky will work with the Providence Bruins’ coaching staff at the team’s development camp.
Community opportunities at Costello Sports Complex (Gorham Times): The equipment and programs at Costello aren’t just for students, say gym staff, they’re available to the wider Gorham community, too.
How to retire: Stay flexible with your retirement spending (Morningstar): Accounting for long-term care was one of several topics discussed by Dr. Derek Tharp, an associate professor of Finance at USM’s School of Business.
Middays with Mannix & Mannix: Martyn Keen (96.3FM Big Jab): The first-year coach talks about going international with his search for talent to keep the USM women’s soccer program in championship contention.
USM performing arts fall preview (Gorham Times): The upcoming shows range from “Stuff We Dig” by the Osher Faculty Jazz Ensemble to the Theatre Department’s staging of “John Proctor is the Villain” to a new operatic production of “Gianni Schicchi.”
under/current panel discussion held at USM (Gorham Weekly): Artist Stephanie Garon will be joined by several expert panelists to share their insights about her upcoming exhibition at the USM Art Gallery in Gorham.
Original Thinkers fest in Telluride focuses on local change amid global chaos (Colorado Sun): Among the six documentaries being screened at the festival is “An Extraordinary Place,” which chronicles the history of USM’s campus radio station, WMPG.
‘Woods to pantry’ program provides meat from Maine hunters to those in need (Bangor Daily News): Sam Margolin majored in Food Studies at USM and now contributes to the Hunters for the Hungry program as a meat processor.
How these teens are uniting America one hometown at a time (Deseret News): A second-year student in USM’s Psychology program, Afnan Hoch spent time in Utah to learn about life in another part of the country through the American Exchange Project.
Researchers from the Catherine Cutler Institute analyze police usage of body-worn cameras
Society Notebook: Side x Side infuses Maine classrooms with creativity (Portland Press Herald): In celebration of Side x Side’s four-year anniversary, Dr. Kelly Hrenko, who teaches Art Education at USM, reconnected with supporters of the program she helped to create.
Midcoast Symphony Orchestra begins its 35th season with contemporary piece (Times Record): A performance of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante will feature the talents of Kimberly and Robert Lehmann, both of whom teach stringed instruments at USM’s Osher School of Music.
Keller named USM interim AD (WMTW): The 22 years that Mike Keller spent as head coach of the USM men’s soccer team gave him a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of Huskies Athletics.
Two new ‘modern’ buildings give USM a fresh look and a fresh vibe (NEWS CENTER Maine): A little more than a year after they opened, the McGoldrick Center and Portland Commons are attracting attention for their energy efficiency as well as their striking architecture.
Rural ambulance crisis leads Maine towns to consider a drastic solution (Bangor Daily News): The scope of the problem was illustrated in a report by USM researchers with the Maine Rural Health Research Center.
USM names its next director of admissions (Mainebiz): Britney Mitchell joined the USM community in 2015 as an admissions counselor and has filled several roles in the years since then.
‘We have to remember’: World War I memorials across the US tell stories of service, loss (USA Today): Among the surge in remembrances was a project to document all of Maine’s WWI memorials, spearheaded by USM’s Dr. Libby Bischof.
Franco American Foods (Maine Public): Learn the history of traditional dishes like tourtière and poutine from Cecile Thornton, treasurer of USM’s Franco-American Collection.
At the Portland Museum of Art, Jeremy Frey’s baskets conjure the past while presenting a warning for the future (Boston Art Review): “Frey continues to push the boundaries of basketry through an exploration of its interdisciplinary possibilities,” said USM’s Director of Art Exhibitions and Outreach, Kat Zagaria Buckley, in her review of the retrospective.
Presidential Debate (Maine Public): Dr. Ron Schmidt of USM’s Political Science Department returns to the Maine Calling radio show to analyze the performances of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in their first head-to-head meeting of the campaign.
Paid family leave associated with reduced burden of infant respiratory infections (Healio): “That effect was pretty big, especially because paid family leave policies are enacted for reasons unrelated to infant health, like women’s labor force attachment,” said USM’s Dr. Kate Ahrens, upon whose research the findings were based.
Porchfest, Chelsea Handler, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and more to do this weekend (Portland Press Herald): Hosted by campus radio station WMPG, the McGoldROCKS music festival will feature performances by Plague Dad, Vices Inc., Euphemia, Bondeko, and Spose.
How a Maine county jail helped prisoners blunt opioid cravings (New York Times): An analysis into the efficacy of the alternative medication buprenorphine included contributions from Dr. Kate Ahrens of USM’s Muskie School of Public Service and Catherine Gelsinger who is studying toward a master’s degree in Public Health.
Unity Environmental College offering new in-person degree programs (Maine Public): USM will provide Unity students with housing in Gorham to facilitate their in-person studies.
Artist Stephanie Garon presents under/current at USM Gorham (Gorham Weekly): The fall exhibition combines video, sound, and mined rocks to create an immersive artistic experience.
First of 3 Quebecois documentaries to be shown Sept. 11 (Sun Journal): The series is hosted by USM’s Franco-American Collection, beginning with “Une histoire sur le goût de la langue.”
Maine university presidents reflect on student protests in new school year (NEWS CENTER Maine): “I also believe that this is the best time to be a university president. We have opportunities to re-envision and change higher education,” said USM President Jacqueline Edmondson.
August
Windham student captures Maine Academic Scholarship Pageant crown (Windham Eagle): The USM junior will use her title to promote the Crown CARES program, which seeks to prevent bullying and create a respectful school environment.
New research shows paid family leave can lead to healthier babies (NEWS CENTER Maine): A decrease in infant respiratory tract infections coincided with the implementation of paid family leave in New York State, according to the study led by Dr. Katherine Ahrens, an associate research professor at USM’s Muskie School of Public Service.
University of Southern Maine welcomes freshmen to Gorham campus (Portland Press Herald): Move-In Weekend began on Friday with the arrival of about 550 first-year students.
Called to support community in Lewiston (Amjambo Africa): In addition to working in the same field of immigrant advocacy, Mohamed Awil and Safiya Khalid are also both USM alumni.
‘There is so much potential’: University of Southern Maine plans to grow in Lewiston and Auburn (Sun Journal): With the addition of Occupational Therapy as an undergraduate major, USM’s Lewiston campus is stepping up its commitment to improve the region’s health care and workforce needs.
University of Maine System sees highest enrollment in 3 years (Portland Press Herald): The 2% enrollment uptick at USM was fueled by a 19% jump in undergraduate transfer students, many from the state community college system.
American Honey Princess to attend first Annual Maine Bee Fest (Penobscot Bay Pilot): Lainey Bell is a sophomore majoring in Political Science at USM, where she also plays goalie for the field hockey team.
Settled in Maine, former Somali refugee returns home to run for office: ‘If I don’t do it, who will?’ (Portland Press Herald): A candidate for president of the Somali state of Jubaland, Abdullahi Ali, holds a bachelor’s degree and PhD from USM.
What you can learn from Maine’s college art museums this fall (Portland Press Herald): The USM Art Gallery’s first exhibition of the new academic year, “under / current,” will explore the economic impact of land claim and mining through the multimedia art of Stephanie Garon.
Opinion: President Biden should designate the Frances Perkins Homestead as a national monument (Portland Press Herald): “Her tireless advocacy for working-class Americans deserves recognition,” said USM’s Matthew Emmick, Libby Bischof, and Ashley Towle in a joint op-ed.
A new poll shows VP Harris ahead in Maine. What could that mean for November’s election? (WGME): The chance to capture even a single electoral vote may entice Democrats to focus more attention on Maine’s second district, according to Dr. Ron Schmidt, head of USM’s Political Science Department.
Race for the White House (Maine Public): As the Democratic National Committee reaches its finale, Dr. Ron Schmidt of USM’s Political Science Department compares how well the two major parties succeeded in presenting their presidential nominees to the electorate.
Waterville troop scout earns Eagle rank (The Town Line): The project that USM sophomore Isaac Benn completed to become an Eagle Scout was the restoration of Johnson Cemetery in Westbrook.
Unexpected water drawdown reveals ‘wild’ stretch of Presumpscot River hidden for decades (Portland Press Herald): “To appreciate something, I think it helps to know about it. Then it’s sort of easier to see its value. Rivers have been taken for granted,” said Dr. Rob Sanford, professor emeritus of Environmental Science at USM.
Learning later in life (Maine Public): Listeners to the Maine Calling radio show heard about the many educational opportunities at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute from instructor and advisory board chair Anne Cass.
Official festival artist announced for 2024 Belfast Poetry Festival (Penobscot Bay Pilot): Programs and fliers for the festival will feature paintings by Sheep Jones, who studied art at USM.
99-year-old Holocaust survivor brings his band to Portland, Maine (Q97.9): Founded by Saul Dreier, the Holocaust Survivor Band will perform a concert titled Survival Through Song at USM’s Hannaford Hall.
Women’s sculpture collective debuts work in Wells (Portland Press Herald): The collective will continue to expand its visibility with an upcoming show at USM featuring four of its members.
WHS graduate Brown continues to give back to basketball program (Windham Eagle): The experience that USM senior Cameron Brown is gaining by volunteering to coach basketball at Windham High School is part of his plan to someday coach at the college level.
At USM, an exuberant performance by East Coast Chamber Orchestra (Portland Press Herald): The penultimate night of the Portland Chamber Music Festival included pieces by Friedrich Hermann, J.S. Bach, Vijay Iyer, and Felix Mendelssohn.
Voter registration spikes in Maine after Biden drops out of presidential race (NEWS CENTER Maine): While energy is surging on the Democrats’ side, Dr. Ron Schmidt from USM’s Political Science Department says that the Republican response also bears watching.
New campaign calls on President to create National Monument for Frances Perkins (Wiscasset Newspaper): In lending her support to the campaign, USM President Jacqueline Edmondson credited the work being done at the Scontras Center for Labor and Community Education as a continuation of Perkins’ legacy.
Scarborough’s new superintendent ready for the challenges ahead (Scarborough Leader): Diane Nadeau is a triple alumna of USM with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in literacy education, and a PhD in public policy analysis.
‘You just never know in this game’: Pro baseball takes Maine native across North America (Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel): Husky Hall of Famer Sam Dexter is in his fifth year as a player for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of North Dakota.
Social Security (Maine Public): Kimberly Snow, senior research associate at USM’s Catherine Cutler Institute, joined the Maine Calling radio show to share her findings about the disparity in financial resources between older men and women.
MDI Bio Lab gets $19 million to boost Maine’s biomedical research, workforce (Portland Press Herald): USM signed up this year to join the network of educational and research institutions that use the lab to provide young Mainers with hands-on scientific experience.
Maine Basketball Hall of Fame inducts Class of 2024 in Bangor (Bangor Daily News): Husky representation at the hall of fame saw a bump with the induction of Allison Gagnon Gray and Kevin Jenkins.
Deep Water: ‘Upon Learning You Have Bird Bones,’ by Michelle Menting (Portland Press Herald): The featured poem of the week came from the pen of Dr. Michelle Menting, an adjunct faculty of English specializing in creative writing and poetry at USM.
Rob Sanicola steps down as Southern Maine men’s basketball coach (Portland Press Herald): After leading the Huskies to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, Coach Sanicola is moving on to pursue an opportunity in the NBA G League.
USM’s Lewiston-Auburn Campus using grant to expand dental assistant program, looking to attract more students (Sun Journal): A grant of more than $600,000 will buy new equipment and set up a scholarship to grow the program that operates out of USM’s Lewiston campus.
Maine manages to retain most Medicaid enrollees even as pandemic-era protections end (Maine Morning Star): John Gale, a senior research associate at USM’s Maine Rural Health Research Center, attributes MaineCare’s success to a manageable population and an accepting political climate, along with other factors.
Yarmouth filmmaker wins accolades for WMPG documentary (The Forecaster): “An Extraordinary Place” is not only winning prizes, it’s also connecting with audiences through screenings at the Maine International Film Festival in Waterville and the Maine Outdoor Film Festival in Portland.
Transfer ME agreement gives students an easy pathway into the UMaine System from Maine’s community colleges
July
How to apply and adjust to college as a homeschooled student (U.S. News and World Report): By taking dual enrollment courses at a local community college, USM Director of Admissions Rachel Morales says homeschoolers can demonstrate their readiness for the educational and social demands of campus life.
Mainers are filling in as extras in the opera ‘Aida.’ Meet 5 of them. (Portland Press Herald): Theatre student Garrett Lynn appears in Act II playing the guardsman for a group of prisoners as they are paraded in front of the pharaoh.
Political Science professor Ron Schmidt analyzes President Biden’s decision to end his re-election bid
USM seeing slightly increased enrollment, balanced budget, president says (Portland Press Herald): “I’m really very proud of the work that our entire university community has done to make sure that we ended the year with a balanced budget,” President Jacqueline Edmondson said.
USM sees increased enrollment, balanced budget (Maine Public): USM received more undergraduate applications over the past year than it had seen in a decade, along with an increase in transfer and graduate students.
Lisbon’s Haley-Jane Tuplin returns from field hockey injury to stand out in two other sports (Sun Journal): The care that Tuplin received from trainers at USM was crucial in her recovery from a ruptured ACL in her right knee.
Rural youth in Maine (Maine Public): University President Jacqueline Edmondson draws on personal experience in a discussion about helping rural youth achieve success in higher education.
How retirees can attend college for cheap or free (U.S. News & World Report): USM was highlighted for its policy of not charging tuition to Maine residents aged 65 years and older.
The Presidential Race (Maine Public): Head of USM’s Department of Political Science, Dr. Ronald Schmidt, offers his insights on the state of the campaign after a failed assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump.
Northeast Delta Dental becomes a founding sponsor of USM career hub (Mainebiz): The $50,000 donation will contribute to career development services with the aim of reducing workforce shortages.
Mural honoring two Westbrook women inspires the city (American Journal): City leaders hailed the mural for boosting civic pride and thanked artist Ryan Adams, who developed the project during his residency at USM.
Students from Greenland come to Maine to learn about hospitality amid rise in US visitors (NEWS CENTER Maine): Over a two-month stay, ten students will live and study at USM in order to increase their understanding of American consumers.
Al Bean won’t be idle in retirement from USM as he shifts to new role as LEC commissioner
The science behind fireworks, chemistry professors explain (WMTW): “Pure metals give off the really bright, intense whitish color,” said Dr. Meg Hausman, head of the USM Chemistry Department.
State announces resource center to aid local opioid settlement spending (Maine Monitor): The center will rely on research and data generated by USM’s Catherine Cutler Institute to help communities make informed spending decisions.
June
Satellite to carry out science experiments developed by Maine students (Maine Public): USM Space Technologist Dr. Warren Ziegler explains how the project teaches students to apply their electronics lessons.
Casco Bay Wind Symphony bringing music back to Portland’s July 4 celebration (Portland Press Herald): The symphony’s conductor and artistic director is Dr. William Kinne, who also serves as an assistant professor and director of bands at the Osher School of Music.
Presidential Debate Analysis (Maine Public): Where does the campaign go from here after widely panned performances by President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump? Professor of Political Science Ron Schmidt shared his ideas as part of an expert panel.
Forest-based economy, jobs will be focus of Maine higher ed partnership (Mainebiz): A key outcome of the Maine-FOREST project, which includes research contributions from USM, is the creation of a database to help the forest products sector make informed decisions.
Scott Heath has big plans for Huskies baseball as the program’s new head coach
Portland-based real estate firm provides $50,000 gift to USM’s career development center (Mainebiz): Reveler Development founder Tom Watson offered his well-wishes to students along with the donation, saying, “We strongly believe that those of you who are about to enter the workforce will soon find that it is your turn to create the future and to build the future.”
Longtime Panthers fans pumped up prior to Game 7 of Stanley Cup Final (NHL.com): For USM men’s ice hockey head coach Matt Pinchevsky, watching the series brought back happy memories of rooting for the Panthers during his childhood in Miami.
University of Southern Maine dedicates new courtyard to former president (WGME): The list of speakers who toasted Glenn Cummings included his two children, current President Jacqueline Edmondson, Sen. Angus King, and Promise Scholar Joshua Mutshaila.
National historian, Maine leaders discuss need to better understand our ‘hard histories’ (Maine Morning Star): USM hosted the talk by Hasan Kwame Jeffries which explored Maine’s failure to comply with state laws that require Indigenous and African American studies to be taught in public schools.
Large new buildings in Portland must now comply with ‘bird-friendly’ requirements (Maine Public): The policy incorporated data that was gathered through field research by a team of volunteers led by Dr. Christine Maher, a USM professor of biology.
Most high school softball coaches in Maine are men. A push for change is underway (Portland Press Herald): A leading voice in the effort to get more women involved, Huskies softball coach Sarah Jamo has suggested coaching clinics as one possible pathway.
The good and bad sides of Maine’s disappearing gay bar scene (Portland Press Herald): A documentary grew out of conversations between USM Sociology Department Chair Dr. Wendy Chapkis and filmmaker Betsy Carson.
Maine university system holds first conference on artificial intelligence (Sun Journal): Leaders in business, government, and academia contributed their expertise to panel discussions at USM’s Portland campus.
How can the visible universe be 46 billion light-years in radius when the universe is only 13.8 billion years old? (Astronomy): Southworth Planetarium Director Edward Herrick-Gleason recasts the vast distances of space into human terms by using a game of catch as a point of comparison.
Maine will add more than 50 new high-speed EV chargers near busy highways, outdoor recreation areas (Maine Morning Star): USM’s Gorham campus will host one of the new chargers at a location along School Street.
Hannaford employees will get 10% break on UMaine tuition (Mainebiz): The new partnership with the University of Maine System is an expansion of Hannaford’s Groceries to Grads education-reimbursement program, which began in August 2022.
Esports team from Maine to take part in tournament raising awareness of fentanyl (WMTW): USM Esports Club Chairman Michael Brown says the tournament holds special meaning for competitors whose families have been impacted by opioid addiction.
Carolyn Rebecca Block Award (Homicide Research Working Group): The 2024 award winner is USM Police Chief Gráinne Perkins for her work to increase understanding about homicide and lethal violence.
Understanding the Canadian GP’s famous groundhogs (The Athletic): USM’s Dr. Christine Maher says racetrack caretakers are fighting an uphill battle in their effort to remove groundhogs from the area because the species is so adept at living side-by-side with humans.
Maine’s workforce isn’t keeping pace with growth, Gov. Mills tells business leaders (Portland Press Herald): According to Dr. Rachel Bouvier, associate professor of Economics, Maine’s difficulty in attracting workers stems in part from a shortage of childcare and affordable housing.
With Re-Site, artists give context to landmarks around Portland (Portland Press Herald): Research by history professor and University historian Libby Bischof was crucial in the selection of historic sites for the project’s art exhibitions.
May
Middays with Mannix & Mannix: Ed Flaherty (96.3FM Big Jab): The competitive energy that Coach Flaherty focused on baseball at USM is being redirected to pickleball and golf as he settles into retirement.
Society Notebook: Opera Maine goes big for ‘Aida’ (Portland Press Herald): Fresh from graduation with a degree in Classical Voice Performance from the Osher School of Music, Bella St. Cyr will sing in the show’s chorus.
Climate&Me: Carter Frank (Maine Climate Council): A course in environmental planning at USM resonated deeply with Carter Frank and inspired him to pursue a career as a city planner.
Schools attend 25th Maine Model United Nations Conference (Sun Journal): More than 380 participants from high schools across Maine can thank USM’s Political Science program for providing them with a forum to learn problem solving through the lens of international diplomacy.
Let them entertain you: 12 artists who will be in Maine this summer (Portland Press Herald): The summer season is no vacation for Osher School of Music student Karoline Brechter who will appear in several shows at the Maine State Music Theater.
MEREDA conference highlights notable projects, ‘smart growth’ and urban development (Mainebiz): The shortlist of award winners included the Portland Commons residence hall and McGoldrick Center for Career and Student Success on USM’s Portland campus.
Notable Westbrook women celebrated in new wall mural (American Journal): As the project developed over several months, artist Ryan Adams received planning and painting assistance from his intern, Katie Riley, a junior Studio Art student at USM.
College roundup: Madi Day and Hannah Shields earn All-Little East softball honors (Sun Journal): Among the six team members who were recognized, five were named to the All-Little East Second Team, and Belle Snyder was the sole Husky to make the first team.
Midcoast Symphony showcases concerto competition finalists (Times Record): Pianist and USM alum Oren Varess is vying for the privilege of playing with the Midcoast Symphony during the 2024/25 season.
How sweet it is: Winslow student crowned 2024 American Honey Princess (Morning Sentinel): In her role as ambassador for the American Beekeeping Federation, freshman Political Science major Lainey Bell will make public appearances to talk about the importance of honeybees.
Maine’s tour guide to outer space is signing off after 25 years (Portland Press Herald): Edward Herrick-Gleason will host his final show at Southworth Planetarium to a sold-out audience on May 15.
UMaine, USM partner to advance medical research, life sciences and faculty development (Mainebiz): “Their collective expertise will contribute to new knowledge and scientific advances as we work together to solve complex health and medical problems,” said USM President Jacqueline Edmondson.
Mainers surprised, delighted by unusually strong northern lights show (Portland Press Herald): After so much hype leading up to the recent solar eclipse, do you wonder why the northern lights garnered such scant advance reporting? Edward Herrick-Gleason from USM’s Southworth Planetarium has the answer.
USM stuns top-seeded UMass Boston in Little East softball tourney (Portland Press Herald): A four-run fifth inning was the turning point on the way to an 8-4 win.
College roundup: USM’s Cece Racine named LEC Goalkeeper of the Year (Sun Journal): Racine led the conference with a .518 save percentage and 11.29 saves per game.
USM panelists share struggles & successes (Amjambo Africa): The panel discussion hosted by USM Libraries was the second in a series of forums exploring the immigration experience of New Mainers.
Cumberland singer Julia Gagnon’s ‘American Idol’ journey ends (Portland Press Herald): Her performances of songs made famous by the B-52’s and Adele won praise from the judges but didn’t garner enough votes to keep the USM senior in the competition.
Graduation season begins as hundreds receive degrees from the University of Southern Maine (Portland Press Herald): Student speaker Hamido Hassan urged fellow graduates to repay the support they’ve received by being supportive of others.
3 generations of a Maine family will get college degrees at the same time (Bangor Daily News): Twenty-two-year-old Tanner Meserve earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Science, 45-year-old Melissa Meserve earned a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education, and 66-year-old Brenda Plummer earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies.
Bangor natives headline the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2024 (Bangor Daily News): Among the accomplishments that secured membership for Tony Miner were his contributions to the Huskies baseball team that won the 1997 NCAA Division III national championship.
College roundup: USM’s Zoe Barnes, Kiana Goldberg win conference awards (Sun Journal): Barnes’ strength in shot put and discus earned her LEC Field Athlete of the Year honors, while Goldberg hurdled her way to the LEC Track Rookie of the Year award.
Ouellette awarded PWD scholarship (American Journal): The award recognizes Abigail Ouellete, a sophomore Environmental Science major from Gorham, for her commitment to water resources and sustainability through volunteerism.
Accomplishments of Maine women honored with new mural (WMTW): The mural on a building in Westbrook is the culminating project of Ryan Adams’ yearlong artist residency at USM.
Middays with Mannix & Mannix: Sarah Jamo (96.3FM Big Jab): A 24-10 record heading into the final weekend of the regular season has the Husky softball team hopeful about its postseason potential.
April
Unreliable eyewitnesses top reason for wrongful convictions (Bangor Daily News): Assistant Psychology Professor Kristen Gleason and Psychology major Alianah Timmons urge law enforcement to reduce wrongful convictions by adopting a series of research-based recommendations as a safeguard against the mistaken testimony of witnesses.
Cumberland singer Julia Gagnon advances to top 7 on ‘American Idol’ (Portland Press Herald): The judges let USM’s Julia Gagnon choose from three songs, and she made the right choice based on their praise for her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Higher ed gets ahead: Despite ups and downs of 30 years, Maine schools always eyed the future (Mainebiz): Slated for completion in 2025, the Crewe Center for the Arts is the latest in a flurry of construction projects that have transformed USM’s Portland campus in recent years.
Mainer Julia Gagnon advances to top 8 on ‘American Idol’ (Bangor Daily News): A Bryan Adams song proved to be a good choice in the USM senior’s push to win the TV vocal competition.
Opinion: Parking system upgrade at USM is a work in progress (Portland Press Herald): USM continues to fine-tune its parking policy based on feedback from the campus community, including the upcoming installation of pay stations to make it easier for people without smartphones to get a parking permit.
Deep Water: ‘The Persistence of a Twinkie,’ by Kristin Davis (Portland Press Herald): Recollections of ambivalent family bonds fuel the featured poem by Kristin Davis, who honed her craft as a graduate of the Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing program.
Ed Flaherty honored by USM for his 39 years as baseball coach (Portland Press Herald): Among the shower of gifts for the out-going baseball coach was the retirement of his number 26 jersey, commemorated with a sign on the stadium press box behind home plate.
USM’s David Shane Lowry (Gorham Times): Dr. Lowry’s Indigenous heritage informs and enriches his work as assistant professor of Anthropology and leader of the Indigenous Relationship Lab.
USM Dept. of Theatre to hold spring dance concert in Gorham (Gorham Weekly): The show’s themes of reclamation and renewal are especially fitting since this will be the first dance concert on the Russell Hall stage in more than four years.
Cumberland singer Julia Gagnon advances to top 12 on ‘American Idol’ (Portland Press Herald): In a change from the guidance she receives as a History student at USM, Gagnon took lessons in musicianship from Kiss frontman Gene Simmons ahead of her latest TV performance.
Paula D. Hodgdon, USM women’s sports trailblazer (Gorham Times): Decades into her retirement, Hodgdon continues to collect accolades including her recent induction into the Maine Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
The outlook for Gaza (Maine Public): Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish went on the Maine Calling radio show in advance of a speaking engagement at USM to share his perspective on a path to peace in the Middle East.
Cumberland singer Julia Gagnon voted into ‘American Idol’ top 14 (Portland Press Herald): Safe in the knowledge that she had already advanced to the next level, the USM senior was able to concentrate on singing “Need a Favor” without fear that a mistake could lead to her elimination.
2024 Student Veteran Athletes of the Year (G.I. Jobs): Though initially cautious about the transition from naval service to campus life, Jeff Melcher eventually embraced his student experience at USM by studying Biology, playing lacrosse, and even cavorting as the school mascot.
PC Construction receives award from Associated General Contractors of America (Mainebiz): Environmental considerations such as a rooftop photovoltaic array and passive solar heating figured prominently in the decision to honor the company that installed those features at USM’s McGoldrick Center.
Indoor gardening hasn’t grown old for millennial and Gen Z houseplant owners (Portland Press Herald): Despite extensive daily watering duties. Resident Advisor Maddie Taber enjoys the peaceful feeling she gets from the 25 houseplants that decorate her on-campus apartment in Portland.
Two-time national championship baseball coach Ed Flaherty announces plans to retire at the end of his 39th season
Khmer Maine names its founder as its next executive director (Mainebiz): Since receiving a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from USM in 2014, Marpheen Chann has become a published author and a leading advocate for Maine’s Cambodian community.
New Americans play ‘crucial role’ in economy of Androscoggin County, report says (Mainebiz): USM’s Career and Employment Hub and Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact jointly commissioned the report, which was unveiled in a presentation at the Lewiston campus.
Post-eclipse roundup (Maine Public): After all of his work to get USM ready for the eclipse, Southworth Planetarium Director Edward Herrick-Gleason is already planning to visit Spain for the total eclipse in 2026.
Paintings by local artist on display in hospital gallery (Sun Journal): Jennifer Gammon, who graduated from USM with a bachelor of fine arts degree, found inspiration for her paintings while observing the animals and plants in her garden.
Julia Gagnon brings ‘powerhouse vocals’ to first night of public voting on ‘American Idol’ (Portland Press Herald): In order to advance to the next round, the USM senior needs viewers to reward her performance of “Rumor Has It” with their vote.
Heavy snow in April? Mainers scoff at spring storm after warm winter (Portland Press Herald): “I love being in the weather, I love Maine. I have to come out and see this stuff. I can’t sit in the house. This is what I do,” said Dr. Matthew Bampton, professor of Geography-Anthropology.
Portland planetarium director says total eclipse will be totally worth it (Portland Press Herald): “I’m very excited, not only because we get to watch a rare celestial event happening in real time, but because so many people are going to be observing this event,” said Edward Herrick-Gleason, director of the Southworth Planetarium at USM.
Opinion: Giving peace a chance (Portland Press Herald): An upcoming visit to campus by Middle East peace activist Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish renews hope in the possibility of a better tomorrow for Gaza, as expressed by Dr. Abraham Peck, adjunct History professor.
Maine businesses, health care providers will get $24M for workforce development (Mainebiz): USM’s share of the federal funding amounts to $463,000 to create a cybersecurity operations center classroom.
Author Dana Murch to give a genealogy book talk as part of anniversary celebration (Sun Journal): The information about Acadian and Québécois families that Murch uncovered during his research spans more than 400 years.
Julia Gagnon of Cumberland secures top 24 spot on ‘American Idol’ (Portland Press Herald): A performance of the Broadway showstopper “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” earned the USM History major a trip to Hawaii for the next round of competition.
March
Deep Water: ‘Homecoming,’ by Anne Cyr (Portland Press Herald): The writer of this week’s featured poem in the Portland Press Herald gave thanks to her writing teachers at USM’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
USM, Consigli top off Crewe Center for the Arts (Mainebiz): Founding donors and members of the campus community signed the last structural beam before it was hoisted into its place in the building’s framework.
USM Gorham Theatre Dept. presents The Prom (Gorham Weekly): The Drama Desk Award winner for Best Musical will make its Maine premiere when “The Prom” begins its run at Russell Hall on April 5.
At a corporate spelling bee, Maine execs spar over words like ‘pilcrow’ and ‘wobbulator’ (Mainebiz): Congratulations to winning speller Jessica Estes of the Boulos Co. after edging out USM President Jacqueline Edmondson in the final round.
New Ventures Maine promotes longtime employee to program director (Mainebiz): Suzanne Senechal-Jandreau holds a master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from USM.
Local events planned to prep for and view ‘quite compelling’ solar eclipse in southern Maine (The Forecaster): The only safe way to get a good look at the total eclipse on April 8, advises Southworth Planetarium director Edward Herrick-Gleason, is to wear a pair of special glasses to block harmful solar radiation.
Women’s lacrosse: Lewiston native Cece Racine stands strong in goal for USM (Sun Journal): Head coach Angela Mallis describes Racine’s style of play as aggressive and unafraid, in contrast to her introverted personality off the field.
Permanent Commission on the Status of Women hires Executive Director (Maine Secretary of State): Elinor Higgins, who holds a master’s degree in Public Health from USM, is the first person to occupy the newly created position.
University of Southern Maine receives gift from Kennebunkport Resort Collection (Kennebunk Post): The $25,000 donation will sponsor the Parenting Room at the McGoldrick Center.
Maine social workers, educators seek end to state licensing exam (Maine Beacon): Associate Dean of USM’s School of Social Work Dr. Jeanette Andonian argues that Maine’s licensing exam excludes good social workers in favor of good test-takers.
Cumberland woman gets coveted platinum ticket in ‘American Idol’ audition (Portland Press Herald): Julia Gagnon, a senior History major at USM, impressed the judges with a performance of the Aretha Franklin song “Ain’t No Way.”
Opinion: How will today’s college students look back on their education? (Maine Sunday Telegram): Adjunct Literacy instructor Paula Boyce wonders if old digital files of homework will hold the same nostalgia for former students as paper copies.
PC Construction recognized for University of Southern Maine project (VermontBiz): For its work on the the McGoldrick Center and Portland Commons, the company won the Construction Risk Partners Build America Award.
Bob Brown wins Wooden Award (The Forecaster): The USM men’s teams led by Coach Brown made the NCAA Division III national championship tournament for three straight years, including a Final Four appearance in 1989, all of which contributed to his 2010 induction into the Husky Hall of Fame.
‘What it means to be Franco’ presentation and discussion to be held at Franco-American Collection (Sun Journal): The expert panel includes Douglas Rooks who will discuss the insights he gained in writing a biography about the life of World War I soldier Albert Beliveau.
USM Department of Theatre and Osher School of Music present the Maine premiere of The Prom (Broadway World): Amid the usual run of shows, a special performance on April 13 will raise money in support of OUT Maine’s Rainbow Ball Weekend.
Business Leaders: Muhidin Libah is cultivating farms, a nonprofit and Maine’s Somali Bantu community (Mainebiz): A bachelor’s degree in Natural and Applied Sciences from USM helped set Libah on his career path.
In bid for a world record, this Maine native ices a challenging swim (Portland Press Herald): Before testing her limits in the frigid waters of Norway, Mandy Sumner stalked the pitch for the USM women’s soccer team.
USM parking update (Gorham Times): Frequent visitors to USM’s Gorham campus can now purchase a Gorham Permit which allows unlimited parking in certain lots for $3 per month (plus a service charge for credit card processing).
Skowhegan graduate and USM wrestler Jake Craig eager to compete at nationals (Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel): Craig qualified for the Division III national championship by placing third in the 125-pound weight class at the Northeast Regional Championship.
‘My other euphonium is a guitar!’ (The Beacon): A page-six profile in the U.S. Coast Guard Band newsletter introduced Osher School of Music graduate Patrick Nyren as a new addition to the brass section.
On the Record: State-funded program helps young Mainers find internships (Mainebiz): The program manager for the Maine Career Exploration Program, Kay Kerina, is also a graduate student at the Muskie School of Public Service.
Maine’s unemployment rate hovers near record low (Portland Press Herald): Workplace changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it harder to accurately measure unemployment levels, according to USM’s Richard Bilodeau, interim director of the Center for Economic and Business Research.
Maine Women’s history (Maine Public): A panel discussion about women who left a mark on Maine history featured insights from Dr. Libby Bischof, University Historian, and Dr. Ashley Towle of USM’s Women and Gender Studies program.
USM Gorham campus opens new studio, presents War of the Worlds (Gorham Weekly): Audiences can enjoy two versions of the show as either a radio drama or a stage production.
Camden Conference: An intellectual journey like no other (West End News): USM served as a satellite location for the event where guests to the Portland campus could watch a livestream of panel discussions about India’s changing role in global affairs.
February
Maine Basketball Hall of Fame announces 2024 class (Portland Press Herald): The Husky wing at the Hall of Fame continues to grow with the addition of Allison Gagnon Gray and Kevin Jenkins.
Election news & presidential primaries (Maine Public): Dr. Ron Schmidt lends his expertise as a Political Science professor to an analysis of the new rules governing primary voting when Mainers go to the polls on March 5.
Cumberland college student will appear on television to audition for ‘American Idol’ (Portland Press Herald): Julia Gagnon’s friends on campus will be able to see her full audition for the television show’s judges when it airs on ABC in March.
Bridgton Rotary to host eclipse speaker (Sun Journal): As excitement builds for a total eclipse on April 8, Southworth Planetarium Director Edward Herrick-Gleason explains what to expect.
Reception will kick off exhibit honoring more than 50 years of the Franco-American Collection at USM in Lewiston (Sun Journal): The collection’s current and former caretakers are invited to take a bow for all the work they’ve done to preserve Maine’s cultural heritage.
USM Theatre kicks off first-ever radio theatre production in March (Broadway World): Students will inaugurate USM’s new audio studio by performing from the same script of “War of the Worlds” that was made famous by Orson Welles.
USM joins Franco Center, Bates College to honor French music, female composers with Lewiston concert (Sun Journal): Performers will include USM Voice Program Director Malinda Haslett, along with Osher School of Music students Josephine Lawrence, Bella St. Cyr, and Caroline Wood.
2021 law required African American studies in Maine schools. A new bill would strengthen it. (Portland Press Herald): According to USM’s chair of teacher education Larissa Malone, one of the major benefits of L.D. 2001 would be the creation of a mechanism to understand the progress in teaching African American history across Maine.
Impact of affirmative action ruling on Maine higher education remains unclear (Maine Monitor): “We need to make sure that students who now may feel marginalized, who may feel unseen, who may feel unwelcome, feel welcome on our campuses,” said Meaghan Arena, vice president of admissions at USM, “and we need to be specific in thinking about how we plan to do that.”
Graham Griffith, the radio man who wants to bring the Balkan voice to the global table (American for Bulgaria Foundation): Before setting off for Bulgaria through the Fulbright Program, Griffith was working toward a master’s degree in Leadership Studies at USM.
Portland Camera Club still clicking after 125 years (Portland Press Herald): The long sweep of club history proved invaluable to Dr. Libby Bischof as she gathered information for a book about the evolution of amateur photographic technology and techniques.
Program supporting parents in higher ed hits two-year review (NEWS CENTER Maine): State lawmakers will make a decision about funding the Build HOPE program based in part on a presentation that was delivered to them by USM professor emerita Luisa Deprez.
Romance novelist Danielle Bannister talks about ‘Waiting in the Wings’ (WABI): In creating the world of the novel, Bannister drew on the knowledge she acquired by studying for a Theatre degree at USM.
Pumped up on heat pumps: Maine leads the nation on installations (Mainebiz): The installation of heat pumps at the new Portland Commons residence hall aligns with USM’s plan to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Have a crush on your Le Creuset? Here are the kitchen items these Mainers love most (Portland Press Herald): A big part of the happiness that USM Foundation President and CEO Ainsley Wallace feels toward her repainted kitchen cabinets comes from having done the job herself.
A new novel revisits a Shirley Jackson classic. Chills ensue (Portland Press Herald): A member of USM’s Stonecoast MFA faculty, Elizabeth Hand is the first writer entrusted to pen an authorized follow-up to “The Haunting of Hill House.”
Cajun Cookin’ returns for flavorful Fat Tuesday feast (Gorham Weekly): Everything from savory gumbo to zesty jambalaya will be on the menu at WMPG’s annual Mardi Gras party.
Northern Light Health says patient records are safe after weekend cyberattack (WGME): Hospital records are a favorite target of hackers because of the valuable information they contain, according to Dr. Lori Sussman from the USM Department of Technology.
For Rwandan refugee in Maine, art is a source of light and healing from trauma (Spectrum News): An exhibition of Frederick Ndabaramiye’s art at USM’s Lewiston campus will run through February.
An inside look at the quirkiest, most diverse radio station in Maine (NEWS CENTER Maine): A new documentary highlights the community atmosphere that campus radio station WMPG fosters among its many disc jockeys and contributors.
Things to Do: Valentine’s-themed open mic night, roller derby and arm wrestling (Portland Press Herald): American Sign Language interpreters from USM will provide their services at a roller derby bout between the Shipwreckers and the R.I.P. Tides.
This ‘Unique’ Maine radio show shares everyone’s musical joy (Bangor Daily News): Airing Saturday mornings on WMPG, the show challenges preconceptions with its rotating lineup of hosts with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The economy is booming. So, why don’t people feel better about it? (Portland Press Herald): “If we’re seeing a disconnect between what economists think and what the general public feels, it’s probably the public that’s right,” said Dr. Michael Cauvel, an assistant professor of economics.
Iceland’s ‘Silicon Valley of Cod’ holds secrets for New England’s fishing industry (Boston Globe): USM’s partnership with the New England Ocean Cluster allows faculty and students to be on the ground floor of innovations for business, health, and technology.
Phil. Chuck. Jimmy. Here’s why many Groundhog Day prognosticators are male (NPR): Mating instincts dictate that male groundhogs emerge from hibernation before females, according to USM Biology Professor Christine Maher.
Gorham Times welcomes new USM student intern (Gorham Times): As an English major, Tom Grebouski names Foucault and Nietzsche among his favorite authors and his reading list will only get denser as he pursues his goal of attaining a law degree.
People on the move (Portland Press Herald): Included among five new appointees to the board of directors for the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute is Dr. Idella Glenn, USM’s Vice President of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact.
January
USM to build esports arena with $750,000 gift from Town & Country Federal Credit Union
University of Maine System touts ‘Research Learning Experiences’ (NEWS CENTER Maine): Tourism and Hospitality students from USM spend time at area hotels and restaurants to see the real-world applications of their lessons.
USM softball team returns from service trip to Dominican Republic (WGME): In addition to mentoring kids on the softball field, players also made a difference in the community by painting houses and beautifying neighborhoods.
Opinion: Bill will improve ranks of Maine social workers (Portland Press Herald): The bill backed by Jeanette Andonian, Associate Dean of the USM School of Social Work, seeks to remove the requirement that new social workers must pass an exam to attain their license.
USM gets funding to beef up campus emergency readiness (Mainebiz): The money from two grants will be used over three years to pay for drills simulating natural disasters and human threats at the University’s three campuses.
Santaluces grad Chance Dixon savors career landmark with Southern Maine (The Palm Beach Post): A foul shot gave Dixon his 1,000th college point in a 75-65 win over Plymouth State on January 17.
Opinion: Fish shacks stood as sentries to our common past (Portland Press Herald): By putting the fishing shacks along the South Portland coast into historical perspective, Professor Emerita Ardis Cameron argues for their restoration.
Legally blind Maine wrestler now competing at collegiate level (Bangor Daily News): Derek Cote begins his matches with hand-to-hand contact rather than the traditional stance in order to compensate for his visual impairments of nystagmus and achromatopsia.
D-III Women’s East Week 13 Recap: Historic upsets & Mandigo’s milestone (USCHO): The Huskies added to their growing reputation as a team on the rise by beating Elmira for the first time in the history of the women’s ice hockey program.
Back on the clock: Why some Mainers are choosing to ‘unretire’ and keep working well into their 80s (Mainebiz): At 87 years old, Bob Greene draws on his experience as a journalist to teach a class on Maine’s Black history at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Early uses of color printing come into focus at Osher Map Library (Portland Press Herald): The new exhibition titled “A Pageant of Spectacles: Chromolithography in America” will remain on display through June 29.
‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ at USM (Gorham Times): Performed in revue format by students from the Osher School of Music, the musical comedy pokes fun at the ups and downs of modern relationships.
Library art exhibit opens (Advertiser Democrat): A graduate of USM’s Communications program, Alice Tweedie drew on her background in performing arts to create a series of 20 multimedia illustrations on display at Norway Memorial Library.
Award-winning Maine-Greenland cookbook features Wabanaki, Inuit dishes (Bangor Daily News): For its cross-cultural significance, “Taste of Two Worlds” was recognized as Best Arctic Cookbook in the World at the Gourmand Awards in Saudi Arabia.
In Maine, the new school of res-hall design prioritizes sustainability, style, and amenities (DownEast): Residents of USM’s Portland Commons enjoy their own fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops, a washer and dryer for laundry, and the ability to control the thermostat for individualized temperature preferences.
Indie Film: Screenwriting class prompts Maine media professional to tell her story (Portland Press Herald): The encouragement that Mariah Larocque received as a student at USM gave her the confidence to explore such a sensitive subject on film.
UMF and USM receive grants to recruit educators, help alleviate Maine’s teacher shortage (Daily Bulldog): The $160,000 that USM received will be used to start or expand Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs.
Photos: Rwandan amputee displays artwork at Lewiston college (Sun Journal): The Atrium Gallery at USM’s LAC Campus ended its first exhibition after a lengthy hiatus with a reception that brought together artist Frederick Ndabaramiye and his admirers.
Documentary celebrates unique culture of WMPG (The Forecaster): A stint hosting the show “Let’s Connect Greater Portland” convinced Tom Bell that the campus radio station would be a good subject for a documentary.
2024 Forecast: Maine businesses face mixed indicators, challenges and chances to grow (Mainebiz): The new energy brought to the workforce by graduates of the joint USM/UMaine MBA program is a bright spot in 2024’s economic outlook, according to Norm O’Reilly, dean of the Graduate School of Business.
In a former Norway snowshoe factory, an arts hub is taking shape (Portland Press Herald): A sculpture destined for USM is being assembled at the former industrial facility by artist Pamela Moulton.
Opinion: Adopt these steps to relieve private student loan debt (Portland Press Herald): The list of policy changes suggested by two graduate students in the USM Social Work program includes prohibiting compound interest for student loans and requiring private lenders to only offer student loans at fixed rates.
Off the court: Basketball is serious — and fun — business for Kristina Blais (Sun Journal): After winning a national basketball championship with Central Maine Community College, Blais enrolled at USM where she gained some of her earliest experience as a coach and trainer.
Katie Schools hired as Community Outreach Organizer for Scontras Center (Maine AFL-CIO): Past jobs in food service and farming instilled an awareness in Schools about the challenges that working class families face.
Maine will host a range of new and returning sporting events this year (Mainebiz): A study by the Center for Business and Economic Research at USM found that sports contributed $155.6 million to the Maine economy in 2019.
USM parking answers (Gorham Times): USM’s Chief Business Officer Justin Swift tackles some of the biggest questions to arise since the new automated campus parking system went into effect.
National political landscape (Maine Public): Dr. Ronald Schmidt says students in his Political Science class are paying close attention to the issues that are shaping the 2024 presidential race.
Artist Frederick Ndabaramiya, solo show (Portland Press Herald): Caretakers of the Atrium Gallery on the LAC Campus chose to feature Ndabaramiya’s paintings as the first exhibition since the venue reopened after a long hiatus.
Archive
Looking for more? Browse the stories that landed the University of Southern Maine in the news in 2023.