USM Dedicates Dr. Richard L. Pattenaude Reception Room in honor of former President’s transformative leadership

The University of Southern Maine (USM) today honored former president Richard “Rich” Pattenaude with the dedication of the Dr. Richard L. Pattenaude Reception Room, recognizing his 16 years of visionary leadership that transformed the institution and expanded its role in Maine’s educational and economic landscape.

Dr. Richard L. Pattenaude

The dedication ceremony, held in the newly named space within the Portland Commons Residence Hall on USM’s Portland campus, was led by current USM President Jacqueline Edmondson. Speaking to a small gathering of campus and community leaders, President Edmondson praised Pattenaude’s enduring impact on the University.

“Rich Pattenaude was a president who didn’t just grow the institution – he nurtured it,” said Edmondson. “He believed in USM, in its mission, and most of all, in its people. The legacy of his leadership is woven into every corner of this campus and into the lives of countless students who found opportunity here because of his vision. This space is one more way that legacy will continue to welcome and inspire all who come through our doors.”

Pattenaude served as USM’s eighth president from 1991 to 2007, the University’s longest-serving leader since 1960. Under his leadership, USM expanded its academic offerings to include 12 new undergraduate programs, five new master’s degrees, and two doctoral programs. He also introduced the University’s Common Core curriculum and spearheaded the creation of the USM Campus Diversity Plan and Advisory Committee, deepening USM’s commitment to inclusion and belonging.

Throughout his presidency, Pattenaude forged strong relationships with businesses, donors, and community partners, growing USM’s Corporate Partners program from 10 members to 135 and establishing the USM Foundation to support philanthropic growth. He led USM through its first-ever capital campaign, raising $21 million, followed by the $25 million Transforming USM campaign. These efforts supported more than $75 million in campus construction, including the expansion and renovation of the Glickman Family Library and the Osher Map Library, as well as building the Wishcamper and Abromson Community Centers.

In 2007, Pattenaude transitioned from USM to serve as Chancellor of the University of Maine System, a role he held until 2012.

The newly dedicated Dr. Richard L. Pattenaude Reception Room will serve as a welcoming space for students, families, alumni, and community members. The room, which bears a portrait of Dr. Pattenaude, is part of a new “Presidential Corridor” on the transformed Portland campus that also includes the adjacent Dr. Glenn A. Cummings Courtyard and the Robert L. Woodbury Welcome Center. The Dr. Richard L. Pattenaude Reception Room stands as a permanent tribute to Pattenaude’s commitment to expanding access to higher education, strengthening the University’s community ties, and ensuring that USM would continue to serve Maine for generations to come.

 L to R, Dr. Jacquline Edmondson (current/14th President of USM), Dylan Pattenaude (Rich’s son), Dr. Richard “Rich” L. Pattenaude (8th President of USM), Lauren Pattenaude (Rich’s daughter), Sky Pattenaude (Rich’s granddaughter), and Anatoli Fonseca (Rich’s Son-in-law).