Our alumni continue to make an impact in their communities and professions around the world. This page highlights the outstanding accomplishments they’ve shared with us for our alumni newsletter. We invite you to explore these achievements and celebrate the many ways our graduates are shaping the future.
April 2026
Past Accomplishments
Class of 1970s
- Mellisa Sorgi ’79 published a new book, “Open Windows,” a young adult novel.
Class of 1990s
- Tae Chong ’98, ’08G was recently interviewed for Maine Biz magazine, discussing his work at the non-profit, Furniture Friends.
Class of 2000s
- Travis M. Ramsey ’03’s FIRE! was selected for the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Season Opening Concerts.
- Cacie Miller ’03 is using music to confront the climate crisis.
Class of 2010s
- Curtis Pratt ’10 joined Hancock Lumber in a newly created Safety Director role.
- Maryna Shuliakouskaya ’11 was named PROPEL’s 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year as part of their annual Ignition Awards.
- Andrew Rice ’11, a longtime reporter, will cover Portland City Hall for PPH beginning mid-January.
- Heather Hastings ’13G celebrated the world premiere of her original piece, Golden Hour.
- Katrice Kelley ’14 has been promoted to Director of Business Analysis – Underwriting at MEMIC.
- Kaila C. McCracken ’16 was awarded Young Professional of the Year as part of PROPEL’s annual Ignition Awards.
- Jeffrey Pardue ’16G, Falmouth Police Department Deputy Chief, graduated from the FBI National Academy.
- Jesse Blackburn ’18G began a new role as a Major Gifts Officer at the Island Institute.
Class of 2020s
- Aidan Fraser ’20, Damariscotta native and ceramic artist, now serves as Program and Events Coordinator at the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, blending her creative background with community-focused work in the local arts scene.
- Bri Demaso ’23 began a new job at the University of Maine Foundation as an Annual Fund Associate.
- Nate Henry ’22 joined Maine Public to launch its new yearlong series, Life Passages, exploring how different generations experience the joys and challenges of each stage of life in Maine.
Three USM Alumni among Mainebiz 40 Under 40!
Three remarkable USM alumni have been recognized as part of the 2025 Mainebiz 40 Under 40, an honor that highlights their contributions to shaping Maine’s future.
Congratulations to Amina Hasan ’21 (top), Charles Mugabe ’18 (lower right), and Nathan Henry ’22 (lower left), three innovative leaders who are shining examples of what it means to lead with purpose.
Class of 1970s
- Donna McGibney ’73, ’80G published “I’ll Remember for You: A Daughter’s Journey with her Mom Through Dementia.”
- Patricia Boston ’75 won election to Biddeford Ward 1 as Councilor.
Class of 1980s
- Anne Jordan ’81 published an op-ed on Question 2 from her perspective as Executive Director of the Lewiston Commission.
- Marc Lessard ’86 won election to Biddeford City Council.
- Keith Morang ’87 was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame.
Class of 1990s
- Bonnie Faulkner ’91, whose work is featured in the Shaker Family’s Maker Spotlight, is celebrating nearly 50 years of dedicated volunteering and deep connection to the Shaker community.
- Sue White ’92 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame as the 2025 Richard A. Costello Special Achievement award recipient.
- Tara Perruzzi ’97 was hired as the new senior vice president for commercial banking in southern Maine at Machias Savings Bank.
- Tae Chong ’98, ’08G has now moved into the role of Executive Director at Furniture Friends, working to reduce homelessness and improve housing stability.
Class of 2000s
- Darryl Campbell Whitney ’03 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in USM Cross Country and Track & Field.
- E. Scot Fuller-Beatty ’03 was honored with the 2025 Industry Impact Award from the Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP) in recognition of his outstanding dedication and leadership in guiding the organization with excellence.
- Deedra Boudreau (née Beveridge) ’05 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in USM Field Hockey, and Track & Field.
- Fred Greenhalgh ’06 teamed up with writer Shawn French and USM Theatre student Ellie Backman to create his first project in the Bill Dufris Memorial Voiceover Studio on the Gorham campus.
- Ashlee Ridlon ’08 has published a new children’s book, “The Mermaid Who Sang to the Stars,” which encourages kids to follow their dreams.
- Allegra Hirsh-Wright ’08G recently completed a 15-month certification program to become one of Maine’s first National Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Trainers, allowing her to train other mental health clinicians in TF-CBT across Maine and beyond.
Class of 2010s
- Amy Alvarez ’10G, associate professor of practice in the Messina College at Boston College, won an American Book Award for her poetry collection, Makeshift Altar: Poems (University Press of Kentucky, 2024).
- Peter McHugh ’11 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in USM Soccer.
- Mary Caron ’16, ’18G was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in USM Softball.
- Logan Carman ’17 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in USM Baseball.
- Hannah Damron ’17 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in USM Cross Country, and Track & Field.
- Hollie Pryor ’18 was featured in the Portland Press Herald for pioneering work in intimacy direction.
Class of 2020s
- Trevor Hustus ’20 is starting a new position as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN), covering critical areas such as Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
- Jamie Ruginski ’25 was inducted into the USM Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in USM Track & Field.
Class of 1980s
- Gail Spaien ’80 will exhibit her artwork at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art Biennial in Rockland, on view from October 4, 2025, through January 11, 2026.
Class of 1990s
- Kathryn Smith ’90, ’99G was recognized as School Psychologist of the Year by the Maine Association of School Psychologists.
- Richard St. Pierre ’90 has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer EVP at Norway Savings Bank.
- Anne Cyr ’92G has her poem “The Shock of It” featured in the Portland Press Herald, after her work as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
- Kathy Gillis ’92, ’13G received the Chris Kaufman Award from the Maine Association of School Psychologists.
Class of 2000s
- Professor Alexander Katopis ’07, ’10G published his first book, The Essentials of Supervising Practicum and Internship Students in Counselor Education Programs.
- Amanda Savage (née Stevens) ’07 is the first Mainer to join the American Nurses Association Board of Directors.
Class of 2010s
- Trey Binette ’15 has been promoted to Manager in the advisory practice at Baker Newman Noyes.
- Ashley Haskell ’19 has been promoted to Manager in the tax practice at Baker Newman Noyes.
Class of 2020s
- Sigrid Sibley ’21 and her fellow bandmates were featured on News Center Maine.
- Josie Chadbourne ’22G was appointed to the role of Director of Special Services in the Kittery School District.
- Ben Clouse ’24 was featured for his performance of the role of Laurie in Castle Craig’s production of Little Women in Meriden, CT.
- Phoebe Elliott ’24 was named athletic trainer at Middlebury College.
- Hailey Alexis Francoeur ’24G, Tour Operations Manager for DCI’s Boston Crusaders, led them to win their first national championship in corps history.
- Tyler DeAngelis ’25G was recognized as Graduate Student of the Year by the Maine Association of School Psychologists.
Other Alumni
- Rachel Accurso, a native of Biddeford, Maine, was named Rolling Stone’s 3rd most influential creator of 2025.
- Lisa Hill has been promoted to Director of Sappi North America’s Pulp Business.
- Peter King was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of the Island Institute.
- Dori Leadbetter was featured for her academic pursuits and work with the Maine Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC).
- Megan Vaughan was honored to win the 2025 Red Gendron Memorial Scholarship.
- Lindsey Welch was featured in an article about running the Beach to Beacon.
Class of 1980s
- Andrew Schiller ‘89 authors Portland Press Herald Letter to the Editor about renaming USM to University of Maine-Portland.
Class of 1990s
- William Buzza ‘93 receives Music Educator of the year from MMEA.
Class of 2000s
- Oil painting by Cooper Dragonette ‘01 sets record bid at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust annual fundraiser.
- Kevin Coyne ‘03 joins Colliers as Brokerage Associate in Maine.
- Megan Marino ‘05 played role of the Beggar Woman in Opera Maine’s production of Sweeney Todd.
- Carissa Robb ‘07 elevated to Managing Partner, Banking & Financial Services at SolomonEdwards.
- Daniel Strange ‘07 gives a concert with Hot Fiddle at North Windham Union Church to raise funding for the Fuller Center for Housing.
Class of 2010s
- Tanner Grover ‘10 launches “The Cinema Clubhouse,” a free monthly movie screening at the Harbor Theatre in Boothbay.
- Dona D. Vaughn ‘11H served as the Artistic Director for Opera Maine’s production of Sweeney Todd.
- David Nies ‘14 named General Manager of the University of Miami (Ohio) Hockey Team.
- Josiah Petrin ‘14 celebrates 10 years at Broadreach Public Relations.
- Erin Dawley ‘16 receives music educator of the year from MMEA.
- Jeff Mosher ‘16, ‘21 awarded the MMEA Outstanding New Educator Award.
Class of 2020s
- Sarah Marshall ‘21G named 2025 Maine County Teacher of the Year for Oxford County.
- Maine fiction author Shannon Bowring ‘22G speaks in Thomaston about her writing process.
- Lauren Gasaway ‘23 featured for her work as Senior Account Executive for Ticket Sales of the Portland Sea Dogs.
Class of 1960s
- Estelle Watson Sanders ’67, ’00 publishes 3 books: A Kitchen Table Book, Shattering the Glass Ceiling, and Leaves Falling Upon the Sky.
Class of 1970s
- Alan Bray ’71 showcases his latest exhibition, Inhabited Landscape, in New York City, featuring detailed depictions of Maine’s remote, forested interior, focusing on the quiet complexity of natural structures like nests and burrows.
- David Shaw ’76G, ’15H joined President Jacqueline Edmondson for a keynote interview at the University of Southern Maine’s Thinking Matters symposium on April 18, where they discussed his book, Wave Making.
- Dr. Nathan Hamilton ’77 with a group of students participated in an archeological dig at the Isle of Shoals.
Class of 1980s
- Michael Marocco ’81 hosts Kate Cheney Chappell Center for Book arts Student Residency Worskshop at his home and garden showplace in Redding, CT.
- Jayne Sawtelle ’84 was elected to the Portland School Board.
- Keith Morang ’87 to be inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame.
Class of 1990s
- Bonnie Faulkner ’91 featured in Portland Press Herald article for her work with the Maine Shaker community.
- Tanya Whiton ’93 is a recipient of the 2025 St. Botolph Club Foundation Emerging Artist Award for Literature.
Class of 2000s
- Tayla Corsetti ’00 was hired as Community Wellness Coordinator at Ocean View at Falmouth.
- Phyllis Paris ‘03, ‘03G and her husband, Jay donate a collection of nautical items to support the Sabino Hall preservation Fund.
- Daniel Kleban ’04, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, wins Maine green business award.
- Andrew Lloyd Goodman ’05 featured in Providence Business News.
- Kate Beever ’07 featured in Canvas Rebel article about her work in the field of music therapy and her career growth.
- Joshua Pray ’08 hired as Assisted Living Consultant at Ocean View at Falmouth.
Class of 2010s
- Jen Dupree ’15G featured in Maine Public for a discussion of her new book What do You Want From Me?
Class of 2020s
- Lauren Cornelio ’22, ’24G started new role as Communications Manager for Catholic Charities Maine.
- Nathan Henry ’22 receives The Imagine Award “Volunteer of the Year” from The Portland Chamber of Commerce.
- Christelle D. Mutoniwase ’23 is a Student and Program Manger with Palaver Strings.
- Jacob Curtis ’24 featured in Portland Press Herald article about USM Promise Scholars.
- Robin Lane ’24 performed at the USM President’s Reception and is a cello instructor with Palaver Strings.
- Connor Marsh ’24 will be attending Chapman University – Fowler School of Law in the fall, on a full-ride merit scholarship.
- t love smith ’24, received grant funding to publish their book – Monster Beauties – and community activities associated with www.transpoeticsarchive.org.
- Zoe Barnes ’25 earned All-American honors for track and field by placing 10th in discus.
- William Carrolton ’25 earned All-American honors for track and field by placing 9th in discus.
- Ben Drummey ’25 earned All-American honors for track and field by placing 10th in pole vault.
- Hailey Haskell ’25 featured in Portland Press Herald article About USM Promise Scholars.
- Joie Paciulli ’25 trades campus life for the Caribbean to teach kids how to sail.
- Ethan Shain ’25 earned All-American honors in track and field by placing 10th in the 100 meter dash.
Class of 1960s
- Ben Palubiskas (’66) to be inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall and Husky Hall of Fame
- Estelle Watson Sanders ’67 published her new book, A Kitchen Table Book
Class of 1970s
- Dan Cunningham ’74 recently gave a talk about his experience as a reenactor of the 3rd Maine Regiment at the Joshua L. Chamberlain Civil War Round Table.
- Marc Hebert ’74, to be inducted into the Biddeford-Saco Music Hall of Fame.
- Phil Page ’75, “The spirit of Lincoln Academy,” has announced he will retire after almost 49 years in education.
- Al Bean ’77, ’92G has a Gorham campus street named after him to commemorate his decades of service as USM’s Athletic Director.
Class of 1980s
- Maria Gwinn ’87 was promoted to leadership role of Senior Vice President and Tax Director at Spinnaker Trust.
- Robert Hawkes ’89, ’00, was named Director of PA program at the University of New England.
- Todd Miranda (’89) will be inducted into the Maine Basketball Hall and Husky Hall of Fame.
Class of 1990s
- Daniel Stevenson ’93, ’96G was interviewed about his new role as the Executive Director of the Midcoast Redevelopment Authority.
- U.S. Army Master Sergeant General Samuel Woodhead ’96 will be a featured performer in the American Trombone Workshop.
- Iona Lee ’98 was appointed Director of Food and Beverage at Kimpton Claret Hotel in Denver.
Class of 2000s
- Linda Morin ’00 was celebrated for contributions to the Field of Nursing.
- Joel Bancroft ’01 is hired as Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at the University of the Pacific.
- Kevin Coyne ’03 started a new job as a Brokerage Associate at Colliers, a global leader in commercial real estate services.
- Travis Ramsey ’03 premiered his commissioned composition, “Fire,” performed by ChoralArt and conducted by USM Music Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert Russell.
- Claude Rwaganje ’03 was appointed by Governor Mills to serve on the Office of New Americans Council.
- Regan Thibodeau ’03, 19G is featured in News Center Maine article regarding her work as an ASL interpreter during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Steph Gilbert ’04 was featured on WABI for her performance with Floydian Trip at the Waterville Opera House.
- Fred Greenhalgh ’06 was announced as Director for an official Star Trek audio series based on Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
- Becky Longacre ’06 was named Best Health Coach Award for 2024 (Best of 207).
- Josh Meyer ’08, CEO, and Matt Bolduc ’07, COO, are co-founders of Brickell Brands, which was named Sustainable Business of the Year by South Portland’s Economic Development Committee in February.
- Andrew Graham ’08G was featured for his work with Kinonik in the Portland Press Herald.
Class of 2010s
- Chris Marine ’11, co-owner of Campfire Consulting, was 2024 finalists in the Quick Service Restaurant category for their Aroma Joe’s ad at the Planning and Buying Awards in New York in April.
- Amanda Johnston ’13G, Texas Poet Laureate and Founder/Executive Director of Torch Literary Arts, to be honored at the Carver Museum.
Class of 2020s
- Benn Marine ’20, co-owner of Campfire Consulting, was 2024 finalists in the Quick Service Restaurant category for their Aroma Joe’s ad at the Planning and Buying Awards in New York in April.
- Clara Perka ’20, ’22G co-wrote an article in the Portland Press Herald along with USM faculty and staff members.
- Madison Chadbourne ’21 was welcomed onto the staff of the Madison Area Health Center on their professional healthcare team.
- Griffin Gingrich ’22 is working at Ayan Mastering as an Assistant Engineer.
- Annie Wenstrup ’22G gives a public reading as part of the Midnight Sun Visiting Writer’s Series at the Museum of the North in Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Robin Davis ’24 was recognized for their work at the USM Free Press, recently nominated for Best Newspaper at the NENPA Awards.
- Mykayla Hoggard ’24 was recognized for their work at the USM Free Press, recently nominated for Best Newspaper at the NENPA Awards.
- Kayla Lewis ’24 is featured in community spotlight in the Saco Bay News.
- t smith ’24 was recognized for their work at the USM Free Press, recently nominated for Best Newspaper at the NENPA.
- Abby Snell ’24, as part of the FORK Food Labs team, was recognized as Business of the Year by the City of South Portland in February.
Other Alumni
- Noor Al Dulaimi was a winner of the second annual Distinguished Alumni Awards hosted by the Foundation for Portland Public Schools.
- Kristina Beauchais is hired as Manager of Basketball Operations for the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA.
- Jarrod Bennett is named Atlas Performing Arts Center’s New Executive Director.
- Peter Brown recently celebrated the release of his new book, I Am Jayvyn, on January 25th. He will be speaking at Graves Memorial Library in Cumberland on May 14.
- Christa Carmen, Bram Stoker Award-Winning author, has an upcoming book, How to Fake a Haunting, featured in review.
- Dan Costigan, former USM Men’s Basketball Coach (1996-2003), is being inducted as a “Legend of the Game”.
- Kathleen de Silva was hired as Vice President and Director of Marketing and Communications at R.M. Davis.
- Khalid Hersi on the starting roster for the Portland Hearts of Pine during their inaugural season.
- Shawn Lambert, Assistant Superintendent of Brunswick Schools, is featured for his contributions to the school community.
- Whitney Parrish Perry was hired as Maine’s Government Relations Director at The American Heart Association of Maine.
- Zachariah Stearn releases memoir, ‘5 Places: Memoirs of a Theatre Kid; interviewed on NewsCenter Maine’s 207; and interviewed about his work with Dirigo Theatre Company in Wisconsin.
- Tara Whiton begins her new role at the Form Lab.
Class of 1960s
- Mimi Gregoire Carpenter ‘69 art displayed at Portland’s Roux and Cyr International Fine Art Gallery for the month of January
Class of 1980s
- Theresa Secord ‘81 was honored with an award for her work in the Arts as a basket maker
Class of 1990s
- Angel Elderkin ’99 inspires at National Girls & Women in Sports Day
- Corey Hascall ‘99 was named the USM Foundation’s new President and CEO
Class of 2000s
- Fred Greenhalgh ‘06 was recognized for making waves in the world of audio storytelling with his audio drama company, Dagaz Media
- Becky McKinnell ‘06 awarded Portland Chamber of Commerce’s PROPEL Entrepreneur of the Year
- Angelica Eling ’07, ’15G began a new job as Senior UX Operations Designer, AI Strategy and Tools at Indeed
Class of 2010s
- Lucas Desmond ‘10 obtained a new certification: became a Certified Financial Planner
- Cassandra McGinnity ‘12, published her book, Waves: A Day in the Life of a Sonographer
- Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette ’14 testified before Congress on government efficiency
- Spencer McBreairty ‘14 began a new job as Director of Community Standards at Sacred Heart University
- Kaila McCracken ‘16 was promoted to Vice President of Business Intelligence and Analysis at MEMIC
Class of 2020s
- Shane Robertson ‘20 promoted to Director of Audience Development and Insights at StatSocial – one of the leading Audience intelligence tools on the market
- Aiydan Fenderson ‘24 started a new job in sports media and broadcasting in Boston for Northeastern University as a Video Producer, directing and producing nationwide broadcasts on ESPN, NBC, and NESN
- Robin Lane ‘24, cellist, gives Reading Room Concert, Feb. 27
- Norma Quintanilla ‘24 takes on new co-ownership of Waterville, ME staple Mexican restaurant, Buen Apetito
- Riley Worth ’24 was appointed to the University of Maine System Board of Trustees.
Other Alumni
- Shane Robertson ‘20 promoted to Director of Audience Development and Insights at StatSocial – one of the leading Audience intelligence tools on the market
- Aiydan Fenderson ‘24 started a new job in sports media and broadcasting in Boston for Northeastern University as a Video Producer, directing and producing nationwide broadcasts on ESPN, NBC, and NESN
- Robin Lane ‘24, cellist, gives Reading Room Concert, Feb. 27
- Norma Quintanilla ‘24 takes on new co-ownership of Waterville, ME staple Mexican restaurant, Buen Apetito
- Riley Worth ’24 was appointed to the University of Maine System Board of Trustees.