ICYMI (In Case You Missed It), here are some of the people, places, and things that have made the scene on our UMF Alumni Facebook and Instagram (@liveumf) accounts.
“Keeping in touch with my former students and sharing in their personal and professional success is something I love about UMF. When I am in the field, I see firsthand the amazing work that my former students are doing in Early Childhood Education. Their classrooms are nurturing, stimulating, and joyful places of learning. Any time I put out a call for help, UMF alumni always respond. My former students volunteer immediately when I ask for a classroom my current students can visit to gain hands-on experience doing creative arts activities with children or to observe how science curriculum is implemented. I am deeply grateful for how dedicated UMF alumni are to the field of Early Childhood Education, both in terms of bettering the lives of young children and helping the next generation of UMF students.” — Mellisa Clawson is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Maine at Farmington.
“It’s now been 10 years since I retired from teaching special education at UMF. Over my 33-year career, I had the pleasure of teaching and advising a great many UMF students committed to improving the lives of all children, especially those with learning disabilities and/or behavioral problems. Through ongoing contact with my former students as well as school administrators, I know that graduates of our program continue to be leaders in the field and steadfast advocates for children with special needs. I am deeply proud of the dedication and skill UMF graduates bring to their work in service to children and their families.” — Raymond Glass is Professor Emeritus of Special Education at the University of Maine at Farmington.
“When I arrived at UMF, more than 10 years ago, it was my first experience with a public liberal arts college. Coming from the Midwest, where a small public college might be larger than nearly any city in Maine, I was shocked to find that “public” could mean personal, small and connected. I know my students, work with them individually, see them develop and watch as they launch into the world beyond UMF. I hear from alumni about new jobs, marriages, babies, and the opportunities they find and create for current students. And just knowing those stories — from the doctors, lawyers, journalists, college professors, marketing directors, business owners, and innumerable others who have passed through our program — helps fuel the dreams of those who follow. The internships, networking opportunities, and job offers that have come from our proud alumni help pave the way for the next generation of UMF students.” — Chris O’Brien, Professor of History, chairs the Division of Social Science and Business at the University of Maine at Farmington.
“I think one of the best parts of the job is seeing what UMF alumni go on and do. I’ve had students go on to a tremendous range of things: serving in the state legislature, as town managers, and other levels of government and public policy. Seeing what they do beyond UMF is tremendously rewarding. I invite a lot of alumni back to campus to talk to my classes because I think it means a lot to our students to see and hear from UMF graduates — to help picture what they could go on and do. Not that they’ll necessarily do that exact thing, but to give them a sense of possibility. I think current students find it inspiring and always respond well when I have alumni here. I’m going to keep doing it as long as I’m teaching.” — Jim Melcher is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine at Farmington.
“At UMF, I advise and teach the pre-professional health students. It is so nice to see these students have achieved their goals and are now serving as doctors, pharmacists, optometrists, physical therapists, veterinarians, dentists, physician assistants, and naturopathic doctors. The giving nature of UMF students makes them a natural fit for health careers. Former students generously serve as role models for the current students, helping to orient them to career options. Some graduates have come back to campus for what I call ‘white coat’ meetings with current students, to talk about the graduate school application process and their careers. Other graduates who cannot make it back to campus have offered to correspond with current students to answer their questions. I am so proud of our health professionals that I even have a ‘bragging wall’ outside my office with photos that showcase their professional success.” — Mariella Passarelli is a Professor of Chemistry and advisor to pre-professional health majors at UMF.
“There are few students we don’t engage with, one way or another, at the Center for Student Development. It might be for placement or Praxis testing, individual counseling, academic advising or one of our many career services efforts, such as job fairs, career development workshops, class presentations, or one-on-one career coaching. The alumni I most fondly remember are those who served as student workers at the CSD (formerly CHD). Dozens of UMF students over the years have provided invaluable help to us as special project assistants, peer educators, peer advisors, and office staff. I’ve watched them mature and graduate and go on to enjoy success after graduation. That’s what’s been especially gratifying during my 28 years at UMF.” — Robert Pederson is director of the Center for Student Development at the University of Maine at Farmington.
“I’ve been in school in one way or another since I was 3. Both of my parents were educators, and education was sort of the religion of my family. But I’ve never cared as much about any other school I’ve been part of as I do about UMF. There is something really special about the classroom communities that are created here. I think part of it is that so many of our students work so hard to be here: to get to read books and talk about them, to stretch themselves as thinkers and readers and writers. It’s such a joy to get to be part of that, to help make students feel that literature belongs to them.” — Kristen Case, associate professor of English, is director of the New Commons Project at UMF, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. She invites everyone to nominate their favorite cultural works through the New Commons Project website.
“I often have conversations with prospective students where it’s clear that the ability to receive financial aid is a key factor in their decision to attend UMF. Scholarships that are supported by alumni giving can mean the difference between students finishing their degree program or departing prematurely due to financial stressors. Small gifts truly do have a huge impact. I have lived it and continue to see how alumni giving affects Farmington students every day.” — Michael Angelides ’12 is the transfer counselor in the UMF Office of Admission.
“In my 31 years of teaching at UMF, I’ve seen many changes. What has been a constant is one of the University’s biggest advantages: We have a community of people with open arms and welcoming behavior in regards to academic relationships, professional relationships, and scholarship. I’ve been teaching long enough that some of my current students are the children of my former students. I’m happy to know that we provided these alumni with an educational experience that they want their children to have. One of my greatest pleasures is contacting alumni to participate in our annual College to Career program that we organize with the Center for Student Development. I also enjoy encouraging students to participate in internships with alumni that I coordinate. When alumni are involved in the life of the University, UMF becomes stronger and the quality of the learning experience for students becomes richer. — Waleck Dalpour is a Professor of Business at the University of Maine at Farmington.
“When the women’s soccer team, and the athletics department as whole, receive support from donors, it’s tangible feedback that says, ‘Yes, what you’re doing has value to these student-athletes and the greater community, and we want to help you grow even more.’ I’m deeply thankful for the contributions our supporters make toward a high-quality athletic and educational experience for our students. When I give back to UMF, it’s my way of showing gratitude for an institution that gave me a sense of belonging, involved me in opportunities to explore my core beliefs, and continues to support my professional aspirations. — Molly Hagstrom Wilkie ’06 is the head coach of women’s soccer at UMF.
“The UMF athletics department takes great pride in enhancing the student-athlete experience. Many of these opportunities are provided by our proud alumni, friends or complete strangers who believe in our students, programs and mission. Sometimes these gifts come in the form of networking and job opportunities. Other times, our athletes see firsthand the benefits provided by our donors such as the upgrades to Bob Leib Field, Len MacPhee Court, and establishing a varsity athlete weight room in the lower level of Dearborn Gymnasium. Being able to provide our students with the best UMF happens because of our generous alumni who have fond memories of their own athletic experience and want to remain part our our team. Thank you for giving back #BeaverNation. You are the foundation that provides our students the best possible experience as members of the UMF community.” — Jamie Beaudoin ’97 is the head coach of women’s basketball and associate athletics director at UMF.