A Celebration of Education Across Generations

On a summer day in Gorham nearly 75 graduates from USM's predecessor institutions—Gorham Normal School, Gorham State Teachers College and Gorham State College—gathered to reconnect and reminisce about their shared college experience and their lives since graduation. For some, it was a chance to see classmates for the first time in years and, for others, the annual opportunity to catch up with old friends.

Frances Huse Boothby '35, '65 celebrated her 80th and 50th reunions just a few weeks before her 100th birthday. Frances enjoyed meeting current USM students Alanna Larrivee, Danielle Morin and Kristen Stanley as well as USM President Glenn Cummings. Frances was joined by her son and daughter, who told us that she looks forward to attending each year.

The students Frances met are recipients of scholarships generously supported by alumni. Alanna, a Gray native majoring in Economics, is one of six recipients of the USM Alumni Association Scholarship given to students with a close relative who is a USM graduate. Danielle and Kristen are this year's recipients of the Southern Maine Alumni Association Scholarship given to students who are aspiring to become teachers. Danielle, a graduate of Thornton Academy in Saco, is a junior studying biology in our teacher education pathway. Kristen, a graduate of Sacopee Valley High School, is also a junior and studying art education.

President Cummings also acknowledged 13 members of the class of 1965 celebrating their 50th reunion, eight celebrating their 55th, two celebrating their 60th and six celebrating their 65th.

In addition to honoring the milestones, graduates and the work of current students, President Cummings highlighted two alumni who received the Maine County Teacher of the Year award launched by Educate Maine, a business-led organization dedicated to increasing educational attainment in Maine. The Androscoggin and York County Teachers of the Year are Debra Miller '04 and Nick Wilson '03, respectively. Debra has taught for more than 30 years in the Lewiston Schools and Nick is an English teacher at Biddeford High School.

Professor Walter Kimball, a university faculty member for more than 30 years, provided an update from the School of Education and Human Development echoing President Cummings' theme around the spirit of USM through the generations. USM is fortunate to have over 50 endowed scholarships that have been established through the years by alumni of our predecessor institutions.

Give the Gift of a USM Education
If you would like to help students receive a USM education, consider making a planned gift through your estate. There are many ways to give and many gifts can benefit you as well. Contact Erin Macey at (207) 780-4408 or erin.macey@maine.edu.