UMPI grads use technology to their advantage

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — In an ever-changing world where technology continues to reduce the distance between communities, nations, family and friends — regardless of the miles that separate them — it’s little wonder there’s a growing interest in pursuing higher education, even if the college or university you wish to attend is hundreds of miles away from where you live.
Such was the case for Heather Herbert, of Cumming, Ga., an online English major at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, who traveled 1,450 miles on a three-day road trip with her spouse and three children to attend commencement exercises in Presque Isle. Herbert said it was a journey worth making, since she had the opportunity to march with the Class of 2014, receiving her bachelor of arts degree in English, with a dual minor in psychology and humanities.
“I chose UMPI because it was one of only 12 (colleges) in the nation that offered online English degrees. Another factor was the fact it’s a not-for-profit facility. I also liked the size of the classes,” said Herbert.
Herbert said this was her first bachelor’s degree.
She explained why the whole family attended the ceremony, held in Wieden’s gymnasium.
“I want my kids to see what happens when you get your degree. All they know is that mom has been living in the basement office for the last year, and I want them to see the payoff after the hard work,” said Herbert, who noted getting her degree is an “important career step.”
Herbert works online for Darton State College in Albany, Ga., about 225 miles from her home. She serves in the college’s online writing center and as a Phi Theta Kappa adviser. Having already earned two associate of arts degrees — English and history — and an associate of science degree in psychology, she said she knew if her career was going to advance, she needed to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Earning it in Georgia, however, would have required a three-hour commute several days a week. After an online search, she determined UMPI was the best fit.
“UMPI accepted more credits and had a lower residency requirement, which meant my fees would be lower,” said Herbert. “The program looked good, the price was better, and they took me, so it worked perfectly.”
She said she was impressed with the UMPI professors she’s worked with and the depth in topics in her classes. Traveling to campus and meeting the professors and staff members she’s been interacting with over the last year, she said, just felt like the right way to cap off the experience.
Herbert, her husband John, and their children — Eleanor, 12, William, 10, and Rosalind (Rosie), 7 — arrived two days prior to the May 17 graduation. This was everyone’s, except Herbert’s, first visit to Maine.
“I used to vacation in the state as a child,” she said. “The kids got to experience something we didn’t expect. There was snow behind one of the buildings on campus and they were able to make snowballs. It was fun.”
Herbert said now she plans to obtain her graduate degree so she can become a college professor and hopefully teach at Darton State. She’s been accepted to the composition and rhetoric program at Georgia State University, but it involves that three-hour commute. She also received an acceptance to an online master’s degree program in English for language arts teachers at Valdosta State University, in southern Georgia. The program only admits about five people with each cohort, so Herbert said she’s delighted to have been accepted.
Technology has become a common feature at college graduations, with numerous students and their loved ones gathering for photo ops prior to the ceremony — many of which were soon posted online to their Facebook and Twitter accounts. Then at the beginning of commencement exercises, UMPI President Linda Schott asked that cell phone ringers be turned off, but added “we encourage you to take photos and tweet. We’d love to be trending today on Twitter.”
Joining Schott on stage were: Sen. Roger Sherman; Representatives Tyler Clark, Joyce Fitzpatrick, Carol McElwee and Robert Saucier; Dr. Bill Breton, chair, Faculty Assembly; Sharon Roix, Class of 1964 and president of the Alumni Association; Raymond Rice, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs; James Stepp, interim vice president for student affairs and dean of students; Marty Parsons, vice president of administration and finance; Steve Richard, chair, Board of Visitors; Sam Collins, chair, UMS Board of Trustees; and Ellis Paul, acclaimed folk singer-songwriter and Presque Isle native.
Members of the Class of 1964 — the pre-technology generation — were honored on their 50th anniversary.
Collins addressed the audience, noting how proud he and others are of the accomplishments of the Class of 2014.
“We share a responsibility to educate the next generation. You’ve received an education that was affordable and attainable, due to the citizens of Maine,” said Collins, as he encouraged graduates to “be proud of the education you received; shout praise for UMPI and promote it.”
Collins also urged the students to stay in Maine.
“We need your talents and enthusiasm to move Maine forward,” Collins said. “Your excitement invigorates us.”
Also offering remarks from their respective organizations were Richard and Breton, with Breton noting “OMG, I learned how to text from a 10-year-old.”
Class President Joshua MacKinnon took advantage of his time on stage to take a selfie photo with his classmates in the background, prior to addressing his fellow graduates — continuing the technological theme of the day.
Schott then introduced Paul as the guest speaker. Paul talked on the importance of dreams and pursuing what interests you.
“Your parents have witnessed your firsts and they’ve gotten you this far. But you’ve earned your wings. It’s up to you where they take you,” said Paul. “You’re staring your 20s in the face, don’t waste them. When the 30s kick in, you’ll start doubting. By your 40s, you’ll question where you are (in life). Keep fighting.”
“Surround yourself with cheerleaders. Find your inner voice,” said Paul. “I wish you the best of luck.”
Paul then performed a song he wrote especially for UMPI’s commencement, “Rise Up Presque Isle.” Schott and Collins then presented Paul with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.
“We are very proud of our Class of 2014 and the hard work they have done to get to this special moment,” said Schott. “Members of this year’s class are looking forward to careers in areas from health care and education to criminal justice and communication. Whether they are traditional students, commuters, non-traditional students or online students, they’ve balanced jobs, family life and other responsibilities while attending classes, taking part in student organizations and athletics, and otherwise embracing their college experience. Now they’re ready to spread their wings and fly. We wish them every success as they leave here, and we hope to see them return to us many times, both for fellowship and to share their expertise with future classes.”
Technology also made it possible for loved ones who were unable to attend the event to watch it online. This year’s commencement was live-streamed on the university’s website so family and friends who couldn’t attend would have the opportunity to see the Class of 2014 graduate. Viewers from around the world were expected to tune in for the ceremony, which saw about 213 students graduate.