PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — One hundred and fifty-four students graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Saturday, May 14, 2016, during the 2016 Commencement Exercises — the University’s 107th commencement ceremony. President Linda Schott conferred degrees for the 2015-2016 academic year upon the 85 students who participated in the ceremony held in Wieden Gymnasium.
Nicholas C. Donohue, a leader in education transformation and champion of equitable learning opportunities for students, addressed the graduates as this year’s commencement speaker. During the graduation event, he was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.
Chancellor James H. Page delivered greetings on behalf of the University of Maine System. Also offering remarks were Jefferson Ashby, vice chair of the UMPI Board of Visitors; Jacquelyn A. Lowman, chair of the UMPI Faculty Assembly; and Tom Wire, president of the UMPI Alumni Association.
“We are so proud of our graduating class and the hard work they have done to get to this moment,” Schott said. “This class includes a wide range of graduates — from traditional students and commuters to adult learners and online students — who have 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,” she continued, “and we’re looking forward to seeing where their wings will take them. We wish them every success as they leave here, and we hope to see them return ‘home’ frequently, whether it be for fellowship activities like Homecoming or lending their professional expertise as we prepare our students for the workforce.”
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 2016 graduate. Viewers from around the world were expected to tune in for the ceremony.
A recent tradition came into play at this year’s event: the pinning of all marching graduates with a special symbol of the campus. Each graduate was given a lapel pin depicting a snowy owl with its wings outstretched in flight, meant to symbolize how each of them is spreading their wings and soaring on to great heights. Graduates were asked during commencement, “Where will your wings take you?”
They will have the opportunity to share their stories about contributions they make in their career fields, ways that they serve their communities, and adventures that they may have on the website www.umpi.edu/yourwings.
All alumni are encouraged to add their stories on this site.
A special degree was conferred to UMPI staff member Shara Gardner. Gardner, who is an academic adviser on campus, received her master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine, and was able to march in the local commencement to celebrate her achievement.
A reception for graduates, family and friends was held in the Campus Center immediately following the ceremony.
