PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle honored several employees for their years of service during the annual employee recognition reception held on May 15. Twenty-eight employees were recognized for their combined 395 years of service to the university.
“We greatly appreciate our hard-working faculty and staff, as well as our retiring employees, for their many dedicated years of service to campus,” UMPI President Ray Rice said. “Because of all of our employees, and the excellent work they do every day, our campus is able to provide consistently high-quality service to our students and our community.”
Recognized for 45 years of service was Charlie Holmquist, facilities structural specialist: painter.
Recognized for 40 years of service was Donna Underwood, administrative specialist in Gentile Hall.
Recognized for 30 years of service was Christopher Smith, associate director of Wieden Hall.
Recognized for 25 years of service was Nola Belanger, administrative specialist in the registrar’s office.
Recognized for 20 years of service were Barbara Blackstone, dean of professional programs; Marteen Hester, campus IT operations manager for UMPI; Dr. Deborah Hodgkins, professor of English; Mitchell James, facilities maintenance worker; Linda Mastro, director of the Health Center; Jay Robinson, facilities maintenance worker; and Gregory Shaw, facilities maintenance worker.
Recognized for 15 years of service were Eric Brissette, Webmaster, and Darylen Cote, Director of TRIO College Access Services.
Recognized for 10 years of service were Carolyn Dorsey, associate professor of business management, and William More, facilities maintenance worker.
Recognized for 5 years of service were Dr. Lea Allen, assistant professor of English; Leigh Belair, co-director and assistant professor of MLT; Kevin Blood, media services technician; Dr. Larry Feinstein, assistant professor of biology; John Harding, facilities maintenance worker; Richard Howlett, facilities maintenance worker; Bethany Lord, senior admissions counselor; Aaron Marston, instructor of athletic training; Ann Osgood, associate professor of business; Jonathan Ouellette, admissions counselor; Danielle Pelkey, assistant director of financial aid; Nancy Pierce, financial analyst; and Tracy Rockwell, director of the Houlton Center.
During the recognition reception, officials also honored retirees Darylen Cote and Wendy Ross, associate professor of special education.
They also bid farewell to departing employees Amanda Baker, YourPace academic success coach; Hyrum Benson, assistant professor of fine art; Ann Osgood, associate professor of business; Sara Packard, athletic trainer; Vanessa Patenaude, associate professor of physical therapist assistant program; Vanessa Pearson, interim dean of students; and Sara Shaw, assistant athletic director.
This year’s Charles Bonin Work Ethic Award was presented to Jessica Winslow, professional academic adviser. On Oct. 3, 2013, in honor of Chief Financial Officer Charlie Bonin’s retirement, former President Linda Schott established this award to recognize an employee who demonstrates strong work ethic—including diligence, reliability, and initiative—and has strong principles that benefit the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
In addition, the Excellence, Every Day! Award was presented. This award was established to honor a campus community member who best embodies the UMPI Service Promise: “Excellence, Every Day!” as well as the university’s values of being supportive, ethical, responsive, visionary, and collaborative. This award was presented to Pam Easler, administrative specialist for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Submitted by the Community and Media Relations Office of the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
