PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle honored many employees for their years of service during the Employee Recognition event on May 21, held virtually for the first time. This year’s event recognized employees who marked a milestone anniversary in 2020 or 2021.
Forty-four employees were recognized for their combined 595 years of service to the University.
Recognized for 40 years of service were Jim Dwyer, associate professor and Dr. Robert Vinton Akeley, chair in agricultural science and agribusiness; and Maxine Hathaway, facilities management administrative specialist.
Recognized for 35 years of service were Chris Bell, director of Student Financial Services, and Barbara Lambert, transfer officer.
Recognized for 30 years of service was Alan Gordon, men’s soccer coach and lecturer of physical education.
Recognized for 20 years of service were Dr. Kimberly Sebold, professor of history; Dr. John DeFelice, professor of history; Leo Saucier, coordinator of physical education; Nancy Jackson, HR operations specialist; Richard Zuras, professor of English and creative writing; David Putnam, associate professor of science; and Joseph Moir, director of facilities maintenance.
Recognized for 15 years of service were Jeff Stevens, facilities maintenance worker; Jessica Winslow, interim director of YourPace Operations and professional academic advisor; Dr. Chunzeng Wang, professor of earth and environmental sciences; Catherine “Anne” Chase, science specialist and tutor coordinator; Carol McGlinn, director of TRIO College Access Services; Lynnelle Foster, assistant bursar; Mary Kate Barbosa, director of Student Support Services; Shara Page, associate director of advising; and Richard Gardiner, director of Gentile Hall.
Recognized for 10 years of service were Don Sutton, facilities maintenance worker; Dr. Paul Johnson, associate professor of psychology; Sarah Brooks, TRIO College Access Services advisor; Charlotte Durr, TRIO College Access Services advisor; Mark Woodman, facilities maintenance worker; Nancy Nichols, admissions administrative specialist; Alyre Levesque, structural specialist-carpenter; and Chris Rolon, director and associate professor of the physical therapist assistant program.
Recognized for five years of service were Ken Ervin, TRIO College Access Services advisor; Roger Getz, director of library services; Kim Jones, associate professor of business administration and director of Employer U; Wendi Malenfant, associate professor of education; Dr. Deborah Roark, executive director of University Advancement and External Affairs; Dr. Lorne Gibson, associate professor of criminal justice and executive director of Academic Development and Compliance; Janelle Humphrey, TRIO College Access Services administrative specialist; Alex Myhre, registrar; Ericka Weatherbee, Student Support Services administrative specialist; April Chase, assistant director of Student Support Services; Jonathon Bowman, head volleyball coach and physical education instructor; Melissa DeMerchant, human resources partner; Dr. Alana Margeson, assistant professor of education and director of the Center for Teaching and Learning; Heather Nunez-Olmstead, senior instructional designer; Donald Gibson, associate director of Housing and Student Life; and Lisa Smith, special assistant to the president.
This year’s Charles Bonin Work Ethic Award was presented to Sarah Coyer, associate dean of students. On October 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 newly named John Haley Service Excellence Award, formerly known as 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, Innovative, Collaborative, and Equitable. It was renamed this year in honor of John Haley, English instructor and director of University Experience, who passed away in September 2020. Haley was known for his commitment to campus and the time he took to connect with others, provide support, and help meet individual needs. This award was presented to Dr. Chunzeng Wang, professor of earth and environmental sciences.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a hard-working team of faculty and staff here at UMPI and are so grateful 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 high-quality, first-rate service to our students and our community.”
