PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle honored several employees for their years of service during the Employee Recognition event on May 7. This year’s event recognized employees who marked a milestone anniversary in 2024. Twenty-four employees were recognized for their combined 285 years of service to the University.
Recognized for 30 years of service was Nola Belanger, administrative specialist and certifying official for VA Education Benefits.
Recognized for 25 years of service were Barbara Blackstone, associate professor exercise science; Marteen Hester, IT operations manager; Deborah Hodgkins, professor of English; Mitchel James, buildings and grounds maintenance worker; and Jay Robinson, buildings and grounds maintenance worker.
Recognized for 15 years of service was Susan Michaud, YourPace enrollment and academic success coach.
Recognized for 10 years of service were Lea Allen, associate professor of English; Leigh Belair, MLT program director and associate professor of MLT; Larry Feinstein, associate professor of Biology; John Harding, facilities maintenance supervisor; Richard Howlett, facilities maintenance worker; and Danielle Pelkey, senior assistant director of financial aid.
Recognized for 5 years of service were Jessica Cameron, assistant director of YourPace admissions and admissions marketing specialist; Jasmine Cote, administrative specialist; Sarah Coyer, dean of students; Cody Humphrey, academic success coach; Mark Knight, associate head coach men’s basketball and sports information director; Ralph McPherson, counselor; Matthew Papsadora, chair of the College of Professional Programs and director of the physical therapist assistant program; Teri StPierre, director of Early College and associate professor of mathematics; Fred Strickland, assistant professor of cybersecurity and computer science; Susan White, executive director of Enrollment Management and Admissions; and Kelly Zuras, payroll operations specialist.
During the recognition event, officials also honored retirees Alyre Levesque, facilities maintenance worker; Linda Mastro, Health Center director; Donna White, facilities maintenance worker; and Richard Zuras, professor of English.
This year’s Charles Bonin Work Ethic Award was presented to Dan Kane, executive director of athletics and recreation and head men’s basketball coach. 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 John Haley Service Excellence 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 is named 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 Jennifer Buzza, senior professional academic advisor.
“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.”
