PRESQUE ISLE — To best support the institution’s strategic and fundraising goals and build deeper connections with its growing network of alumni, the University of Maine at Presque Isle is welcoming two new hires to the newly-restructured Office of University Advancement. Craig Cormier joins the University as the new executive director of University Advancement and Candace Elliott steps into a new role as assistant director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Fund.
“We’re very pleased to have identified such outstanding hires for these new roles,” UMPI President Ray Rice said. “Due to the great success we have seen in enrollments both here in Maine and across the country, UMPI is uniquely poised to advance its strategic planning work and capital improvement goals, which prompted us to reconfigure this office accordingly. We are excited about the experience Craig and Candace bring to bear as we move these efforts forward.”
Their work will be informed by three major institutional goals: to maximize opportunities for nationwide audiences and provide the resources and programming they want; to build on the success UMPI has seen in Athletics by developing more infrastructure, including a multi-sport turf field; and to leverage resources to provide state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of the community in this geographic location, to include major renovations to the campus auditorium.
Cormier comes to UMPI from Northern Light Health, where he served as senior grants consultant and helped to garner $15 million in grant funding during his four-year tenure. He is no stranger to UMPI — he is a 2006 alumnus, past alumni board president and served as director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving prior to his role at Northern Light Health. He previously served as editor-in-chief of Our Maine Street magazine, owned his own creative services company, and has experience in a wide range of roles in healthcare, from community advancement to public relations to community outreach. He has participated in Disney Institute trainings on quality service and organizational excellence and is a recipient of the UMPI Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
In his new role, Cormier will lead efforts on University giving and external grants, and will work with the director of Faculty and Programmatic Research on STEM-related grants. He’ll also work closely with UMPI’s Foundation board and support their work in helping to advance capital projects and fundraise for major efforts, as well as collaborate with Maine Center Ventures in reenvisioning and expanding the campus’ role in system-wide fundraising.
Elliott initially came to UMPI as an administrative specialist in the University Advancement office. She previously served in roles with the New York City Department of Education in Brooklyn, New York, managed fundraising, grants, and donor relations with Northside Center for Child Development, and has experience working in the advertising industry for Lifetime Entertainment Services and NBC Universal Media. Currently completing a master of arts in organizational leadership at UMPI, she earned her bachelor of science degree in mass communications from Norfolk State University and her associate’s degree from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. She served as president of the New York Metro Chapter of the Norfolk State University Alumni Association from 2000-04.
In her new role, Elliott will focus on expanding reach and engagement with alumni across the nation and around the globe. In addition to responsibilities for the annual fund campaign, gift processing, and serving as senior class advisor, she will work closely with the UMPI Alumni Association board to support its efforts, from Homecoming to alumni mentorship with current students.
“Our new Advancement office is really about getting more strategic and taking advantage of the opportunity we have now — because of our rapid growth in YourPace and our excellent work in NCAA Division III Athletics — to build capacity and infrastructure so we can provide a truly exceptional experience for our students and alums, our community, and all those who connect with our institution,” Rice said.
