PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle is celebrating Homecoming through Sunday, Sept. 19, featuring sporting events, the Snowy Owl Marketplace, a concert by Star City Syndicate, the Hall of Fame dinner, and more.The full schedule of events can be found at www.umpi.edu/alumni/homecoming/events.
In an effort to best ensure the health and safety of campus and community members, campus visitors must be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test result within the past 72 hours to enter campus buildings, and face coverings are required while indoors on campus. Exceptions can be made to this requirement with appropriate approval from campus administration; any exceptions will be noted on the schedule.
Face coverings are not required when outdoors on university property, but they are strongly recommended outdoors when physical distancing is difficult or when large groups are involved.
This year’s festivities will again include Spirit Week activities, with a different theme each day. All are encouraged to post photos on social media and use the “#umpispiritweek!” hashtag.
Dr. Chunzeng Wang, professor of earth and environmental sciences, will give a presentation at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, on his widely circulated Maine COVID-19 daily situation map and its impact. A Zoom link will be available on the online Homecoming schedule of events soon.
His talk, as well as the Sept. 13 talk by Dr. Tara Whiton, assistant professor of health administration, about Food Coping Strategies During COVID-19 and Beyond, will also be available via recordings.
On Sept. 15, Keli Marston, Gentile Hall fitness and wellness coordinator, will host a Fall Wellness Day. From 8:30-11:30 a.m., campus and community members can stop by, renew memberships if they haven’t already, and enjoy coffee, treats and orientations to all the new equipment. From 12 to 12:45 p.m., Marston will teach a fusion class (yoga, Pilates and barre) in the rock wall area. From 5-5:45 p.m., she’ll teach a Fit Camp class outside. All events are free.
On Sept. 17, UMPI will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Preble Hall. This outdoor celebration will take place at 1 p.m. at the event tent outside Gentile Hall. Following a short program, which will include a living history presentation by Kimberly Smith of the Presque Isle Historical Society, refreshments and small-group tours of Preble Hall are planned.
At 6:30 p.m., Star City Syndicate will offer an outdoor concert in the Gentile Hall parking lot; attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and food trucks are expected to be available on site. Face coverings are not required but recommended. Also that evening, there will be a bonfire for members of campus starting at 9 p.m. near Merriman Hall.
On Sept. 18, the Snowy Owl Marketplace returns to Gentile Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a full slate of crafters, artisans, and more. Special guest Ryan Eldridge of the DIY Network show “Maine Cabin Masters” will hold a meet and greet with photo opportunities from 10 a.m. to noon. Masks are required during the Snowy Owl Marketplace; an exception has been granted and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test will not need to be shown during this indoor event.
At 1 p.m., the UMPI men’s soccer team will play the University of Maine at Farmington, and at 3:30 the UMPI women’s soccer team will play UMF. Both games will take place at the Park Family Field.
At 5:30 p.m., the UMPI Hall of Fame Dinner and awards ceremony will be held in the Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room. For more information about this event, contact Sandra McDougal in athletics at sandra.mcdougal@maine.edu or 207-768-9506.
Also that evening, there will be a Glow Golf event for current students from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in Gentile Hall.
Festivities will cap off on Sept. 19 with the UMPI Alumni and All-comers XC 5K at the Park Family Field. For start and registration information, contact Sandra McDougal in athletics.
For more information about Homecoming 2021, contact Lisa Smith at 207-768-9525 or lisa.m.smith@maine.edu.
