HOULTON, Maine — As part of celebrating 20 years of providing educational opportunities to the residents of southern Aroostook, western New Brunswick, and northern Washington and Penobscot counties, a commemorative edition of highlights was published as an insert in the Houlton Pioneer Times in early November.
A copy of the commemorative edition can be picked up at the Houlton Center.
Included in the publication is an “Alumni Spotlight” section, highlighting the story of UMPI and UMA alum, Chelsea Henderson. This feature will continue to spotlight members of our local community who were able to start, work on, and/or complete their degrees by utilizing the educational resources of the Houlton Higher Education Center, showing the connection of education and community success.
Our next spotlight focuses on a couple of graduates — married couple, Sarah and Ronald Silliboy Jr.
Sarah Silliboy graduated from University of Maine at Presque Isle in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management. She began her career with Katahdin Trust Company in 2003, while attending college at the Houlton Higher Education Center.
She started her career at Katahdin Trust Company as an operations clerk in 2003 and was promoted to electronic banking supervisor in 2011. In 2013, she moved into the position of assistant vice president/electronic banking manager. In 2017, she advanced into her current role of assistant vice president/BSA officer.
Sarah has furthered her banking education through the Center for Financial Training and Education Alliance with earning the following: Bank Operations Diploma, General Banking Diploma, Banking and Finance Diploma, Advanced Financial Services Diploma, Supervisor Certificate, Team Leader Certificate, Certificate in BSA and AML Compliance and Certificate in Fraud Prevention. She also received an accreditation in 2016 for being an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) and maintains this accreditation to this day through continuing education requirements.
She volunteers with Girl Scouts of Maine and is grateful for the opportunity to receive her college education locally at the Houlton Higher Education Center.
Ronald Silliboy, Jr also graduated from University of Maine at Presque Isle in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management. With a year left of college and while attending the Houlton Higher Education Center, Ron started his career with Ward Cedar Log Homes in 2005.
He has worked his way up at Ward Cedar Log Homes. At the start of his career, he was a sales coordinator before being promoted to corporate sales in 2007. His current role is director of sales and marketing. In 2009, Ron was selected for a national award as one of the top 30 under 40 individuals in the systems-built housing industry.
Ron thanks the Houlton Higher Education Center for being a part of the Houlton community and providing an opportunity for those that wish to continue their education locally, like he was able to do. He serves on the SAD 70 School Board, is on the Border Little League Board, and volunteers his time coaching sports.
The couple reside in Hodgdon with their daughter, Mariah.
