A celebration was held on Thursday, May 11, at the Houlton Higher Education Center to recognize University of Maine at Presque Isle and University of Maine at Augusta graduates who had a connection to the Houlton Center.
Family, friends, and staff were in attendance to honor seven graduates. The ceremony recognized each of the graduates and their educational accomplishments.
Fred Grant, owner of WHOU, WHOU.live and Market Pizza, was the guest speaker, offering words of inspiration and congratulations. Grant also encouraged the graduates to be proud of themselves and their accomplishments of “finishing the race.”
Dr. Ray Rice, UMPI president, offered congratulations on behalf the Presque Isle and Augusta campuses and the University of Maine System. It is important that graduates remember that the Houlton Higher Education Center will always remain a place to feel like home for them and will always assist them with community connections, Rice said.
Graduates in attendance included UMA graduate Whitney Bridges, who earned a bachelor of science in mental health and human services. UMPI graduates included the following: Carla Sawyer, associate of arts in criminal justice; Heather Carmichael, bachelor of liberal studies in early childhood education; Heidi Coleman, bachelor of science in psychology; James Dobbs, bachelor of science in environmental studies; and Timothy Youngfellow, bachelor of arts in psychology.
Additionally, Bridges earned a certification as a Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician, and Youngfellow earned a certification in social media, both from UMA.
After the gift presentations for the graduates, refreshments were served for all.
