ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
The University of Maine at Farmington celebrated the Class of 2015 with a festive annual commencement ceremony May 16. UMF President Kathryn A. Foster, faculty, administrators and dignitaries led the procession of 369 new graduates marching to traditional bagpipe music. UMF awarded a total of 392 bachelor’s and master’s degrees for 2015.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our graduates,” said Foster. “Commencement is a wonderful milestone. We know these graduates will make a difference in Maine, across the nation, and around the world, applying their UMF education wherever they go.”
Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic gold medalist and champion for women’s distance running, delivered the commencement address to UMF graduates, their families, honored guests and the UMF community. Benoit Samuelson was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for her significant contributions.
A Maine native and one of the nation’s most recognizable athletes, Benoit Samuelson has blazed a trail for women of all ages in the sport of competitive running. Her life-long commitment to health, fitness and the sport she loves has redefined the idea of a lifetime runner and inspired a generation on how to never give up on being your best.
In 1979, Benoit Samuelson received All-American honors in cross country and track, and won the Boston Marathon — setting an American and course record — all before she graduated from college. She went on to win the Boston Marathon again in 1983, shattering the American record and breaking the world record by more than 2 minutes.
One year later, she made history by winning the inaugural Women’s Olympic Marathon in Los Angeles, running the last 21 miles of the race ahead of all competitors.
In 1985, she raced to victory in the Chicago Marathon, setting a new American record, and in 2000, she was named a 20th Century Top Athlete by “Sports Illustrated.”
Among the members of the Class of 2015 included Ashland residents Katelynn Orcutt, who received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, and Kenneth Tarr, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in rehabilitation services.
Named to Dean’s List
Allyx Beaulier of Nashville Plantation was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine for the spring semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must attain a GPA of 3.5 or better, earn no less than a B- in all registered courses, and must carry a course load of no less than 14 credits.
Ongoing events
The Portage Lake ATV Club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Office. All are welcome to attend. Contact Rena Belanger for membership or more information at 435-2780.
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens meet the first and third Thursday at noon for a potluck luncheon at the LeBlanc Junkins VFW Post 9699 on the Portage Road with a meeting to follow. This active and growing club of senior citizens also takes trips to various restaurants throughout The County, hosts cookouts, enjoys guest speakers and entertainment such as musicians. For more information, contact Roberta Savary at 435-6422.
The Portage Lake Over 50’s Club lunch is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Town Hall. All individuals 50 and over are invited to attend and can bring a potluck dish to share. For more information, contact Jean Clark at 435-8034 or Donna Martin at 435-7108.
The Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet every third Thursday of every month at Dean’s Motor Lodge. Membership dues are $2. Come and have a great meal and a great time, too!
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 227-7760 or Feenhop@aol.com.
