As one of the world’s leading researchers on branchiobdellidan annelids (crayfish worms), Dr. Stuart R. Gelder, Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, collaborates with scholars around the world on all aspects of crayfish worm biology. Recently, this has led to three publications with co-authors in North America, Europe, and the Far East.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle and Northern Maine Community College will mark the 2012 Presidential Election with a series of U.S. presidential debate events during the month of October to provide campus and community members with a unique educational opportunity focused on the political process and public discourse. The public is invited to attend these free events, which will include viewings of the 2012 U.S. Presidential Debates between President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, a public discussion afterward, and interactive audience polls before and after the debates.
NMCC and UMPI officials have joined together to offer these evenings of friendly and civil political discourse – which will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 3, Tuesday, Oct. 16, and Monday, Oct. 22 – for several reasons.
Dr. Stuart R. Gelder, Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, recently traveled to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to give a three-day crayfish worm identification course and deliver a seminar on branchiobdellidan annelid (crayfish worms) biology as part of a National Science Foundation-funded project. Dr. Gelder is one of the world’s leading researchers on this group of worms.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is pleased to announce that it will begin its 2012-2013 University Distinguished Lecturer Series with a talk by scholar, memoirist, and humanitarian Dr. Liliane Willens.
Dr. Willens will deliver her talk Stateless in Shanghai: A First-Hand Account of Life in China through WWII, Chinese Civil War, and Communist Takeover on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center. Willens’ lecture is free and the public is invited to be a part of this special evening.
Rabbi Rachel Isaacs, Jewish Chaplain at Colby College and spiritual leader of Waterville’s Beth Israel Congregation, will speak at the University of Maine at Presque Isle during the 4th annual Gay Awareness Days. Her address will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the Campus Center.
The staff of the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s online literary journal is celebrating the publication of its latest issue with an official Upcountry Reading and Launch Party at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3 in the Normal Hall Faculty Lounge.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle will be offering two courses this fall beginning Wednesday, Oct. 10, and Tuesday, Oct. 16, respectively, as part of its American Management Association’s certificate programs. The course registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 3.
These fall courses, part of a multi-course curriculum leading to Certificates in Management and Human Resources Management, are specifically created to meet the unique needs of working professionals who want to be more effective in their current positions and better prepared for future advancement, according to Keith Madore, campus AMA coordinator.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s developing Physical Therapist Assistant Program is one step closer to earning accreditation after receiving word recently that it has achieved candidacy status from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education [CAPTE].
“This status means that we are now a candidate for accreditation and have the green light to accept a class into the technical phase of the program this fall,” UMPI Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Sonntag said. “We are so pleased to reach this important milestone. Having this program is going to allow us to expand opportunities for those in the region who want to pursue a healthcare career without having to travel long hours for their training.”
The University of Maine at Presque Isle and the Alumni Association will honor two alumni with awards of distinction during its Homecoming 2012 activities the weekend of Sept. 14-16. The annual alumni award presentations will be made during the Homecoming Alumni and Friends Brunch, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. in the President’s House.
Alumnus Theodore Van Alst will be honored with the Educator of the Year Award, which is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has received ongoing recognition as an outstanding educator. This recipient may also have shown active or supportive involvement with the Alumni Association, support of the university, a successful career that reflects well on the University, and outstanding leadership qualities.
Alumna Donna Lisnik will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, which is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has made long-term contributions to the Alumni Association or the University, or who has received professional recognition that has reflected positively on the University.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle will celebrate the 225th birthday of the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Monday, Sept. 17, from 2-3 p.m. with a special panel presentation that will examine our nation’s fundamental governing document from the perspective of a Political Scientist, a Historian, and a Superior Court Justice.
The Honorable E. Allen Hunter, who presides over the Aroostook County Courthouse, will be joined by UMPI faculty members Dr. John Zaborney, Professor of History, and Dr. Brent Andersen, Political Science Lecturer, for the panel discussion, which is free and open to the public.