The University of Maine at Presque Isle honored several employees for their years of service during the annual Employee Recognition reception held on May 17. Thirteen employees were recognized for their combined 215 years of service to the University.
Recognized for 30 years of service were Dr. Zhu-Qi Lu, Professor of Math; Dr. Kevin McCartney, Professor of Geology; and Ricky Wasson, Lead Facilities Maintenance Worker.
Recognized for 25 years of service was Jean Henderson, Counselor and Coordinator of Student Services at the Houlton Higher Education Center.
Recognized for 20 years of service were Gayla Shaw, Administrative Specialist with the Community and Media Relations Office, and Shirley Rush, Associate Professor of Social Work and BSW Program Director.
Recognized for 15 years of service were Kathryn Higgins, Administrative Specialist in the Dean of Students Office, and Denise Trombley, Administrative Specialist in the Academic and Student Affairs Office.
Recognized for 10 years of service was Dr. Jacquelyn Lowman, Associate Professor of English.
Recognized for 5 years of service were Pamela Easler, Administrative Specialist for the College of Arts and Sciences; Nicole Fournier, Director of Career Readiness; Kim Masse, Mechanical Specialist (HVAC); and Sandra McDougal, Administrative Specialist in the Athletics Office.
During the Recognition Reception, officials also honored retirees Erin Benson, Director of Admissions; Dr. William Breton, Associate Professor of Special Education; Claire Davidshofer, Associate Professor of French; Donald Sirois, Mail Services Assistant/Campus Bookstore; and Florence Soucie, Administrative Specialist in the Housing and Residence Life Office.
This year’s Charles Bonin Work Ethic Award was presented to Dr. Jason Johnston, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology. On October 3, 2013, in honor of Chief Financial Officer Charlie Bonin’s retirement, former President Linda Schott established this award to recognize an employee who demonstrates strong work ethic—including diligence, reliability, and initiative—and has strong principles that benefit the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
In addition, a new award—the Excellence, Every Day! Award—was presented. This award was established to honor a campus community member who best embodies the UMPI Service Promise: “Excellence, Every Day!” as well as the University’s values of being Supportive, Ethical, Responsive, Visionary, and Collaborative. This inaugural award was presented to Joe Moir, Director of Facilities Management.
“We are so grateful to our hard-working faculty and staff, as well as to our retiring employees, for their many dedicated years of service to our campus,” UMPI President Ray Rice said. “Because of all of our employees, and the excellent work they do every day, our campus is able to provide high quality service to our students and our community.”