The University of Maine at Presque Isle honored several employees for their years of service during the Employee Recognition event on May 26. This year’s event recognized employees who marked a milestone anniversary in 2022. Twenty-six employees were recognized for their combined 385 years of service to the University.
Recognized for 30 years of service was Jean Cashman, Associate Professor of Social Work.
Recognized for 25 years of service were Laurie Boucher, Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid; Dr. Michael Knopp, Professor of Chemistry; Dr. Raymond Rice, President and Provost; Marialuisa Udasco, Administrative Specialist; and Dr. John Zaborney, Professor of History.
Recognized for 20 years of service were Daniel LaLonde, Campus Services Tech Lead; and Dr. Lisa Leduc, Professor of Criminal Justice.
Recognized for 15 years of service were Jeff Cummings, Facilities Maintenance Worker; Heather Fletcher, Procurement Coordinator; Dr. Tomasz Herzog, Professor of Social Foundations of Education & Social Studies; Dr. Jason Johnston, Dean of Arts & Sciences; Linda McLaughlin, Administrative Specialist; Rachel Rice, Director of Marketing and Communications; and Michelle Richards, TRIO College Access Advisor.
Recognized for 10 years of service were Stacey Emery, Assistant Professor of Business Administration; Calvin Hall, Upward Bound & Talent Search Academic Advisor & Curriculum Development; Keli Marston, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator; Dr. Judith Roe, Associate Professor of Biology; Levi Soucier, Facilities Maintenance Worker; and Fred Thomas, Manager of Safety, Security & Regulatory Compliance.
Recognized for 5 years of service were Sara Farnham, Director of IT Management; Corey Giberson, Facilities Maintenance Worker; Daniel Kane, Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation; Lydia Kieffer-Till, Director of Campus Center; and Rowena McPherson, Coordinator of Graphic Design, Social Media, and Photography.
During the recognition event, officials also honored retirees Chris Bell, Director of Student Financials; Calvin Hall, Upward Bound & Talent Search Academic Advisor & Curriculum Development; and Shirley Rush, BSW Program Co-Director and Professor of Social Work.
This year’s Charles Bonin Work Ethic Award was presented to Lisa Smith, Interim Registrar. 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, the John Haley Service Excellence 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, Innovative, Collaborative, and Equitable. It is named in honor of John Haley, English Instructor and Director of University Experience, who passed away in September 2020. Haley was known for his commitment to campus and the time he took to connect with others, provide support, and help meet individual needs. This award was presented to Susan White, Director of Admissions. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a hard-working team of faculty and staff here at UMPI and are so grateful for their many dedicated years of service to 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, first-rate service to our students and our community.”