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Four years ago, retired University of Maine at Presque Isle professor Anderson Giles made the discovery of a lifetime—a gold tooth that may have belonged to famous Japanese admiral Isoroku Yamamoto—during one of his many trips to the Pacific to preserve the history of World War II. That discovery and its international historical significance have been spotlighted in a new feature-length documentary produced by filmmaker Tim Gray of The World War II Foundation and narrated by actor Gary Sinise. The Portillo Expedition: Mystery on Bougainville Island will premiere on more than 100 public television stations across the country this November.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host Dr. Elise Perrault, Associate Professor of Management at the College of Charleston and Director of the Think Differently Forum, as the next speaker in its 2019-2020 Libra Distinguished Lecture Series on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Art Gallery presents People of the Dawn: A Celebration of Mi’kmaq Art between Nov. 1 and Dec. 20, 2019. The public is invited to view the exhibition throughout the show’s run and attend the Gallery Reception on Friday, Nov. 1, from 5-7 p.m., which includes a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m.; light refreshments will be served. This reception is being held in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk and the citywide Native American Heritage Celebration.

The Presque Isle Rotary Club will host its Eighth Annual Purple Pinkie Project on Thursday, Oct. 24 and, with the help of the Rotary Clubs in Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Limestone, Mars Hill, and Washburn, the celebration spreads throughout central Aroostook County.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle will receive one of the largest grants in its history this month following the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement that the University was selected for a 2019 Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant worth nearly $2.25 million over a five-year cycle. The grant will allow UMPI to expand access to two new career pathways—in Computer Science and Health Administration—and develop stronger career readiness and experiential learning offerings for students.

As part of its Homecoming celebrations, the University of Maine at Presque Isle marked the completion of its state-of-the-art, four-season Zillman Family Greenhouse with an official opening and dedication ceremony on Friday, Sept. 27. Work and learning in the new $935,000, 2,400-square-foot structure—which features a teaching classroom, two climate-controlled research labs, and a faculty office for the Dr. Robert Vinton Akeley Chair of Agricultural Science and Agribusiness—will begin immediately.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host Dr. Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.—author, UMPI alumnus, and Associate Professor and Director of Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University in Oregon—as the first guest speaker in its 2019-2020 Libra Distinguished Lecture Series on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center. The theme of this year’s LDLS series is Dirigo. During his talk, Matters of Place, Dr. Van Alst will discuss the importance of place and authority in voice and word, and read from his latest book Sacred Smokes.

After nearly two decades, the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Voices in the North Country writers symposium—designed for writers, literature lovers, and general enthusiasts—returns on Thursday, Sept. 26, with activities taking place from 1:30-4 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. in the Campus Center. All are invited to attend this free event.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present Homecoming 2019: Alumni, Friends, and Family Weekend from Thursday to Sunday, Sept. 26-29, featuring entertainment and family-friendly activities. From a show by fan favorite Star City Syndicate to an explosive fireworks display to multiple games for students and the public, all are invited to join the University for its annual Homecoming weekend.

The University of Maine at Presque Isle will celebrate the 232nd birthday of the signing of the U.S. Constitution with a new event this year. UMPI’s Student Activities Office will present an interactive forum, Decision 2020 featuring MTV’s Nick Brown, on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Noon in Campus Center.