The University of Maine at Presque Isle will present Homecoming 2021: Spirit Week + Alumni, Friends, and Family Weekend from Sept. 13 to 19, featuring sporting events, the Snowy Owl Marketplace, a concert by Star City Syndicate, the Hall of Fame dinner, and lots more! The full schedule of events can be found at www.umpi.edu/alumni/homecoming/events.
In an effort to best ensure the health and safety of campus and community members, campus visitors must be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test result within the past 72 hours to enter campus buildings, and face coverings are required while indoors on campus. Exceptions can be made to this requirement with appropriate approval from campus administration; any exceptions will be noted on the schedule. Face coverings are not required when outdoors on university property, but they are strongly recommended outdoors when physical distancing is difficult or when large groups are involved.
This year’s festivities will again include Spirit Week activities, with a different theme each day between Sept. 13 and 17: wearing blue one day, wearing gold another day, and sharing favorite UMPI memories on social media another day. All are encouraged to post photos on social media and use the “#umpispiritweek!” hashtag.
On Sept. 14, a set of presentations by UMPI faculty will begin with a talk at 12:30 p.m. by Dr. Tara Whiton, Assistant Professor of Health Administration, about Food Coping Strategies During COVID-19 and Beyond. On Sept. 16, Dr. Chunzeng Wang, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, will give a presentation at 12:30 p.m. on his widely circulated Maine COVID-19 daily situation map and its impact. Both talks will be recorded; Zoom links will be available on the online Homecoming schedule of events soon.
On Sept. 15, Keli Marston, Gentile Hall Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, will host a Fall Wellness Day. From 8:30-11:30 a.m., campus and community members can stop by, renew memberships if they haven’t already, and enjoy coffee, treats, and orientations to all the new equipment. Blood pressure screenings are available for UMPI faculty and staff only. From Noon to 12:45 p.m., Marston will teach a Fusion class (yoga, Pilates, and barre) in the rock wall area. From 5-5:45 p.m., she’ll teach a Fit Camp class outside. All events are free.
On Sept. 17, UMPI will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Preble Hall. This outdoor celebration will take place at 1 p.m. at the event tent outside Gentile Hall. Following a short program, which includes a living history presentation by Kimberly Smith of the Presque Isle Historical Society, refreshments and small group building tours of Preble Hall are planned. At 6:30 p.m., Star City Syndicate will offer an outdoor concert in the Gentile Hall parking lot; attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and food trucks are expected to be available on site (face coverings are not required but recommended). Also that evening, there will be a bonfire for members of campus starting at 9 p.m. near Merriman Hall.
On Sept. 18, the Snowy Owl Marketplace returns to Gentile Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a full slate of crafters, artisans, and more. Special guest Ryan Eldridge of the DIY Network show Maine Cabin Masters will make an appearance during the marketplace event for a meet and greet with photo opportunities from 10 a.m. to Noon. Masks are required during the Snowy Owl Marketplace; an exception has been granted and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test will not need to be shown during this indoor event. At 1 p.m., the UMPI Men’s Soccer team takes on the University of Maine at Farmington, and at 3:30 the UMPI Women’s Soccer team takes on UMF—both games take place at the Park Family Field. At 5:30 p.m., the UMPI Hall of Fame Dinner and awards ceremony takes place in the Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room. For more information about this event, contact Sandra McDougal in Athletics at sandra.mcdougal@maine.edu or 207-768-9506. Also that evening, there will be a Glow Golf event for current students from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in Gentile Hall.
Festivities cap off on Sept. 19 with the UMPI Alumni and All-comers XC 5K at the Park Family Field. For start and registration information, contact Sandra McDougal in Athletics.
For more information about Homecoming 2021, contact Lisa Smith at 207-768-9525 or lisa.m.smith@maine.edu.