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Greetings!
As summer winds down, I’m thrilled to connect with you as we gear up for another academic year. It feels like just yesterday I was at the 2025 commencement ceremony, welcoming over a thousand new graduates into our alumni family. To our newest alumni, a warm welcome!
I’m honored to continue serving as your Alumni Engagement Council President, alongside Jon Paradise ‘87, ‘99G, our new Vice President. This summer, we also welcomed Lona Peter ‘22 to the council, bringing fresh energy and perspectives that strengthen our team. The diversity of our council members’ backgrounds and their shared commitment to USM is what makes our work possible. I also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the council members who have completed their service this year: Anna Schwartz ‘17G, Joseph Morse ‘19, Alyssa Lewis ‘16, and Spencer McBreairty ‘14. Thank you for your dedication and lasting impact on the USM community.
A special shout-out to all USM alumni who give back through their time, talent, and treasure. Whether you serve on advisory committees, mentor students, host interns, donate, or help welcome fellow alumni at graduation — your contributions make an impact. I am truly grateful for your ongoing commitment to making USM a stronger and more connected community.
If you’re interested in deepening your involvement, we’re actively seeking passionate alumni to join our council. Please reach out if you or someone you know would be a great fit. We’re constantly exploring new ways to engage and connect with all of you, and your participation helps make that happen.
In this addition of USM Alumni Newsletter, you'll find huskies leaders like AmberLynn Esperanza '16 leading in community, two Muskie School of Public Service alumni recognized at the recent Maine Center Awards, Mary Penny Nelson '88G and her family recognized for their decades of service to southern Maine, and many other accomplishments. You can also read about a room dedication in Portland Commons to USM's longest serving president, Rich Pattenaude. Lastly, please join us to kick-off USM Homecoming Weekend with the grand opening of the Crewe Center for the Arts and hold time on your calendar for other events taking place October 3 through 5 - we'll be sending you the full schedule soon!
Here’s to a wonderful end of summer and an exciting year ahead for our entire USM community.
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![Homecoming & Family Weekend [Photo of people sitting on the lawn with pumpkins]](https://files.constantcontact.com/56876b0e901/e996582b-5dc7-4a5d-8bff-1faeb3988bb4.jpg?rdr=true)
